Searchers still looking for missing snowmachiner

mon noon -State troopers and area volunteers continue to search for a man that went missing near Bald Mountain late Saturday.

Charles Palmer, of Wasilla, was last seen heading in the opposite direction of his party. The group of snowmachiners had originally parked at Mastadon Road near Talkeetna.

Troopers found the man’s snowmachine near Sheep River on Sunday about 12 miles from the cabin at which the party was staying, says Beth Ipsen, trooper spokeswoman.  She says troopers were able to launch Helo One this morning and ground crews including volunteers from the Talkeetna fire and rescue team, as well as Willow fire department, continue to search on the ground by snowmachine.

Ipsen says yesterday’s weather prohibited any aerial search and with the slight clearing today, they hope to be more successful. As of 11:30 this morning there was no positive report.  Palmer is reported to be dressed for the weather, but is carrying no food, water, GPS or any survival gear.