GRANITE FALLS — Sheriff’s deputies launched a search and rescue operation late Tuesday to reach three hikers on Three Fingers Mountain.

The three hikers apparently found themselves unprepared for the weather they encountered and called for help, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Dallas Swank said.

Two of the hikers are 17 years of age, and the third is described as an experienced adult hiker, he said.

Swank said the group called from a cell phone about 8:40 p.m.

He said communication was being kept to a minimum in order to conserve the battery. No other information is available.

A rescue operation was underway to locate the distressed hikers and bring them to the trailhead.