Frigid snowstorm strands two hikers and their dogs on Idaho trail, officials say

Two hikers stranded with their dogs on an Idaho trail Monday night in a frigid snowstorm managed to call a friend before their cell phone batteries died, rescuers say.

A rescue team of deputies and volunteers faced snow, 12-degree wind chill, and 40 to 50 mph winds on the Hell’s Half Acre trail near Idaho Falls, KBOI reported.

Using coordinates given by the hikers to their friend, searchers were able to reach the two hikers, who were suffering from hypothermia, rescuers reported on Facebook.

The search, which began at 11 p.m. Monday, concluded by 2 a.m. Tuesday, searchers with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office said in the Facebook post.

Officials credited the hikers with being prepared for an emergency and contacting friends or loved ones who could direct rescuers, KIFI reported.