Rescuers suspend search for hiker

"If we can find resources for ground crews, we'll do that, but we used up a lot of resources - people - for the mudslides," said Robin Haynal of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Koh, 53, had been hiking with relatives and reached the summit, but fell on the way back down, officials said.

Rescuers reached the spot early Friday where Koh had fallen and they found trace amounts of blood on the snow and a ski pole that Koh had been using as a hiking stick.

"We've already searched all the areas where he fell," said Sgt. Dennis Shaffer on Saturday.

A faint trail from the spot where Koh fell led into brush, but it faded, authorities said.

About 75 people, including helicopter crews, dog teams and alpine specialists have been searching for Koh, but efforts were downsized overnight.

The wind chill factor has dropped temperatures to about 10 degrees at night in the mountains and rescuers Fear that Koh could have succumbed to hypothermia.

Koh was believed to be wearing a waterproof jacket, rain pants and hiking boots, authorities said.

Koh was hiking with his wife and two children along a popular trail on New Year's Day. At some point, he left his family and continued with a male friend toward Mt. Baldy's peak on the Hut Trail. Koh made it to the top and then fell about 2:30 p.m. on a narrow stretch of the trail. His companion scrambled down to a hut owned by the Sierra Club and a club member used a cell phone to call for help.

A helicopter searched for the missing hiker Thursday, but stormy weather prevented choppers from being used Friday.