"It's an incredibly hard hike with those weather conditions," said actor Kevin Ryan, who first met Sands while the two were shooting a series called "Crossbones" together.

However, Ryan noted that with California’s "very cold, wet weather" this year, it was likely hampering search efforts on the mountain.

"I think weather conditions are a big aspect of this, why they can't get to some of those areas," Ryan said, adding snow can get deep.

On Wednesday afternoon, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said the search for Sands would continue by air only, adding that searchers were using RECCO technology that can detect reflective material, electronics and, sometimes, credit cards.

Ryan said he last saw Sands a couple of months ago at Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, where they would often run into each other.

"I also want to thank all of the search party teams, sheriff's department and everyone on the ground that has just gone through relentless efforts so far and are continuing to do so until they find Julian."