Sands has been missing since last week in the Mt. Baldy area. Family reported him missing on Friday evening.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, severe weather on the mountain has been difficult and air resources have been limited.
"His wife did report him missing," said Gloria Huerta with SBCSD. "From what I understand, he left sometime that day for a hike and when he did not return, his family reported him missing."
His car was found in the area, but the search for the actor continues.
Sands is known for roles in several films, including the 1985 feature "A Room with a View," "Warlock" and "Leaving Las Vegas."
Born in England, the 65-year-old now lives in the North Hollywood area.
Meanwhile, a separate search is ongoing for another hiker in Los Angeles County.
Bob Gregory, of Hawthorne, was reported missing by family on Monday afternoon. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's San Dimas station, they've been searching for him in the Crystal Lake area of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Family says they are distraught and fear he may have hurt himself and fallen. They added the police are tracing his cell phone.
Search teams combed the area on the ground and from the air on Tuesday. However, those efforts were limited Wednesday to air crews only due to icy conditions on the tough terrain, authorities said.
"The conditions are too dangerous. In fact, even some of the more experienced hikers are getting themselves into trouble up there so we recommend that people to stay away from that area," said Huerta.