August 1, 2026 26-394 #37
Hiker With Abdominal Pain on the Minaret Creek Trail
The Team was called at 2111 hours. Update in progress. Operation terminated at ?
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Huizingh, Cornelius, Pavlovsky, Salay
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team
August 1, 2026 26-393 #36
Backpackers With Possible Heat Exhaustion Near Peak 10,772 on the Pacific Crest Trail (Leavitt Lake area)
Team was called out at 1236 hours. Update in progress. Operation was terminated at 1713 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Beck Deputy Ops Leader: Salay Responders: Blackman, Brownlee, Bush, Cornelius, Haugh, Huizingh
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team
July 31, 2026 26-387 #35
Missing Backpacker Near Thousand Island Lake — Friday, July 31st, 2026, 26-387, Op #35
On Friday, July 31st, at 1751 hours, the Team was paged by MCSO for a report of two teens who had become separated from their companion, a 53-year-old male. The teens arrived at Thousand Island Lake at 1000 hours and had not heard from their companion as darkness approached. Rescue Base was established at Minaret Vista. Rescue Operations deployed a hasty team of three to conduct a rapid search assignment along the River Trail. Shortly after deployment from the Agnew Meadows Campground Trailhead, the 53-year-old male was reunited with his party at Thousand Island Lake.
The search was concluded, and the operation was terminated at 2030 hours.
IC: Rhoads // Responders (9): Barker, Brownlee, Campbell, Cornelius, Haugh (Ops), Huizingh, Lipman, Senior, Wojciechowski
Volunteer hours: 23.9
*no media was captured
July 31, 2026 26-385 #34
Assist Medic 3 with an Ill Hiker Near Rainbow Falls — Friday, July 31st, 2026, 26-385, Op #34
On Friday, July 31st, at 1400 hours, the Team was paged by MCSO for a mutual aid request from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office for a report of a 68-year-old female experiencing heat exhaustion at Rainbow Falls. Rescue Base was established at Reds Meadow. Personnel from Medic 3 and Mammoth Fire were also dispatched and were already on scene upon the arrival of Rescue 4 and Rescue 2. The Team’s response was canceled shortly thereafter.
The operation was terminated at 1600 hours.
IC: Rhoads // Responders (10): Barker, Brownlee, Campbell, Cucura, Haugh (Ops), Pavlovsky, Quiring, Thompson C., Thompson M., Wojciechowski
Volunteer hours: 20
*no media was captured
July 25, 2026 26-373 #31
Seizure at Arrowhead Lake, July 25th, 2026, Op #31, 26-373:
On Saturday, July 25th, at 1252 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a report of a 74-year-old male who had suffered a seizure near Arrowhead Lake. Rescue Base was established at the end of Coldwater Creek at the Duck Pass Trailhead. Personnel from Medic 3 and Mammoth Fire were also dispatched and were already on scene upon Rescue 4’s arrival. Medic 3 notified Rescue 4 that the subject was moving downhill under their own power. All arriving Team members were advised to cancel shortly thereafter. The operation was terminated at 1430 hours.
IC: Rhoads // Responders (8): Anderson, Barker, Bush, Cowan, Haugh (Ops), Knight, Quiring, Wallace
Volunteer hours: 13.1
*no media was captured
July 28, 2026 #33 Mutual Aid Inyo County
Ill Hiker Near Lamarck Lakes, Inyo County Mutual Aid — Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, 26-381, Op #33
On Tuesday, July 28th, at 1827 hours, the Team was paged by MCSO for a mutual aid request from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for assistance with a litter evacuation of an ill subject from Lower Lamarck Lake. Rescue Base was established at the end of the North Lake Campground. An MCSO Incident Commander relayed the mutual aid request for a team of four—one Operations Leader and three rescuers—to serve as the Mono County contingent. Team rescuers met up with Inyo SAR personnel in the field and completed the assigned mission to help extricate the subject.
The operation was terminated at 2104 hours.
IC: Belcher // Responders (4): Anderson, Brownlee, Huizingh, Salay (Ops)
Volunteer hours will be updated when available
*no media was captured
July 27 & 28, 2026 26-378 #32
Lost Hiker Near Garnet Lake, Monday-Tuesday, July 27th-28th, 2026, 26-378, Op #32
On Monday, July 27th, at 1948 hours, the Team was paged by MCSO for a mutual aid request from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office for a report of a lost hiker on the Garnet Lake Cutoff Trail. It was reported that the subject had limited food and water, no overnight equipment, and no means of navigating in the dark. Rescue Base was established at Minaret Vista. Rescue Operations deployed two teams: one hasty team and a second team to shuttle equipment, both making their way to the subject to guide them out. At 2240 hours, the subject was contacted, assessed, given food and water, and subsequently guided back to the Agnew Meadows Campground Trailhead, where they were transported to a Motel 6 for the night.
The operation was terminated at 0151 hours on Tuesday, July 28th.
IC: Rhoads // Responders (8): Ackerman, Barker, Bush (Ops), Beck, Brownlee, Romanova, Salay, Thompson M
Volunteer hours: 40.6
*no media was captured
July 22, 2026 26-363 #30
Rockfall Injures Two Hikers, One Critically, Below Mildred Lake
At 1345 hours the Team was called by the Mono County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) for a report of two subjects who had been struck by rockfall while hiking from Convict Lake to Mildred Lake. The text-to-911 coordinates provided an approximate location a few hundred feet below Mildred Lake. The reporting party's (RP) follow-up messages indicated that he had been immobilized by the rockfall after his ankle was crushed, and that his hiking partner and wife had been rendered unresponsive. The RP estimated that the rock which struck his partner was approximately the size of a basketball and had hit her directly in the head.
Rescue Operations immediately requested air resources, and CHP H-42 from Fresno accepted the mission. Rescue Base was established at both the Convict Lake Marina and Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), with Rescue Operations establishing command at each location.
A Mono County Paramedic (and team member) works on subject 1 with an additional CHP Paramedic.
Airport Operations assembled a hasty helicopter rescue team (HRT) consisting of a wilderness EMT, the on-duty paramedic from Mono County Medic 3 (who is also a SAR rescuer), and a third team member to transport equipment and manage technical operations on scene. Marina Operations immediately assembled and deployed several ground teams carrying critical medical equipment, multiple litters, and technical evacuation gear. Their approach was estimated at 4.5 miles with approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
H-42 flew over the subjects to reconnoiter the area before landing at MMH. Due to repeated patient updates indicating that the female subject's condition was worsening, H-42 instead landed at Mildred Lake and offloaded its flight officer/paramedic. The paramedic made contact with the subjects and initiated patient care while H-42 flew to MMH to pick up a second paramedic who was also a SAR member. Due to erratic afternoon winds, and in the interest of expediency, H-42 elected to remain on the ground at Mildred Lake while both paramedics worked to stabilize the critically injured subject. At least one additional flight was completed to deliver critical medications and advanced medical equipment needed for comprehensive mountainside ALS care.
Once the subject was stable enough for movement, both paramedics, along with the H-42 pilot, packaged and carried her several hundred vertical feet uphill from the accident site to the helicopter. Just before this movement began, the ground teams reached the accident site and initiated patient care for the second injured subject.
H-42 transported the critically injured subject back to MMH, where she was received by SAR personnel, a second Mono County paramedic, Mammoth Fire personnel, and the critical care team from Sierra Life Flight. Extensive treatment continued as the Sierra Life Flight crew prepared her for transport to a Level I Trauma Center in Fresno.
Meanwhile, SAR personnel worked with H-42 to reconfigure the aircraft for the evacuation of the second injured subject. Shortly after Sierra Life Flight departed, H-42 returned to extract the second subject. The subject was briefly cared for by Mono County paramedics and Mammoth Fire personnel while H-42 made one final flight to retrieve the remaining Mono County paramedic.
All ground teams exited the area and were ferried back to the Convict Lake Marina aboard the Team's rescue boat after reaching Convict Lake. H-42 was reconfigured at MMH before transporting the second injured subject to a Level I Trauma Center in Fresno.
The Team wishes the best possible outcome for both subjects following this tragic incident.
A sincere thank you to CHP, Sierra Life Flight, Mono County Paramedics, Mammoth Fire, and Long Valley Fire Chaplain Zastapol for their assistance during this operation.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Salay Responders: Ackerman, Anderson, Arndt, Beck, Blackman, Brownlee, Creager, Cucura, Glessner, Haugh, Huizingh, Kelly, Knight, Quiring, Romanova, Senior, Schildge, C. Thompson, M. Thompson, Wallace, Wojciechowski
July 18, 2026 26-352 #29
Missing Juvenile at Convict Lake
The Team was activated for a report of a missing 13-year-old with autism who was last seen near the day use area at Convict Lake. As teams began responding—including several members returning from driver training in Bridgeport—the subject was located safe before field operations were initiated. The response was canceled shortly after activation.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Arndt, Cowan, Huizingh, Lipman, Salay, Tardy, Zila
Volunteer hours: 2.9
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Search and Rescue Team
July 16 & 17, 2026 26-352 #28
Mono SAR Assists Hiker Experiencing Medical Emergency Near Gibbs Lake — Thursday-Friday, July 16th-17th, 2026, 26-352, Op #28
On Thursday, July 16th, at 2152 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) for a report of a 21-year-old hiker experiencing difficulty breathing and chest pain on the Gibbs Lake Trail.
Rescue Base at night. Photo by C. Brownlee.
Rescue Base was established at the Gibbs Lake Trailhead. Rescue Operations deployed a hasty medical team on foot with advanced medical equipment, including oxygen and an AED, while additional teams followed with a litter and supplemental medical supplies. SAR personnel located the subject on the trail and conducted a medical assessment, identifying signs consistent with altitude sickness. Oxygen therapy was initiated, resulting in a significant improvement in the subject's condition.
All teams and subject returning to Base. Photo by C. Brownlee.
After the subject stabilized, rescuers assisted them back to the trailhead while continuously monitoring their condition. The subject remained ambulatory throughout the evacuation and was transferred to awaiting paramedics for continued evaluation and transport.
The operation was terminated at 0115 hours on Friday, July 17th.
IC: Salazar // Responders (11): Ackerman, Brownlee, Campbell, Cornelius, Glassner, Huizingh, Kelly, Romanova, Salay (Ops), Tardy, Wojciechowski
Volunteer hours: 37.2
July 11 & 12, 2026 26-335 #27
Injured Peak Bagger on Carson Peak
On Saturday, July 11, at 1532 hours, the Team was called by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) regarding a peak bagger who had taken an estimated 15-foot fall off a cliff while descending from the summit of Carson Peak. The subject was rendered immobile by the fall and self-reported other serious injuries.
Rescue base was established at the Fern Lake Trailhead. Operations immediately began coordinating air resources; however, due to multiple ongoing incidents elsewhere in the state, air resources were initially unavailable. Operations deployed a hasty team of three on foot carrying critical trauma-care, hypothermia-management, and technical rigging equipment. Multiple additional teams were deployed shortly afterward to ferry other critical technical rescue equipment to a staging area at Fern Lake.
Fern Lake and the cliffs above below the summit of Carson Peak. Photo by S. Campbell.
After an arduous approach to the subject, while approximately 300 vertical feet below the reported location, rescuers called out and blew a whistle. When the subject answered from somewhere above them, the team was finally able to narrow their location and climb toward their voice through steep terrain.
When Team 1 arrived on scene, it was determined that the subject's condition was serious and required extrication by air as soon as possible. Team 1 assessed that the subject had taken a much larger fall of approximately 30 feet. While Operations continued working to secure an aircraft, alternative plans were developed, including remaining overnight with the subject to provide continuous mountainside medical care. A paramedic (and SAR member) from Mono County Medic 3 was also on standby for insertion should a suitable aircraft become available.
Team One assessing the subject. Photo by J. Lipman.
The subject had landed in a deeply recessed natural alcove surrounded by cliffs on three sides, two of them overhanging. His position was not visible from Fern Lake and likely difficult to identify even from the air. The initial team did not establish visual contact until they were within approximately 100 feet. Given this terrain, coupled with strong swirling winds, it appeared a hoist out of this alcove would be unlikely. Therefore, Team One set up a belay system to lower the subject out of the alcove and onto a ledge that would be more accessible to a helicopter.
Wider view of the Alcove. Photo by J. Lipman.
As nightfall approached, Operations secured a hoist-capable Army National Guard UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter out of former Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento. Although the aircraft had been ordered, this did not guarantee its arrival or a successful rescue upon arrival. Therefore, teams staged at Fern Lake began moving toward Team One's location with the remaining technical rescue equipment.
As the Black Hawk, call sign "SPARTAN 978," appeared overhead at 2130 hours, rescuers hoped to hoist the injured subject, who had been packaged by the on-site team. Gusty winds and steep terrain prevented a successful initial hoist. The additional teams had not yet reached Team One and were approximately 500 feet lower. The SPARTAN 978 crew determined that the lower team’s location offered more favorable hoisting conditions and asked whether the subject could be transported there.
Teams preparing for a nighttime technical lowering operation. Photo by S. Campbell.
At first, moving the injured subject that far through the cliffs appeared nearly impossible. A closer nighttime assessment with headlamps revealed a steep, continuous gully connecting the upper ledge with the newly identified hoist zone. The teams quickly developed a two-pitch technical lowering plan while the SPARTAN 978 crew departed for Mammoth Airport to refuel. Before departing, the aircrew advised rescuers that it had a strict operational deadline and could remain available only for a limited period.
While the helicopter was at Mammoth Airport refueling and standing by, rescuers rapidly constructed anchors in the cliff and prepared the subject for a technical lower. Using a twin-tension rope system, the team lowered the subject in a Sked, accompanied by attendants, down the first steep pitch to an intermediate anchor station. The ropes were then recovered, reconfigured, and used for a second lower to the designated hoist zone. The operation was completed under significant time pressure as the helicopter approached its deadline to depart.
The lowering operations commencing. Photo by C. Thompson.
Lowering through the natural rock features. Photo by J. Lipman.
The team reached the designated hoist zone with the subject just 15 minutes before the helicopter’s deadline to depart, and SPARTAN 978 returned to make a final hoist attempt. Once back on-station, the aircraft lowered a medic to the rescuers. Strong winds and turbulence near the mountainside continued to move the helicopter during the operation. After the subject was successfully transferred into the aircraft’s rescue harness and the hoist line was prepared, the medic and subject were lifted clear of the terrain, and the subject was flown to a Level I Trauma Center.
Spartan978 lowers a medic for hoisting of the subject.
All teams then worked slowly and deliberately to extract themselves from the precarious, steep terrain of the Fern Lake Cliffs and make their way back to Base, retrieving the heavy cache of staged equipment along the way.
The operation was terminated at 0700 hours on Sunday morning.
We wish the subject a speedy recovery and are incredibly grateful for the assistance of our MCSO SAR Coordinators, the Army National Guard SPARTAN 978 crew, and the dedicated team at Hot Creek Aviation for providing the resources necessary to complete this critical and dangerous rescue. We also want to applaud the subject for his ability to withstand incredible pain during both lowering operations. Without his fortitude, cooperation, and trust in our team, this may have been a very different outcome.
We also thank YOSAR and the National Park Service for standing by with their longline-capable helicopter, YNP551, for possible deployment the next morning.
IC: Rhoads, Pelichowski // Responders (12): Barker, Campbell, Carlson, Cowan, Haugh (Ops), Lipman, Mayernick, Salay (Ops), Tardy, Thompson C, Wallace, Zila
Volunteer hours: 185.6
July 9, 2026 26-330 #26
Juvenile With Fever at Cotton Lake (Fresno County) — Thursday, July 9th, 26-330, Op #26
Mono SAR responded for mutual aid to a report of a 12-year-old experiencing fever and a rapid heart rate approximately 12.5 miles up the McGee Pass Trail near Cotton Lake in Fresno County. A hasty medical team deployed from the McGee Creek Trailhead while a second team stood by with additional medical equipment and a litter. Before ground teams reached the subject, CHP H-42 evacuated the patient to Mammoth Hospital, where they were transferred to a waiting ambulance. Ground teams were recalled, and the operation concluded without further incident.
IC: Salazar // Responders (11): Barker, Haugh, Huizingh, Knight, Salay (Ops), Schildge, Tardy, Thompson C, Thompson M, Wallace, Wojchiechowski
Volunteer hours: 17
July 6, 2026 26-323 #25
Mono SAR Assists Injured Hiker on the John Muir Trail
The Team was called for a mutual aid request by the Madera County Sheriff's Office for a 58-year-old female who had sustained a self-reported upper extremity injury near Rosalie Lake along the John Muir Trail. The subject was reported to be in stable condition, but unable to continue unassisted.
Rescue base was established at Minaret Vista. Operations deployed a multi-rescuer ground team from the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. Team members hiked towards Rosalie Lake carrying medical equipment, communications gear, splinting supplies, and patient transport equipment.
Team One enroute to subject. Photo by L. Wojciechowski.
Upon reaching the subject, rescuers completed a medical assessment and determined the injury was to the wrist rather than the shoulder as initially reported. The injury was splinted, and because the subject remained ambulatory, she was able to hike out with the team.
During the operation, one Mono SAR team member experienced a medical event requiring diversion of resources. After medical care, the team member was able to hike back to the trailhead under their own power.
The original patient and the remaining rescue personnel returned safely to the trailhead. The operation was terminated at 1700 hours.
Rescue Base at Minaret Vista. Photo by L. Wojciechowski.
Ultimately, the team's primary role became transporting the subject's backpack and equipment, as the subject was ambulatory and able to hike out under their own power. Rather than beginning the hike to the trailhead, the subject chose to remain at Rosalie Lake until rescuers arrived to assist with their gear.
This incident required a significant commitment of Search and Rescue resources and was further complicated by an unexpected medical emergency involving one of our own team members during the response. Incidents like this underscore the importance of requesting emergency assistance when it is truly needed. Search and Rescue resources are intended for situations where individuals are unable to safely self-rescue or face an immediate threat to their health or safety. When subjects are capable of hiking out on their own, doing so—when it is safe to do so—helps ensure these limited volunteer resources remain available for critical emergencies.
Volunteer hours: 121
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh/Salay Responders: Blackman, Huizingh, Knight, Lipman, Salay, Schildge, Tardy, M. Thompson, Wilson, Wojciechowski
July 4, 2026 26-320 #24
Stranded Canine on the Parker Lake Trail
At 1749 hours the Team was called to assist a member of the recreating public whose canine companion was reportedly unable to continue to the Parker Lake trailhead. The owner reported that the dog, Willow, would not eat or drink and, at 68 pounds, was too large to be carried out.
Rescue base was established at the Parker Lake trailhead. Operations deployed a team of five up the trail with human medical equipment, canine-specific medical equipment, and a wheeled litter.
One of the Team’s SAR canine handlers took the lead in assessing the sick pup and determined that Willow was suffering from hyponatremia and swimmer’s tail. Glucose, an electrolyte broth mixture, and some light first aid for the swimmer’s tail perked Willow up enough that both dog and owner were able to make their way out under their own power.
Providing Willow with some electrolytes and glucose to get her back on the trail.
Willow feeling better and ready to resume her hike.
Willow, her owner, and the field team approaching the trailhead.
Willow is happy to arrive at the trialhead.
The team of five also utilized the litter to transport the canine owner’s heavy pack back to the trailhead The operation was terminated at 2040 hours
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Ackerman, Barker, Blackman, Bush, Zila
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
July 3, 2026 26-317 #23
Injured Paraglider Pilot in the Vicinity of Sonora Pass
At 1235 hours the Team was called to assist an injured paraglider pilot after an InReach SOS activation was received from a paraglider who had crashed in the vicinity of Sonora Pass, along the upper portion of Brownie Creek. The medical status of the paraglider pilot was unknown.
Rescue base was established at a pullout on Highway 108, due south of the subject’s GPS coordinates. The Mountain Warfare Training Center Fire Department (MWTCFD) responded from the MWTC Marine Base and immediately requested Careflight. Once Careflight was overhead, the crew requested another helicopter with hoist capabilities.
Immediately after the Sheriff’s Deputy Incident Commander arrived on scene, more appropriate air resources were coordinated, and CHP Helicopter H42 accepted the mission and responded from Fresno. Personnel from MWTCFD made contact with the subject, including a paramedic, while a team from North County, via Rescue 1, deployed to make contact with the subject.
Once all team members were on scene, Operations deployed two additional teams with medical equipment, including a full-body vacuum splint and the Team’s wheeled titanium rescue litter, to assist with the evacuation of the subject. After spending considerable time assessing the subject, the on-scene paramedic and the subject determined together that the externally observable injuries were less serious than originally believed.
Hiking out with the injured pilot.
With occasional assistance from the large number of rescuers on scene, the subject began moving down the mountainside under their own power. Eventually, all teams and the subject met up with Ranger 1, and the subject was ferried the remainder of the way to an awaiting Careflight helicopter. Given the mechanism of injury, even though the subject was able to move themselves downhill under their own power, Careflight departed for Renown Hospital in Reno out of an abundance of caution. H42 was then released from the scene and returned to Fresno. All teams exited the field and conducted a debrief in Pickel Meadows. The operation was terminated at 1752 hours.
The subject arriving at the ground transportation.
Marine Warfare Mountain Training Center Fire Department equipment and personnel were first on scene.
Loading the subject into the Careflight helicopter for transfer to Renown Medical Center in Reno, NV
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Arndt, Beck, Campbell, Cucura, Huizingh, Irving-Ruffing, Kelly, Knight, Leyen, Quiring, Salay, Tardy, Wojciechowski
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
June 28, 2026 26-306 #22
Backpackers in Distress on the Rush Creek Trail
The Team was called to assist two subjects, one with a reported knee injury and one with a possible allergic reaction. It was reported that the subjects were hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT) and became lost while attempting to leave the Rush Creek Trail. The subjects reported that they could see Gem Lake and the dam but had gone off trail while trying to return to the trail and reach the Ansel Adams Wilderness sign at the dam.
Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake Boat Launch. Operations deployed two teams: a two-person hasty team carrying medical equipment, including a first-out bag, airway bag, and bottled oxygen, and a second three-person team carrying additional medical equipment and a litter.
When Team 1 reached the subjects, both were determined to be able to hike out on their own. An additional two-person team was deployed to provide support to the teams in the field. All teams eventually linked up and hiked out together and self-transported from the trailhead.
CalTopo map showing access plan and ultimate patient location.
The operation was terminated at 2119 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Salay Responders: Barker, Huizingh, Kelly, Lipman, Salay, Tardy, M.Thompson, Wojciechowski
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
June 22, 2026 26-292 #21
Injured Dirt Biker Near Hartley Springs
At 1438 hours the Team was called to assist June Lake Fire and Mono County Medic 2 for a report of an injured dirt biker near Hartley Springs Campground. The subject reported a possible femur fracture/dislocation.
Personnel from JLFD, Medic 2, and Mono SAR tend to injured dirt biker. Photo by J. Barker.
Rescue base was established at Hartley Springs Campground. Operations deployed two Rangers, Ranger 1 and Ranger 2, to access the subject. Paramedics and personnel from June Lake Fire were already on scene treating the subject. The subject was ultimately treated, packaged by personnel on scene, and transported via Ranger 2 back to the trailhead, where an ambulance was awaiting.
Personnel from JLFD, Medic 2, and Mono SAR load the subject on Ranger 2 for transport to the awaiting ambulance. Photo by J. Barker.
The subject was transported to Mammoth Hospital for further treatment.
The operation was terminated at 1859 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Salay Responders: Anderson, Barker, Bush, Haugh, Lipman, Mathison, Tardy, M. Thompson
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team
June 20-21 2026 26-285 #20
Hiker in Distress on White Mountain, West Ridge Route — Saturday, June 20–21, 2026, 26-285, Op #20
On Saturday, June 20, at 1557 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) regarding a 24-year-old male hiker in distress on the West Ridge of White Mountain. The hiker had become separated from his hiking group and had run out of water on the descent.
It was reported that the subject had begun hiking the West Ridge of White Mountain at 10:00 p.m. the previous evening with a group of three others. While descending, two members of the group took an alternative route down, while the subject and one female member continued descending the ridge. After the subject ran out of water, he stopped hiking while the female hiker continued down the ridge. The subject then called 911 for assistance.
CalTopo map showing the West Ridge route and our access. The terrain is increasingly technical.
Rescue Base was established on White Mountain Ranch Road. Rescue Operations deployed two two-person teams, along with Ranger 1, into the field with water and food. After several hours of navigating increasingly technical terrain, Team 1 reached the subject, assessed his condition, and provided him with water, electrolytes, and food. After allowing the subject time to rest and rehydrate, Team 1 escorted him down the ridge, where they met with Team 2. Both teams continued down the ridge until they were met by Ranger 1 and transported back to Base.
Rescue Base just before field deployment. Photo by C. Ackerman.
The operation was terminated at 0227 hours on Sunday, June 21.
The Team reminds the recreating public to always stay together. One of the leading precursors to a search or rescue incident is when members of a group decide to split up. In addition, it was evident that the group—and this subject in particular—was unprepared for this arduous approach to the county's only 14,000-foot peak. Better preparation, physical fitness, adequate water, and sound judgment would likely have prevented this rescue.
IC: Rhoads // Ops: Bush // Responders (9): Ardnt, Ackerman, Beck, Bush, Haugh, Pavlovsky, Salay, Trainor, Wojciechowski
Volunteer hours: 109.4
June 13, 2026 26-271 #19
Hikers in Distress Near Rainbow Falls
At 1318 hours the Team was called to assist with a pair of female hikers in distress while the Team was participating in a scheduled helicopter training exercise with California Highway Patrol Helicopter 42.
The two hikers, a mother and daughter, were reported to be suffering from heat-related illness and exhaustion after hiking in the warm conditions. Training immediately concluded as team members transitioned to an active rescue. Rescue base was established at Minaret Vista.
CHP H42 operating from the Mammoth-Yosemite Airport
Working alongside CHP H42, operations deployed a team of two rescuers to be inserted directly to the subjects’ location to begin patient assessments. Several teams were also deployed on foot from the trailhead. One patient was hoisted by CHP H42 and flown to Mammoth Yosemite Airport, where she declined further medical evaluation after being assessed.
Hiking in with the titanium break-apart wheeled litter
The second patient was assisted by rescuers and National Park Service (NPS) personnel as she continued toward the trailhead. As her condition worsened due to exhaustion, additional team members responded with a rescue litter. She was packaged and transported by litter to the trailhead, where she was reunited with her family. She also declined further medical care.
Packaging one of the subjects for litter transport
Transporting a subject to the trailhead via wheeled litter
The operation terminated at 1711 hours.
IC: Rhoads Responders: Ackerman, Barker, Campbell, Creager, Glessner, Huizingh, Knight, Lipman, Mathison, Quiring, Romanova, Salay, Schildge, Senior, Tardy, M. Thompson, Wallace Wojciechowski, Zila
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
June 12, 2026 26-267 #18
Reported Lost Juvenile at Mono Village Campground
At 1836 hours the Team was called to assist in the search for a missing juvenile at Twin Lakes, Bridgeport, Mono Village Campground. Shortly after the Team began their response, the subject was located by a non-SAR searcher, and the operation was terminated at 1852.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Ackerman, Barker, Campbell, Creager, Kelly, Lipman, Quiring, Salay, M. Thompson, Zila
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue