July 6, 2026 26-323 #25
58-Year-Old Female with an Injured Shoulder Near Rosalie Lake
Operation start time: 0604 hours. Update in progress. Operation terminated: 1447 hours.
IC: Rhaods Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Huizingh, Blackman, Lipman, Wojciechowski, Schildge, M. Thompson, Knight, Salay, Tardy, Wilson
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
July 4, 2026 26-320 #24
Stranded Canine on the Parker Lake Trail
Operation start time: 1749 hours. Update in progress. Operation ended: 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 complete 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 Care Flight. Once Care Flight 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 far 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 — Sunday, June 28, 2026, 26-306, Op #21
On Sunday, June 28, at 1757 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) regarding two subjects with a reported knee injury and 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. Rescue 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, where both subjects signed AMA 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: Salay Responders: Barker, Huizingh, Kelley, Lipman, Salay, Tardy, Thompson (M), Wojciechowski
Volunteer hours: 31.2
June 22, 2026 26-292 #21
Injured Dirt Biker Near Hartley Springs — Monday, June 22, 2026, 26-292, Op #21
On Monday, June 22, at 1439 hours, the Team was paged by the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) 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. Rescue 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 all 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 1655 hours.
IC: Rhoads // Ops: Salay // Responders (9): Anderson, Barker, Bush, Haugh, Lipman, Mathison, Salay, Tardy, Thompson (M)
Volunteer hours: 20.9
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
June 11, 2026 26-265 #17
Lost Hiker, Gem Pass
At 1437 hours, the Team was called to assist a lost backpacker near Gem Pass who initiated a Garmin InReach SOS activation. The subject was reported to have been attempting a multi-night backpack trip from Silver Lake to Mt. Ritter and back to Silver Lake, and didn’t return on the intended date.
Shortly after the subject was contacted via their InReach, a message was received back stating, "I'm without map, yes emergency please I'm very lost with no food". In addition to the initial SOS activation, a location was obtained with the message, placing the subject in the area of Gem Pass, several miles and several thousand feet of elevation gain off of the main trail back to Silver Lake. The subject was advised to hold in position at their current location.
Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake boat launch. Operations deployed several teams on foot to ascend to the subject’s reported location. After 7 miles and roughly 4,000’ of vertical gain, Team 1 made contact with the subject and determined the subject to be able to move down the trail unassisted. After providing food and water, Team 1 began walking the subject back down the trail to Silver Lake. All teams were advised to meet up and continue down together to base.
Team member packing in half of the 2-piece titanium litter in case it is needed.
MOSAR search dog on the trail above Agnew Lake.
All teams returned to base after a 14 mile journey, and paramedics from Mono County Medic 2 thoroughly assessed the subject, who then signed a release Against Medical Advice (AMA). The operation terminated at 2351 hours. IC: Belcher Responders: Many
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
June 9, 2026 26-259 #16
Assist Inyo SAR, Medic 3, and Long Valley Fire with 77-year-old subject with possible cardiac issues, near Mack Lake in the Little Lakes Valley.
At 1614 hours, the Team was called for a mutual aid request from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) regarding a 77-year-old male in medical distress near Long Lake in the Rock Creek drainage.
Shortly after the Team arrived at the trailhead, paramedics from Medic 3 reported that CPR was in progress on the subject.
A hasty team departed the trailhead, and arrived on scene approximately 10 minutes later. Shortly thereafter the subject was determined to be deceased.
Responders at the site of the incident.
The Team worked to transport the remains to the trailhead, where custody was transferred to the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. The operation terminated at 2113 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Quiring, Arndt, Lipman, Blackman, Barker, Anderson, Schildge, Romanova, M. Thompson, Knight, Wojciechowski, Campbell
June 2, 2026 26-252 #15
Recovery of a drowning victim in the West Walker River
At 1849 hours the Team was called to assist the Marine Warfare Training Center Fire Department with a subject in reported distress at the north end of the Walker River Canyon. The Team responded with Rescue 1 (Bridgeport), Rescue 2 (Swiftwater Truck), Rescue 3, and Rescue 4 from Mammoth, along with the inflatable rescue boat (IRB).
The Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Fire Department (MCMWTCFD) responded quickly with a swiftwater team. Rescue 1 personnel made contact and worked with MCMWTCFD to enter the water. As the Team responders from Mammoth were passing Sonora Junction, MCMWTCFD reported making contact with the subject, who was determined to be deceased. The subject was ferried across the Walker River, and the op was terminated at 2025 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Arndt, Brownlee, Carlson, Glessner, Kelly, Knight, Lipman (online), Quiring, Salay, Schildge, Tardy, M.Thompson, Wojciechowski
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
April 23, 2026 26-182 #14
Unresponsive Male Subject in Bloody Couloir
At 0955 hours the Team was called to assist with a medical emergency on Bloody Mountain for a 45-year-old male in medical distress while ascending Bloody Mountain. It was reported that the subject collapsed while ascending with his group toward the Bloody Mountain summit ridge, at an elevation of approximately 11,400’. Rescue base was established at the intersection of Laurel Lakes Road and Sherwin Creek Road, and a significant team response ensued.
Operations requested air resources, and CHP Helicopter H42 from Fresno accepted. Operations directed a hasty team of two to be assigned to the incoming helicopter at Mammoth-Yosemite Airport (KMMH). Three rescue vehicles, a 4x4 Ranger, a 6x6 Ranger, and 2 snowmobiles were deployed to base. Captain Paul Zastoupil, a Chaplain from the Long Valley Fire Protection District also reported to base. Both rangers were assigned crews of backcountry snow travel and rigging personnel to support a bottom-up approach. As H42 approached the group’s location to reconnoiter, it was reported that CPR was in progress.
A Mono County EMS unit had already been staged near the Highway 203/Highway 395 intersection, and was moved to KMMH to prepare a paramedic for hoist insertion alongside the MOSAR team. H42 was stripped and reconfigured at KMMH, and the first of three insertions followed. The three hoist insertions were successful, and ALS care for the subject was established shortly after the second insertion.
A paramedic from Mono County EMS Medic 3 unit (also a MOSAR member) hoisting from CHP H42.
Despite the efforts of all involved, especially his group’s initial efforts prior to MOSAR and ALS arrival, the subject was ultimately pronounced deceased. The subject’s remains were prepared for extrication via hoist and transported shortly thereafter back to KMMH for release to the coroner. One rescuer and paramedic were hoisted out and returned to KMMH.
The final rescuer on scene descended with the rest of the group, where they were met by additional team members in the field. All personnel returned to base without incident, and the operation was terminated at 1625 hours. Thank you to our agency partners at CHP - Central Division Air Operations, Mono County EMS, and LVFPD and the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Baron, Brownlee, Bush, Campbell, Creager, Cucura, Huizingh, Knecht, Lipman, Quiring, Romanova, Salay, Tardy, Trainor, Wilson, Wojciechowski, Zila, M. Thompson, Patterson
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
March 29, 2026 26-143 #13
Assist LVFD with reported partially incapacitated 87-year-old male hiker, Convict Lake
At 1450 hours the Team was called to assist Long Valley Fire Department (LVFD). Update in progress. Operation terminated at 1700 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Quiring, M. Thompson, Barker, Bui, Mathison, Salay, Wojciechowski
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
March 20, 2026 26-137 #12
Stranded Hiker on Mount Downs
At 1408 hours the Team was called for a report of a male hiker who was cliffed out and possibly injured after a scramble up Mount Downs above June Lake Fire Protection (JLFD) Station 1. Rescue base was established across from JLFD Station 1. Operations made cell phone contact with the subject and determined his approximate location coordinates, placing them around 9,400’ elevation.
Operations deployed a field team of two to access and assess the subject. A second team of two was deployed shortly after and followed a few minutes behind Team 1. Operations also deployed a drone from base, which eventually located the subject and determined they were stuck on rock surrounded by steep snow.
Scrambling, thrashing, and postholing toward the subject’s location.
UAV image of field team members ascending the subject location.
After approximately 1,500 vertical feet of bushwhacking, light scrambling, and knee-deep postholing, Team 1 made contact with the subject and determined he was unharmed. Team 2 scouted the best exit route, while Team 1 worked with the subject to maneuver through initial technical terrain, utilizing a sound-victim harness and verbal coaching.
UAV image of a field team with the subject.
Scouting the descent route.
On the descent.
All members and the subject eventually regrouped and were able to make their way down to the trailhead with relative ease. The operation was terminated at 1900 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Arndt, Barker, Blackman, Cornelius, Cucura, Lipman, Mayernick, Quiring, Senior, Campbell
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
March 14, 2026 26-121 #11
Hiker Falls into Convict Lake, Sustains Injuries
At 1255 hours the Team was requested by the Long Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) via the Mono County Sheriff’s Office for a report of a hiker who had fallen above the southwest shore of Convict Lake, sustaining multiple injuries during the fall and ultimately coming to a stop in the lake. The Team’s inflatable rescue boat was requested, and team members already at the Mammoth Lakes MOSAR HQ on other business as well as a team member at Convict Lake were able to deploy quickly.
Rescue base was established at the Convict Lake Marina, and three team members manned the IRB. On the southwest side of the lake, the boat team met up with Mono County paramedics and LVFPD firefighters who were already on scene. The subject was assessed, packaged and transported back to the marina in the IRB, where they were reassessed, and ultimately transported for further care. An additional trip across the lake was made to bring a family member and LVFPD personnel to the boat launch. The operation was terminated at 1505 hours.
MOSAR members responding to the accident site in the IRB.
Attending to the subject prior to boat transport across to the marina.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Ackerman, Huizing
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
February 18, 2026 26-081 #10
Stranded Motorist Picnic Grounds Road Near Lee Vining Creek
Update in progress. At 1228 hours the Team was called to assist with transporting a stranded motorist with team snowmobiles. Operation terminated at 1630 hours.
IC: Gillespie Ops Leader: Beck Responder: Leyen
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
February 11, 2026 26-072 #9
Reported Injured Skier Dunderberg Peak 911 text from a satellite device indicated a need for assistance, but no details. The Team was activated at 1142 hours, and while still on route to the reported coordinates, it was determined that the 911 text was an inadvertent activation. The call was then cancelled at 1209 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Brownlee, Bush, Gerber, Haugh, Kelly, Knight, Lipman, Quiring, Salay, Tardy, Wilson, Anderson.
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
February 6, 2026 26-064 #8
Stranded Motorist on Hot Creek Road
At 0323 hours, the Team was called to assist a stranded motorist near the Hot Creek parking area. A Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputy initially responded to the 911 call and found Hot Creek Road to be impassable in their patrol vehicle. A request then went out to the Team.
A field team of two staged at the turnaround behind Mammoth Airport with the tracked Polaris Ranger and picked up the MCSO deputy. The subject was quickly located and it was determined that the subject’s vehicle would require an off-road tow company. The field team returned to the airport with the subject and the subject was transported to a hotel for the night by the deputy.
Arriving at the subject location.
Not ideal conditions for wheeled vehicles
The operation was terminated at 0503 hours.
IC/Ops: Pelichowski Responders: Anderson, Haugh, Quiring
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
January 31, 2026 26-054 #7
Injured Hiker Convict Lake
At 0954 hours, the Team was called to assist Long Valley Fire (LVFPD) and Mono County EMS (Medic 3). It was reported that a hiker was injured and in a precarious position on ice at the southwest end of Convict Lake.
Base was established by LVFPD at the Convict Lake Marina. Mono SAR operations deployed the Team’s inflatable rescue boat with 2 operators and one paramedic from Medic 3 and proceeded toward the subject’s location. LVFPD firemen on scene assisted the subject, who was found to be cold but uninjured, down to the boat. The subject, one LVFPD fireman, and the initial three responders returned to the marina. After the subject was safely delivered ashore, the two boat operators returned to pick up the remaining firemen.
Leaving the marina
Returning to the marina with a load of passengers
All personnel returned to shore without incident.
The operation was terminated at 1248 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Blackman, Huizingh, Lipman, Mayernick, Zila
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
January 27, 2026 26-046 #6
Injured Skier Below Little Slide Canyon
At 1226 hours the Team was called to assist with an inReach activation involving an injured skier below Little Slide Canyon. A group of two reported that one member of their party fell descending from a bench below the Incredible Hulk, and and sustained a likely broken arm, rendering them unable to self-extricate. Rescue base was established at Bryant Field Airport in Bridgeport.
The Team responded with two rescue trucks, two mountain sleds, three trail sleds, and the Rescueboggan over snow patient transport.
Operations requested air resources, and CHP helicopter H20 out of Auburn accepted the mission. Operations staged a two-person field team to be assigned to the incoming helicopter. Additional members were deployed from Mono Village on SAR sleds to begin an access plan into the Robinson Creek drainage below the slope where the subjects were located.
H20 at Bryant Field Airport, Btidgeport
H20 determined winds and terrain were incompatible for a hoist, as they exceeded 35 knot gusts within the canyon. The field team was loaded, and H20 landed in the valley and ascended to the subjects. The IC advised the subject’s group to continue descending if possible. As the field team approached the landing site, it was determined the subjects had descended through the technical terrain under their own power but required assistance crossing Robinson Creek.
Member of the air-inserted field team traveling to the subject location.
H20 at the LZ
H20 landed and shut down, and the field team accessed the subjects on skis and assisted them across a well-established downstream crossing. The injured subject was loaded into the helicopter and transported to Bryant Field. The field team and a member of the subject’s party exited on skis until they reached the SAR sled team, and were transported back to base.
The sled team arriving to transport the field team and the subject’s companion.
The operation was terminated at 1712 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Brownlee, Gerber, Quiring, Tardy
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue