Weather change prompts Paulina Lake rescue call

A bad turn in the weather Wednesday evening prompted four Bend teens visiting Paulina Lake hot springs to call for help, saying they could not find their way back in the blowing snow, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Sgt. Ronny Dozier said 911 got a call around 7 p.m. from Joshua Klatt, 18, who said he and his friends had gone to the hot springs at the lake east of La Pine, when the weather turned foul and they could not see the trail due to high winds and blowing snow.

Klatt said they did not have any food with them, their clothes were wet and they only had brought towels, Dozier said.

Deputies responded with a patrol boat. While en route, Dozier was able to reach Klatt by phone and urged him to build and maintain a fire, which he was able to do. By then, the temperature had dropped to about 30 degrees, with a wind chill of about 21 degrees, the sergeant said.

Deputies were able to locate Klatt and his companions, identified as Jasmine Vanmeter, 18; Cassy Rios; and Laren Anderson. 19, due to the fire they had built by the shore of the lake.

Dozier said they were not dressed for the frigid weather and were shivering, despite the fire. They were brought back to their vehicle, parked at Little Crater Campground.

The incident prompted dozier to remind folks venturing outdoors to “always be prepared, as the weather can change in an instant.”

“Having a way to build a fire, warm clothes to put on, and a light source is always recommended,” Dozier said in a news release. “Also, keeping your cellphone charged (and) having high-calorie snacks and water along is encouraged.”