I'm getting the impression that he fell into something like a narrow canyon. The snow is probably deeper in a place like that due to being heavily shaded most of the day.

Then, which way should he go? Trudge a few miles in wet snow with rocks hidden underfoot, slip fall, break a bone, get soaking wet, then discover that you went miles in the wrong direction and find yourself in a box canyon?

If you aren't absolutely certain you can get yourself out, why keep pushing? How many rescues and deaths could be blamed on poor judgment and simply going in the wrong direction?

Why? To save face? So the folks here at ETS can point out how dumb you were because you DIDN'T call for help when it would have been a quick fix?

Three-week searches cost more than three-day searches.

Sue