Something Doesn't Seem Right

From the LVRJ: Las Vegas police suspended their search Thursday afternoon for a missing hiker who became lost on a Mount Charleston trail based on communications they've had with the man, who stated he'd be able to survive overnight.
Police said the man sent an electronic message about 8:30 a.m. from a cell phone requesting help.
Police said the man became lost while hiking in the Bristle Cone Trail area in Lee Canyon.
Because of the swirling snow due to high winds, police fought low visibility, said officer Bill Cassell, a spokesman.
Cassell said Thursday afternoon because of the dangerous weather conditions, the search has been postponed until Friday morning. The decision was made after the hiker sent text messages stating he would be able to make it through the night, Cassell said. http://www.lvrj.com/news/police-search-for-lost-hiker-on-mount-charleston-trail-134845028.html
This story seems kind of strange. First, there have been many warnings about this storm and wind and this storm was forecast as early as this past weekend. So why would he be risking his life if he had read about the weather? Why would the hiker even venture out when the winds were 50-70 mph?
The story doesn't say, but have the cops found the hiker's car?
If he had called the cops at 8:30 AM, when did he start hiking? The Bristle Cone trail is about 5-6 miles in length (I've hiked it many times) and is not that difficult. It started snowing last night, so did the hiker start off when it was snowing and strong winds and if so, why? Also, there was probably snow on the trail from previous storms, so why did the hiker decide to try this hike? Also, for much of the hike, there is a wide trail, especially down the hill from the ski area. In fact, the trail is used by horses and trail bike riders. Fro more information on the area: http://www.birdandhike.com/Hike/Mt_Char/Bristlecone/_Bristlecone.htm
This seems to me that this is an elaborate hoax or one very, very stupid hiker who needs to have a psych eval and then be sent a bill for the attempted rescue.