Sybil Claborn, a 45-year-old hiker from Oklahoma City, died after she and her husband were stranded overnight in Washington's Enchantments during a severe storm. Snow and poor weather prevented helicopter access for hours; her husband survived and was hospitalized with severe hypothermia after ground rescuers reached the pair before dawn.
According to FOX 13 Seattle, citing the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, the couple were in the Enchantments' Core Zone when the storm hit. They were roughly 8 to 10 miles from the nearest trailheads at an elevation between 7,000 and 8,000 feet. Claborn's husband texted 911 that they were stranded, their clothes were soaked and he could not carry her out.
A Night of Failed Rescue Attempts
Claborn became unable to move at about 5:26 p.m. on Sept. 13, and her husband remained in contact with dispatchers, KOMO News reported. He called 911 again at 5:49 p.m., reporting that Claborn was under an emergency blanket and that they were in 1 to 2 feet of snow. Dispatchers later received updates that her condition was worsening.
The Chelan County Sheriff's Office requested a hoist-equipped helicopter that evening, but the storm prevented aircraft from reaching the area. An Army helicopter from Yakima made two attempts overnight and was turned back by the weather. Chelan County Mountain Rescue then undertook a ground response while officials continued planning for an air operation if conditions improved.
Official guidance for late-season trips
According to Recreation.gov and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, May, June, September and October are shoulder seasons in the Enchantment Permit Area, when visitors can encounter snow and winter-like conditions. The guidance recommends the Core Enchantment Zone for experienced hikers prepared for arduous travel and all weather conditions, and says visitors typically plan at least three or four days for the trip.
Ground Crews Reach the Couple Before Dawn
Ground rescuers reached the couple at about 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 14 and found that Claborn had died. They placed her husband, who had severe hypothermia, in a tent to warm him before taking him to Cascade Medical Center, according to the sheriff's office account reported by the station. The Army helicopter reached the area Monday morning, and a Chelan County Sheriff's Office helicopter later brought two deputies to recover Claborn's body.
Claborn's body has since been turned over to the coroner's office, and her cause and manner of death remain under investigation, the report notes.
A Trail Known for Punishing Terrain
The organization also describes the stretch between Lake Viviane and the mouth of Upper Snow Lake as rugged, with some scramble sections, and cautions that the route should not be underestimated. Reaching the Upper Enchantments requires at least seven miles of hiking and a 4,400-foot elevation gain, including a boulder climb over Aasgard Pass to about 7,800 feet, according to the Washington Trails Association.
