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Search For Davis Ski Instructor Still A Rescue Operation

SUGAR BOWL (CBS13) — A Davis ski instructor is still missing after four days of searching the Sierra.

Carson May, 23, went missing on Thursday. His dad says May was riding alone when he went missing, and without high-tech gear.

Advanced skiers like Norm Follett hope to communicate their message of prevention for anyone getting on the slopes in the wet and cold conditions.

"There's a lot of guys a lot of really good skiers really appreciate solitude or have opportunity to go out by themselves for a couple hours—that's the time when you have to invest in additional gear," he said.

Nowadays, many say they carry an avalanche beacon that can transmit their location in an emergency. May only had basic bright ski gear and a helmet.

"For most of us who ski, part of the thrill is going out there with the minimum that you need," said Karen Seaward.

She says the community hasn't lost hope for finding May, but the reality is settling in after four days of storms.

"Four days is a long time no matter what and in these conditions it's hard to imagine the person is wet and cold and then it's usually hypothermia pretty soon," she said.

Searchers will be back on the slopes in the morning focusing on tree wells. The operation is still considered rescue, not recovery.

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