August 22, 2025 25-486 25-32

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 opitcswere 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 text-to-911 messages from the subject, placing her new estimated coordinates at the very 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 11, 2025 25-458 25-30

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 25-29

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 25-28

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

July 27, 2025 25-418 #24

81-Year-Old Male With Possible Heat Exhaustion on the Rush Creek Trail.

At 1549 hours the Team was called to assist an 81-year-old male on the Rush Creek Trail experiencing possible heat-related issues and reported as “unable to continue down unassisted.”

Rescue base was established at the Silver Lake Boat Launch. Rescue operations deployed a team of two and a second team of four with the titanium litter and wheel.

Less than a mile up the trail, Team 1 encountered several groups who reported that the individual had already descended the trail and was waiting for his party at the Silver Lake Resort. Teams 1 and 2 met at the resort, confirmed that the subject in question was accounted for, and offered additional medical assistance, which was declined.

The operation was terminated at 1729 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Barker, Blackman, Buchanan, Bush, Case, Huizingh, Mayernick, Patterson, Quiring, Wallace

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue

July 26, 2025 25-417 #23

76-Year-Old Male With Chest Pain. At 1347 hours the Team was called to assist a 76-year-old male at Greenstone Lake experiencing chest pain. Rescue base was established at Saddlebag Lake Resort. Rescue operations requested resources, including CHP helicopter H42, the Team’s inflatable rescue boat, and Mono County Paramedics to stage at the resort.

While the primary rescue units from Mammoth/South County were responding, a nearby team member arrived at the staging area, and coordinated assistance from Saddlebag Lake Resort to be ferried across the lake. The team member located the patient and with assistance from bystanders helped the subject down from Greenstone Lake.

The subject was assessed and ferried back across the lake on the resort boat. Upon arrival at the boat launch, all rescue units had just completed staging. Patient care was transferred to Medic 2, and alternate air transport options were explored after inclement weather forced CHP H42 to turn around. The call was terminated at 1548 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Creager, Barker, Blackman, Buchanan, Case, Huizingh, Quiring, Wallace, Zila

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue

July 25, 2025 25-416 #22

Stranded Boaters on Crowley Lake. At 1406 hours, the Team was called to assist two stranded boaters in the Green Banks area of Crowley Lake. It was reported that their engine was experiencing issues, and subsequent afternoon winds pushed their vessel into the shoreline, stranding both the boat and its occupants.

A Mono County Sheriff’s Deputy initially attempted to access nearby 4x4 roads around the back of Crowley to reach the subjects, but it was quickly determined that the deep mud surrounding the vessel posed too great a risk to both the deputy and the subjects.

Rescue base was established at South Landing, and Rescue operations deployed a team of three with the Team’s Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) and additional personal flotation devices for the subjects. The IRB allowed Team 1 to safely reach the subjects and return all to South Landing at 1630 hours.

The operation was terminated at 1730 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Carlson, Huizingh, Quiring

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue

July 19, 2025 25-395 #21

Stranded Hikers Near Lundy Lake. Update in progress. Call began 1954 hours, terminated at 2116 hours.

At 1954 hours the Team was called to assist a party of seven on the Mt. Scowden climber trail above the Lundy Canyon Trail, who reported being lost and unable to continue further. The group had been hiking from Saddlebag Lake to the Lundy Canyon Trailhead. Rescue base was set at the end of Lundy Lake Road.

Shortly after, while responders were en route to base in Rescue 3, Mono County Dispatch reestablished communication with the party and determined they were safe and closer to the trailhead than originally thought. Responders were turned around at Highway 120 West and the operation was terminated at 2116 hours.

IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Case, Gerber, Huizingh, Kelly, Lipman, Salay

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue

July 15, 2025 25-388 #20

78-year-old male with dehydration and balance issues on the Dragon’s Back-Twin Lakes Trail.

At 1345 hours the Team was called to assist a 78-year-old male on the Dragon’s Back Trail on the backside of Mammoth Mountain who reported being unable to walk without falling. Rescue base was established in the upper Twin Lakes Campground at the Dragon’s Back Trailhead.

A field team of five SAR members left base at 1428 hours with medical equipment, a wheeled titanium litter, and extra food and water for the subject.

Team 1 reached the subject at 1507 hours, and assessed and treated him for dehydration. After rehydration and some rest, the subject chose to walk down the trail under his own power with MOSAR assistance nearby.

The subject making his way out under his own power.

Team 1 and the subject arrived back at the trailhead at 1625 hours. The subject declined further medical care.

The operation was terminated at 1706 hours.

IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Baron, Buchanan, Case, Childers, Gerber, Lipman, Pavlovsky, Romanova

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue

July 10 & 11, 2025 25-381 #19

69-year-old female with injured shoulder near Little McGee Lake. At 1809 hours the Team was called to assist a 69-year-old female with a shoulder injury sustained from a fall above Little McGee Lake, roughly 8 miles from the McGee Creek Trailhead.

Rescue base was established at the McGee Creek Trailhead, and three separate field teams were deployed: Team 1, a hasty medical team; Team 2, a litter transport team; and Team 3, a communications relay team. The incident commander requested a helicopter, but due to weather in the area, aviation resources were not available.

Rescue base at the trailhead.

It was a long hike to get to the subject, and then back out.

Team 1 arrived at the subject at 2211 hours, performed a medical assessment, treated her injuries, and packaged her for transport. Initially the subject began the long walk out under her own power. However, not far down the trail, the decision was made to transition the subject to the litter for the remaining 6 miles.

Precarious water crossing…

Rolling the litter along all night long.

Checking the condition of the subject.

The skies are beginning to lighten.

Arriving at rescue base.

Team 3 returned to base at 0345 hours. Teams 1 and 2 reached base an hour later at 0444 hours. Mono County Medic 3 was also on scene where the subject was further assessed, treated, and transported to Mammoth Hospital.

The operation was terminated at 0444 hours, Friday, July 11.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Arndt, Brownlee, Carlson, Gerber, Glessner, Lipman, Senior, Trainor.

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search & Rescue

July 9 & 10, 2025 25-378 #18

Stranded hiker near Antelope Springs. At 2150 hours the Team was called for a small team response to assist a stranded hiker in the Antelope Springs area off Forest Service Road 3S143A. Rescue base was established on Forest Service Road 3S98 near the Ormat Geothermal Plant. Two team members responded with the Polaris Ranger.

The subject was unsure of his location, and it took many attempts before Team 1 was able to determine his exact position.

Team 1 followed Forest Service Road 3S98 until it ended, then hiked approximately 3/4 of a mile until they located the subject. He was in good condition and able to walk back to the Ranger, accompanied by Team 1. He was transported back to rescue base and evaluated by Medic 3. The subject elected to sign out against medical advice, and the operation was terminated at 0130 hours on Thursday morning, July 10th.

IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responder: Carlson

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue

July 7, 2025 25-370 #17

Missing 11-Year-Old-Male, Convict Lake Area At 1403 hours the Team was called to assist in the search for an 11-year-old non-verbal boy with autism in the Convict Lake area. The family reported that he had wandered away at approximately 1300 hours from the west end of the lake.

Rescue base was established at the Convict Lake Marina, and the Team responded with search and rescue personnel as well as our Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) and water rescue equipment.

As the Team was preparing to launch the IRB, a report came in that the boy had been found by Long Valley Fire (LVFD), who was also assisting in the search. LVFD reported that they had searched the area around the creek and circled back—they believe they may have 'flushed' the boy back to the lake, where he was held by a pair of fishermen who had been notified of the search.

Preparing to launch the rescue boat.

The family was reunited with the boy and they were chartered across the lake by a Convict Lake Marina pontoon boat.

The call was terminated at 1456 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Thompson Responders: Lipman, Quiring, Buchanan, Cucura, Huizingh, Knight, Barker, Wallace, Case, Cowan, Thompson

June 28, 2025 25-352 #16

Suspected tib-fib fracture Barney Lake area. At 1314 hours the Team was called to assist a 38-year-old female hiker reporting a leg fracture just north of Barney Lake on the Duck Pass Trail.

Rescue base was established at the Duck Pass Trailhead at 1411 hours, and Rescue Operations deployed a field team of five, Team 1, into the field with medical supplies and a titanium rescue litter.

Field Team 1 responding on the Duck Pass Trail.

Team 1 reached the subject at 1521 hours and determined that she had sustained a broken leg after tripping awkwardly on a rock on the trail. She was packaged and wheeled back to the trailhead, arriving at 1735 hours.

The litter ride down from Barney Lake.

Still on the trail.

The subject declined further medical treatment and elected to be driven by family to the hospital.

The operation was terminated at 1803 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Thompson Responders: Cucura, Barker, Wallace, Blackman, Childers, Thompson.

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue

June 27, 2025 25-347 #15

Medical Distress at Harriet Lake. The team was called to assist a person in medical distress at Lake Harriet. Rescue base was established on Highway 108 at the winter closure gate. Due to the distance from the trailhead, Helicopter 551 from Yosemite National Park was requested and accepted the mission.

Helicopter 551 located the subject at the provided coordinates and transported the individual to the Crane Flat helibase inside the park. The operation terminated at 12:22pm.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh

On Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue

June 20, 2025 25-330 #14

Backpacker Requesting Assistance at Alger Lakes At 0236 hours, the Team was called to assist a backpacker in the Alger Lakes area. A cold and windy weather pattern had struck the region, damaging the backpacker’s equipment and blowing away their sleeping bag during a midnight bathroom break.

Rescue Base was established at the Silver Lake boat launch, adjacent to the Rush Creek Trailhead. At 0358 hours, field team 1 deployed with a Hypothermia Management and Prevention Kit (HPMK), a first-out medical bag, and warm clothing. Team 2 was deployed at 0407 hours up the Rush Creek Trail to establish a radio relay.

Watching the sunrise along the climb from Silver Lake to Alger Lakes.

Team 1 reached the subject just after daybreak at 0722 hours and began standard patient assessments. The subject reported being uninjured but cold. She stated she had arrived at her location over the course of several days and was unaware of a quicker exit route. Team 1 and the subject began their return to rescue base, with all teams arriving together at 1130 hours.

Steady uphill grind.

Arriving at Alger Lakes early in the AM.

The Alger Lakes Trail

The operation was terminated at 1150 hours.

IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Brownlee, Baron, Wilson, Kelly, Huizingh, Carlson, Creager, Salay

On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue