Rocky Mountain National Park has called off the search for missing New Jersey hiker Ryan Albert.
Albert, 30, of Marlton, New Jersey was last seen on Oct. 4, by another park visitor in the area of Granite Pass heading towards the Keyhole on Longs Peak.
Search efforts, which began Oct. 5, garnered few results due to inclement weather patterns which have lasted since the beginning of the search. Low visibility, fog, thunderstorms, snow and freezing temperatures hindered Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members from reaching higher elevations.
Winter Weather Conditions Since Early October Hamper Search Efforts For Ryan Albert in the Longs Peak area of #RMNP https://t.co/EkioftO6TL ks pic.twitter.com/0lfEU9cMV7
Assisting RMNP were Larimer County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue based in Boulder County, Trans Aero, Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack and Colorado Search and Rescue Board members.
According to a park press release:
"The absence of additional clues combined with extreme winter conditions at higher elevations that will exist until late spring, we will have no active search operations during the winter months. We plan for search efforts to resume when the snow melts and conditions improve."
Albert is still considered a missing person and the investigation will continue to gather further information into his disappearance.
Park rangers are asking anyone with information on Albert's possible plans to call (970) 586-1204.
