November 13, 2025 25-666 25-45
Assisting with Evacuations Associated with the Pack Fire
An evacuation order was issued for the Crowley and McGee Creek areas due to a wind-driven wildfire. Five team members in Rescue 3 and Rescue 4 were returning from Op #44 in Bishop and were pressed into service. A call went out to the rest of the Team, and several more members responded to assist. Rescue 3 and Rescue 4 were diverted to the Crowley Lake Community Center, and Rescue 2 towing the Polaris Ranger assisted with evacuation notifications north of Crowley.
Team members on Rescue 3 and Rescue 2 were given assignments throughout Crowley, primarily in the mobile home and RV park, going door to door to advise residents of the evacuation order. Rescue 2 and its associated crew were assigned door-to-door evacuations from McGee Creek north to Long Valley and up toward Convict Lake.
Dor-to-door evacuation communication in the Crowley Lake Mobile Home Park
McGee Creek area
The Pack Fire winding down
All three rescue vehicles and their associated team members assisted residents who lacked transportation or other resources to evacuate. When the onset of precipitation slowed the fire’s spread all teams were released at 1530 hours.
The operation was terminated at 1600 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Arndt, Brownlee, Gerber, Glessner, Haugh, Kaufman, Lipman, Quiring
November 13, 2025 25-669 25-44
Mutual Aid Request from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office
At 0500 hours five MOSAR team members responded to the Inyo County Search & Rescue Posse Hut in Bishop. Around mid-morning, with the onset of a large winter storm, the operation was postponed for safety reasons. For more information or updates, please visit https://www.inyocounty.us/services/sheriff.
IC: Rhoads Ops: Haugh Responders: Quiring, Kaufman, Gerber, Wilson
November 9, 2025 25-654 25-43
Climber Ground Fall, Dr. Evil Owens River Gorge (ORG)
At 1255 hours the Team was called to assist a climber who was lowered off the end of their rope approximately 20–25 feet above the ground, resulting in a ground fall on Dr. Evil (5.10a). Rescue base was established at the ORG upper parking lot.
As teams were en route, additional information was obtained including reports that Paradise Fire and Calfire were already on scene. It was also reported that the climber fell onto the belayer, resulting in injuries to both parties but breaking some of the impact of the landing.
As the Team arrived on scene, all fire units were already assisting parties involved back to the rim of the Gorge. Rescue operations had members construct a raising system from the trucks, and all members were placed on standby pending any further assistance needed.
Both subjects and all fire personnel exited the field without incident, and the Team was released.
The operation was terminated at 1442 hours.
IC: Salazar Acting Ops: Salay Responders: Anderson, Arndt, Blackman, Brownlee, Carlson, Case, Gerber, Huizingh, Kaufman, Patterson, Salay, Wallace
October 26, 2025 25-630 25-42
Mutual Aid Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Recovery of Deceased Hiker
Repost of Inyo County Sheriff Search and Rescue’s post:
Hauling gear up the Main Trail
Just before 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, Inyo County Search and Rescue (SAR) received a report of a possible fatality on Mount Whitney in the area known as the 99 Switchbacks off the Main Trail, where a hiker had fallen from the trail and off a cliff.
Inyo SAR quickly assembled three rescuers who met CHP Helicopter H-80 from Apple Valley at the Lone Pine Airport at 3:30 PM. Unfortunately, high winds prevented the helicopter from approaching the subject’s location, and the recovery was postponed.
On Sunday, October 26, the fatality was confirmed. Several rescuers from Mono County Search and Rescue assisted our team by hiking approximately seven miles to the decedent’s location. They prepared and lowered the decedent to a more accessible area. However, due to ongoing high winds, evacuation of the decedent was again postponed.
On Monday, October 27, weather conditions improved enough for H-80 to attempt the recovery again. With the assistance of three Inyo SAR rescuers, the decedent was safely evacuated from the mountain and placed into the care of the Inyo County Coroner.
We ask that readers please be respectful in their comments. It is best not to make assumptions regarding the events leading to the recovery. Family and friends of the victim may be following this post, and some comments could be hurtful. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the subject.
We would also like to remind everyone that Mount Whitney is already experiencing winter conditions, including snow and ice, very low temperatures, and frequent windstorms. The Main Trail is no longer a casual hike but a mountaineering endeavor. The 99 Switchbacks are especially icy and slippery and should not be attempted without proper equipment, experience, and preparation.
Many thanks to Mono County Search and Rescue for their invaluable support.“
Post holing in wind drifted snow above Trail Camp.
For MOSAR’s Operation on Sunday:
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Lipman, Quiring, Thompson
October 9, 2025 25-605 25-41
Separated Hikers near Agnew Lake
At 1754 hours the Team was called to assist two backpackers who had become separated between Agnew and Gem Lakes on the Rush Creek Trail. The reporting party (RP) stated that the pair had been hiking together since the trailhead but had gained some distance from each other after the Agnew Lake Dam.
When the RP eventually stopped to wait below the Gem Lake Dam, her backpacking partner did not arrive. The RP later returned to the trailhead, with no sign of her partner on the way down. Concerned, she called 911 for assistance.
Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake boat launch, and operations deployed three separate hasty teams to check key locations around the Agnew Lake area, including the Spooky Meadows Trail and the Rush Creek Trail between Agnew Lake and Gem Lake. Team 3 included one of our newly certified Type I Search K-9s. Operations also had the team’s search manager building out assignments. Air resources were discussed but declined due to adverse weather and nightfall.
As Team 1 passed the Agnew Lake Dam, a solo backpacker returning to the trailhead was interviewed and the backpacker confirmed that he had seen the subject just before sunset, positively identifying her to Team 1. Team 1 determined that the subject was not in need of help and was continuing toward her original destination.
Team 1 relayed the findings to operations and the search was suspended. All teams were requested to return to base. Multiple requests to contact the Sheriff’s Office were sent to the subject, who reported in the next day, declining any further assistance.
The solo backpacker who identified the subject communicated to Team 1 that he had cut his multi-night trip short because his dog had injured its paw pads near Island Pass. He had been carrying her for over eight miles when he encountered the MOSAR field team. Team 1 assisted his return to the trailhead by taking shifts carrying the animal and treated her injuries at rescue base with our canine medical kit. He was driven to his vehicle and advised to follow up with veterinary care.
The operation was terminated at 2055 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Bush Responders: Case, Gerber, Haugh, Kelly, Knight, Quiring, Romanova, Salay, Wallace, Zila
October 7, 2025 25-601 25-40
Hikers Stranded at Burro Lake Pass
At 1319 hours the Team was called to assist two hikers cliffed out on an icy ridge due west of Burro Lake Pass at an approximate elevation of 11,340 feet. Rescue base was established at Big Valley Lake, aka Big Virginia Lake. Operations requested air resources, and CHP Central Division Air Operations Helicopter H-42 out of Fresno accepted the mission.
H-42 and the Team arrived shortly after rescue base was established, and team members closed the trail to assist CHP in landing. The flight crew shared photos from their recon flight on the approach, greatly assisting in mission planning. Initial photos showed one individual atop the ridge due west of Burro Lake Pass and another approximately 100 feet down a snow-filled couloir perched on a small stomped ledge, with another 800 feet of relief beneath them.
Due to the steep, complex, and consequential terrain, operations planned for a technical rescue/pickoff approach. Two members were assigned to an initial hoist-access mission. Two additional two-person teams were assigned to the helicopter detail to be flown into a location below the subjects. Technical equipment was prepared, including multiple low-stretch lines, a rack of rock protection, a sound victim harness, the cordless hammer drill, and other ancillary rigging gear for anchor construction, raising and lowering systems, and edge protection.
Team 1 lifted off and prepared for a hoist insertion to the ridgeline above the subjects. Another reconnaisance flight was completed with Team 1, and it was determined that the helicopter could safely set down at Burro Lake Pass, allowing rescuers easier access to the subjects’ location. Teams 2 and 3 were reassigned to be flown to Burro Lake Pass. Team 1 approached the subjects’ location and made verbal contact. Subject 1, who was isolated from his partner below, was determined not to be stuck. Team 1 coordinated with H-42 to fly subject 1 out of the field after they dropped off Team 2.
Team 1 began executing the rigging plan. They determined the rock quality to be poor and Subject 2’s position to be dire, necessitating drilling and the use of Petzl removable bolt anchors. A two-tension system was constructed as Team 2 approached, with one member assigned as the patient attendant and the other as the edge attendant. When on-scene, Team 2 also initiated the Team’s mobile Starlink Mini, allowing instant communication with base.
A member from Team 1 acted as rigging lead just as Team 3 was delivered. The attendant was lowered to the subject, tying off a precarious and large rock on the way down. Subject 2 was placed into a sound victim harness, a team jacket, and a helmet. Team 3 arrived on scene during the lower and began rigging the system for a raise. Subject 2 was hauled up the couloir to the pass.
Once at the top, subject 2 was given food and water and then short-roped through consequential terrain by various team members to the awaiting helicopter. After significant exposure to the elements, Mono County Paramedics were requested to meet the arriving helicopter and subject. Both subjects declined further medical treatment, and rescue site was demobilized. The field teams were transported two at a time by H-42 to base.
The operation was terminated at 1913 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Bush, Gerber, Glessner, Beck, Huizingh, Lipman, Quiring, Salay, Senior, Tardy, Torrence
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
September 30, 2025 25-591 25-39
PLB Activation, White Mountains near Barcroft Station
At 1622 hours the Team was called by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office for a Garmin InReach activation in the White Mountains, with the coordinates pinging at the locked gate on the road to the Barcroft Research Station. Rescue base was established at the coordinates, and the Team responded with our first-out vehicle, Rescue 3, as well as Rescue 2 towing the 4x4 Ranger.
As the Team was in transit, they received multiple updates with repeated SOS activations from the same device. Little information was known, other than that it was part of a large group (~20 people), as the two-way capable device went unanswered.
Roughly 45 minutes into the two-hour approach, the Team was canceled after the Sheriff’s Office Deputy SAR Coordinator on duty determined the activations to be false and accidental.
The operation was terminated at 1740 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops: Haugh Responders: Bush, Case, Huizingh, Knight, Lipman
September 17, 2025 25-558 #36
Mutual Aid Call for an Overdue Climber in the Temple Crag Area.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office requested mutual aid for a search for a missing climber in the vicinity of Temple Crag overdue since August 9, 2025. Three MOSAR team members responded to the Inyo SAR Posse Hut at 0500 hours. After a briefing, the team members were transported to the Big Pine Creek Trailhead and they hiked in to their search area. The search was ultimately unsuccessful, and the day’s participation ended at 2102 hours.
Mono IC: Rhoads Mono Ops Leader: Haugh Mono Responders: Quiring, Baron
September 27, 2025 25-584 #37
Injured Backpacker near the Marie Lakes
The Team was called to assist an injured 30-year-old female solo backpacker near the Marie Lakes. The subject reported falling into sharp, steep shale while descending from the Rodgers Peak ridgeline, just inside the Mono County border, and sustaining significant head and facial trauma. She managed to move herself nearly 2 miles down the trail, just below the Marie Lakes, and used a personal Starlink device to send photos of her injuries to a SAR deputy coordinator. Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake Boat Launch. Air resources were requested; however, no aircraft were available to fly until daylight.
A hasty team of two began the long 11-mile approach to the subject with medical gear and the Team’s new backcountry-capable, battery-powered Starlink Mini for its first field deployment. Around 0700 hours CHP helicopter H40 out of Fresno was recontacted and accepted the mission. Team 1 reached the subject at approximately 0830 hours and began assessment and treatment.
H40 arrived overhead at 0900 hours and briefly landed at the June Mountain Ski Area (JMSA) parking lot to offload gear before returning to the rescue coordinates. The helicopter crew was met by team members, and the subject was loaded onboard and flown to JMSA around 0930 hours, where Mono County Paramedics (Medic 2) briefly evaluated her. Given the extent of her injuries, the decision was made to fly the subject with H40 to a Fresno-area hospital. Team 1 then made the 11-mile return on foot, arriving back at rescue base around 1425 hours.
The operation was terminated at 1429 hours.
IC: Belcher, Pelichowski Acting Ops: Quiring Responders: Baron, Gerber, Lipman
September 6, 2025 25-525 #35
Two Subjects in Distress on Mono Lake
Update in progress. Call activation: 1257 hours. Call termination: 1632 hours
On Saturday, September 6 at 1257 hours, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office paged the Team for a report of two subjects, one kayaker and one paddleboarder on an inflatable, who were in distress and unable to reach the Mono Lake shore due to wind. Rescue base was established along U.S. 395 at Mono Lake, near an emergency boat launch area. The Team responded from the Mammoth and South County areas, and deployed the Team’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) with the two responding personnel in an effort to reach the subjects as quickly as possible.
Due to high winds estimated to be between 22-27 knots and the resultant heavy waves, it took over an hour for the Team’s operators to reach the reported location of the subjects. After a small search, Team 1 located the individuals who were both in a kayak at the time of contact, along with two dogs, and assisted them in safely boarding the IRB for transport back to shore. Although Team 1 carried extra personal flotation devices (PFDs), the recreators were already properly equipped. The Team attached tow ropes to the watercraft and transported all back to Navy Beach.
The call was terminated at 1632 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responder: Patterson
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
September 1, 2025 25-517 #34
Mutual aid call from the Inyo County Sheriff.
At 1659 hours the Team was called for mutual aid to assist the Inyo County Sheriff's Office at Long Lake in Little Lakes Valley. It was reported that an adult male was unresponsive and not breathing. Rescue base was established at the Mosquito Flat Trailhead. Air resources were requested, and CHP - Central Division Air Operations Helicopter H-42 from Fresno accepted.
The Ops Leader deployed a hasty team of three with assorted medical equipment and a second team of four was deployed shortly after with additional gear, including the Team’s titanium rescue litter and wheel.
As Team 1 was in transit, they were contacted by good samaritans who had initially stopped to assist the subject. They informed Team 1 that the subject was now awake, breathing, and becoming more alert. It was reported that he had experienced a seizure and may also have sustained related trauma. Team 1 arrived at the location of the subject and his party, who were approximately 2.25 miles from the trailhead, and initiated contact.
Difficult communications with rescue base.
CHP H42 landed next to Long Lake with Pyraimid Peak, Bear Creek Spire, and Pip-Squeak Spire in the background.
CHP and MOSAR personnel assessing the subject.
Just as contact was made, H-42 landed on the shore of Long Lake, deployed their flight officer and flight paramedic, and assessed and began initial treatment. Shortly after, the subject was assisted in walking to H-42, loaded, and flown to Bishop Airport, where he was met by a Sierra Lifeflight ambulance and transported to Northern Inyo Hospital (NIH).
Team 2 arriving at Long Lake at long last.
Teams 1 and 2 regrouped, assembled the litter, and wheeled out the party’s backpacking equipment. The party also walked out with minor SAR assistance back to the trailhead, which included shouldering out the youngest of the group, a 4-year-old boy.
The wheeled litter was loaded with the party’s gear and transported to the trailhead.
Providing the youngest member of the party a ride out.
Arriving back at the trailhead well after dark.
The operation was terminated at 2102 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Pavlovsky, Brownlee, Buchanan, Quiring, Anderson, Knight, Romanova, Lipman, Wallace
On scene coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
August 27-28, 2025 25-503 #33
PLB Activation Frog Lakes Area. At 2141 hours, the Team was called for a personal locator beacon (PLB) activation at Frog Lakes. There was no communication from the PLB owner or his party of three males over 70, and the nature of the request was unknown. The party’s emergency contact was connected with a Mono County Sheriff’s Office Deputy/SAR Coordinator and she relayed that each of the three had various cardiac histories, some serious in nature.
Rescue base was established at Big Valley Lake, aka Big Virginia Lake. The ops leader deployed a hasty team of two with medical equipment including a first-out bag, airway support including bottled oxygen, and an AED. Team 2 was deployed shortly after with additional medical equipment, including a hypothermia management and prevention kit (HPMK) and hot packs.
Team 1 quickly reached the subjects at Frog Lakes, approximately 1.6 miles from the trailhead. Upon inquiry about the activation, the party stated that all were in good health and that their PLB may have been malfunctioning. Team 1 confirmed that the device was no longer transmitting an active SOS, and all personnel returned to base. The call terminated at 0025 hours August 28.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Kelly, Tardy, Quiring, Carlson, Haugh
On-scene cooordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
August 22, 2025 25-486 #32
Hiker Separated From Her Party Near Gardisky Lake. At 1431 hours the Team was called for a personal locator beacon (PLB) activation in the Gardisky Lake area. Rescue base was established at the Gardisky Lake Trailhead. It was reported that a 67-year-old woman may be injured and unable to descend back to the trailhead.
Gardisky Lake with Tioga Peak in the background.
Rescue operations deployed a hasty team of two to ascend the short but steep trail to assess. A secondary team of two was preparing to depart behind them with more substantial medical gear when new information came to light, changing the nature of the call.
Two responders made a brief unscheduled stop at the Tioga Gas Mart, where they were contacted in person by the subject’s husband. He informed them that his group of five had departed early that morning from Gardisky Trailhead to the lake, then up to Tioga Crest Peak. About half a mile before the peak, the subject opted to turn around and descend back to the lake solo. When the group returned to the lake, she was not present. He also reported that she was unprepared to spend the night out.
Operations changed tactics and sent six separate teams into the field: two teams of two from Gardisky Lake Trailhead, two teams of two from Saddlebag Lake Resort moving counterclockwise to search the slopesides, and two teams of two, including a SAR K9, up the Warren Fork drainage. Additional plans were being made to enter from the Lundy Canyon side as well as to involve a search helicopter.
Scanning the Warren Fork for the subject.
The image-stabilized opitcs were a useful tool.
A good vantage point above Gardisky Lake.
Shortly after Teams 1 and 2 left the trailhead, they joined together and encountered two brothers from the group at Gardisky Lake. It was determined that the PLB was with the group of two, and not with the subject. At the same time, the Sheriff’s Office received several satellite text-to-911 messages from the subject, placing her new estimated coordinates near the top of the Warren Fork drainage. She stated that she had taken a wrong turn on the descent back to the lake and was lost. She also reported her phone battery was only at 10%. She was advised to stay put.
Scrambling up the Warren Fork.
Looking down the Warren Fork drainage.
With this updated information, Teams 1 and 2 developed an updated access plan and continued to ascend from Gardisky, up to the ridge to her last known place (LKP), then down into the Warren Fork. Base advised both teams that Team 4 was already making a steady pace up the drainage, with Team 6 not far behind. Teams 1 and 2, at 11,400 feet, were able to spot the subject with a pair of high-powered stabilized binoculars in the upper section of the drainage. They also acted as a radio relay and guided Teams 4 and 6 toward the subject.
Spotting the subject from ~ 11,400’ prior to the arrival of Team 4.
The subject was intercepted by Team 4, assessed, and was determined to be tired, but uninjured. Teams 4 and 6 accompanied her to the Warren Fork trailhead just prior to the arrival of severe weather.
A member of Team 4 with our subject with Mt. Dana in the background.
All teams returned to base, and the subject was reunited with her group.
The call was terminated at 1930 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Beck Responders): Barker, Carlson, Case, Cowan, Gerber, Glessner, Leyen, Lipman, Pavlovsky, Quiring, Wilson, Zila, Tardy
August 19, 2025 Mutual Aid Inyo County Sheriff 25-458 #31
Lost Backpacker, Cottonwood Lakes area.
Mutual aid with Inyo County SAR. Operation began 0630 hours at the Inyo SAR Posse Hut, terminated at 1830 hours.
IC (MOSAR): Rhoads Ops Leader (MOSAR): Beck Responders (MOSAR): Lipman, Quiring, Kelly, Baron, Case
August 11, 2025 25-458 #30
Injured Backpacker Big McGee Lake
At 1410 hours the Team was called to assist a backpacker who activated a SPOT device in the vicinity of Big McGee Lake. Due to the lack of two-way communication, little was known about the nature of the request for assistance. Rescue base was established at the McGee Canyon Trailhead.
Rescue operations deployed a hasty team of three with medical gear. Due to the remote area and length of access, air resources were requested. CHP H-42 accepted. and on the initial flyover, located the subject, landed, and conducted an assessment.
The subject was found to have sustained a crushed hand and ankle from a large boulder rollover. H-42 loaded the subject and transported him to the Mammoth-Yosemite Airport, where he was handed off to Mono County Medic 3. He was subsequently transported to Mammoth Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. All team members returned to Base, and the operation was terminated at 1630 hours.
IC: Rhaods Ops Leader: Bush Responders: Anderson, Blackman, Brownlee, Buchanan, Case, Gerber, Haugh, Tardy
On-Scene Coordianator Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
August 8-9, 2025 25-452 #29
Off-Route Hikers Stranded Near the Summit of Boundary Peak, NV
At 2320 hours the Team was called to assist with a mutual aid request from the Esmeralda County Sheriff's Office for a pair of stranded hikers at approximately 12,000 feet on the east side of Boundary Peak, the highest point in Nevada.
It was reported that they were unable to continue. They also stated there were no injuries in the party. Rescue base was established at the intersection of Queen Canyon Road and Highway 6.
Rescue operations deployed a team of two from Base at 0145 hours with a Polaris Ranger, one of the Team’s off-road-capable vehicles, to the start of the trailhead. After completing the lengthy access route and with the benefit of early morning light, Team 1 met with both subjects at 0700 hours.
The moon was bright on the hike in to the subject location.
A high-elevation sunrise.
Guiding the subjects back to the trail.
Early morning hike out to the trailhead.
Both were provided with food, water, and assistance with navigation for their return to their vehicle at the Trail Canyon Saddle Trailhead. The area they were located in was steep, loose and difficult to maneuver in.
Team 1 split up so that one member could accompany the subjects while the other retrieved the Ranger for transport. Both members returned to base at 1225 hours. The operation was terminated at 1423 hours on Saturday August 9.
IC: Rhoads, Belcher Ops: Haugh Responders: Huizingh, Baron
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
August 3-4, 2025 25-444 #28
Stranded Climbers, 3rd Pillar, Dana Plateau
At 2133 hours the Team was called to assist a pair of climbers stranded on the final pitch of the Regular Route on the 3rd Pillar of Dana.
Rescue base was established at Tioga Lake, just east of the Yosemite National Park entrance. For unknown reasons, initial reports described the party as backpackers potentially stranded or cliffed out on the Dana Plateau.
Rescue operations sent in a field team of two, which departed the trailhead with warm gear and light rigging equipment. A second team of two (Team 2) departed shortly afterward with a single rack of rock protection and a 70-meter static rope.
When Team 1 arrived at the initially reported location, the subjects were not present, and a search of the surrounding rock walls and ledges began. A steady, cold wind on the plateau made communication difficult. After some searching, Team 1 requested that Operations attempt to reestablish contact with the subjects to clarify their location.
Searching for the stranded subjects.
Operations reported back that the climbers were actually at the bottom of the 5th pitch of the Regular Route on the 3rd Pillar. Team 1 requested additional rescuers and rigging equipment. A second call went out to the Team, as well as a mutual aid request to Tuolumne SAR.
Team 1 eventually established verbal contact with the climbers from the top of the 3rd Pillar and confirmed that a rescue was in order. The climbers reported no injuries, but were cold and unable to continue. They were securely anchored approximately 30 meters below the top.
Team 2 joined Team 1, and together they established a two-tension raising system. Given the limited personnel, night conditions, and absence of injuries, it was determined that no rescuer would be lowered over the edge. Instead, a lightly weighted rope bag and coiled rope, deployed by the edge attendant, was lowered to deliver the rescue lines to the stranded climbers. After several attempts, the ropes were successfully delivered to the waiting subjects.
Protecting the ropes from damage over the sharp edge.
Building the mechanical advantage for the raising system.
They were instructed to clip the provided carabiners to their harnesses and assume a seated rappel position. One at a time, they were raised to the top by three rescuers. Upon raising the second subject, all additional responders, including Tuolumne SAR, were cancelled.
The subjects were assessed and provided food, water, and warmer layers. They also assisted the team in breaking down the rescue site. The field teams and subjects began descending around 0400 hours.
Two additional MOSAR team members, already en route via the Glacier Canyon Trail, opted to continue to meet the descending subjects and team members. All parties regrouped and completed the hike out together. The call was terminated at 0609 hours on Monday August 4.
On the trail back to Tioga Lake.
Just about to drop into the final descent section.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Quiring, Kelly, Glessner, Carlson, Irving-Ruffing, Thompson
On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue
August 2-3, 2025 25-442 #27
Stranded Hikers on Mount Emma At 2215 hours, while the Incredible Hulk call was ongoing, the Team received a second request for assistance for a pair of stranded hikers near Mount Emma.
Rescue operations reassigned two team members from rescue base at Mono Village just before they departed into the field on the Hulk call. Field team 1 responded to the end of Little Walker River Road and navigated cross-country to the subject’s reported location.
The subjects were able to move under their own power, and the field team guided them to a nearby pack trail and hiked them out to the trailhead.
The call was terminated at 0311 hours on Sunday, August 3rd.
IC: Rhoads, Pelichowski Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Kelly, Bush
On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue
August 2-3, 2025 25-440 #26
Climber With Injured Ankle, Incredible Hulk, Little Slide Canyon
At 2001 hours, the Team was called to assist an injured climber below the Incredible Hulk. It was reported that the climber had fallen on the 10th pitch of Venturi Effect (5.12c), injuring his ankle on a small ledge. The subject and his partner retreated via rappels back to the base of the Hulk.
Rescue base was established at the west end of Mono Village. As rescue operations was assembling teams, a second call came in, and two team members were reassigned. The remaining members—six personnel comprising Team 1—departed the trailhead with medical gear, light rigging equipment, and the wheeled litter. Due to darkness, air resources were unavailable.
On the Ice Lake Pass “trail” the use trail to access Little Slide Canyon
On the Ice Lake Pass “trail” the use trail to access Little Slide Canyon
Team 1 made contact with the subject and his partner at 0130 hours, assessed the injury, and discussed potential extraction plans for the morning. The subject and his partner went back to sleep for a few hours while Team 1 rested or “shiver-bivied” until dawn.
Shiver-bivy!
Due to the diffcult terrain in the vicinity of the the Hulk, a ground extraction without air support was considered an undesirable option, likely requiring a full day, more rescuers, and specialized rigging equipment. Operations, in coordination with Team 1, began working on securing the requested resources in the event air operations were unavailable.
First light on a chilly morning.
Scouting possible descent routes.
Considering extrication options.
The next morning, at 0730 hours, CHP - Central Division Air Operations Helicopter H42 accepted the mission with an ETA of 70–90 minutes. Team 1 splinted and packaged the subject, then littered him from their camp to a proposed landing zone (LZ) to await the helicopter.
Transporting the subject to the landing zone for pickup by H42
H42 flew a reconnaissance pass, then headed to Bryant Field in Bridgeport to offload gear. Satisfied with the LZ during the recon, they opted to land rather than perform a hoist. Team 1 loaded the subject into H42, and he was transported to Bridgeport and transferred to Mono County Medic 7 shortly thereafter.
CHP Helicopter H42 dropping in to pick up the subject.
All teams exited the field, and the operation was terminated at 1249 hours on Sunday, August 3rd.
IC: Rhoads, Pelichowski Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Kelly, Bush, Patterson, Haugh, Quiring, Barker, Tardy, Anderson, Brownlee, Huizingh, Senior
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
July 27-28, 2025 25-419 #25
42-Year-Old Male With Cardiac Symptoms at Shadow Lake
At 1858 hours the Madera County Sheriff’s Office requested assistancefor a CPR-in-progress on a 42-year-old male located at Shadow Lake. Rescue base was established at Minaret Vista. Rescue operations requested air resources but none were available.
Operations deployed a field team of two from the Agnew Meadows Trailhead, equipped with trauma, cardiac, airway, and general medical support equipment. Two additional teams of two (Teams 2 and 3) were deployed to transport the Team’s titanium litter to Shadow Lake.
Team 1 arrived at the party of two at 2130 hours, where it was determined that one individual was deceased. Team 1 requested additional personnel for the carryout, and six more members responded from the trailhead, split into two teams.
Teams 1, 2, and 3 prepared the deceased for transport and began the four-mile hike back to the trailhead. The additional responders joined them en route, resulting in a total of 12 members in the field.
Each member played a pivotal role in the litter carryout, as the trail to and from Shadow Lake is steep, narrow, and hazardous in the dark, particularly in the first and final miles. All members and the deceased arrived back at the trailhead at 0115 hours on July 28th.
The operation was terminated at 0212 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Arndt, Barker, Beck, Buchanan, Bush, Carlson, Huizingh, Irving-Ruffing, Kaufman, Kelly, Mayernick, Quiring, Romanova, Thompson, Wallace, Wilson
On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue