January 19, 2026 26-032 26-05
Backcountry Skier with Lower Leg Injury, Horse Creek Drainage.
At 1414 hours the Team was called to assist a 51-year-old male skier with a lower leg injury in the Horse Creek drainage above Twin Lakes Bridgeport. Base was established at Bryant Field airport in Bridgeport. CHP helicopter H42 was requested, and they accepted the mission. A field team of two ski-equipped team members staged at Mono Village to ascend the Horse Creek drainage.
Field team ascending the Horse Creek drainage
Approximately 20 minutes after the field team departure from the trailhead, CHP H42, with a crew of 3, arrived overhead and determined they could land and complete the rescue. The field team transitioned to standby at Mono Village in the event H42 was unable to complete the mission.
CHP H42 transported the patient to Mono Village, and were assisted in off-loading the subject by the standby field team. The patient elected to have family transport them to further medical care. The call was terminated at 1729 hours.
CHP H42 delivering the subject to Mono Village
IC: Pelichowski Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Anderson, Quiring, Glessner, Brownlee, Kelly
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
January 19, 2026 26-031 24-04
Transport of injured snomobile rider for Mono County EMS.
At 1300 hours the Team was called to assist Mono County EMS with patient transport of an injured snomobile rider at Smoky Bear Flat. The Team’s tracked Polaris Ranger was used to transport the patient and accompanying paramedics back to the roadway, after which the patient was transported to Mammoth Hospital for further treatment. The call was completed at 1412 hours.
The Team’s tracked Polaris Ranger used to transport the subject and EMS personnel at Smoky Bear Flat
IC: Gillespie Ops Leader: None Responders: Quiring, Anderson
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
January 19, 2026 26-030 26-03
Mutual Aid request from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office for an overdue hiker on Mt. Whitney. Start 1203 hours, finish 1908 hours.
From the Inyo County Search and Rescue Facebook post:
Fatality on Mount Whitney
On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Team received a report of an overdue hiker on Mount Whitney.
Two hikers began their ascent at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, continuing through the night and into the following day. At approximately 3:30 p.m., while near the 12,500-foot elevation, one hiker determined it was safest to turn around and descend. The second hiker continued ascending toward the summit.
When the second hiker failed to return by the following morning, the reporting party contacted the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and a SAR response was initiated.
Six rescuers assembled in Lone Pine and coordinated with the California Highway Patrol Inland Division helicopter (H-82) out of Apple Valley, which arrived shortly before 2:00 p.m. One rescuer was inserted with the flight crew to conduct an aerial search. After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north face of Mount Whitney, below the “Final 400” on the Mountaineers Route, and was confirmed deceased.
A second rescuer was flown in to assist with recovery operations. All rescuers were safely returned to Lone Pine by approximately 5:50 p.m.
The incident occurred within Tulare County jurisdiction, and proper notification was made to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.
This incident, along with recent fatalities on Mount Whitney and Mount Baldy, serves as a reminder that winter ascents are serious mountaineering endeavors, not hikes. Winter conditions leave little margin for error, and the consequences can be severe.
Additionally, many fatalities occur when individuals travel solo or when groups separate. If someone in your group expresses safety concerns, those concerns should be taken seriously.
Fatigue is also a critical contributing factor. Extended periods of exertion negatively impact decision-making and increase the likelihood of missteps and falls. Knowing when to turn around can save lives.
Please be respectful in your comments. The victim’s family and friends may be following this post, and some comments may be hurtful. Thank you!
Inyo SAR is an all-volunteer, unpaid professional non-profit 501(c)3 organization in cooperation under the authority of the Inyo County Sheriff's Office.
Mono IC: Rhoads Mono Ops Leader: Haugh Mono Responders: Lipman, Huizingh
January 9, 2026 26-### 26-02
Missing At-Risk Juvenile in the Mammoth Lakes Area. At 1956 hours, the Team was called to assist in the search for a missing at-risk 16-year-old male in the Mammoth Lakes town vicinity. The search was conducted in conjunction with other local agencies, including the Mammoth Lakes Police Department.
Search base was established at Mono County SAR Headquarters in Mammoth. Operations also requested the team Search Team Manager (STM). As the STM arrived at base and personnel were briefing and developing a plan at the SAR building, MLPD advised Incident Command that the subject had been safely located. The operation was terminated at 2036 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops: Haugh Responders: Barker, Carlson, Gerber, Kaufman, Quiring, Salay, Tardy
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
January 7, 2026 26-010 26-01
Overdue Juvenile Fisherman at Hot Creek. At 1814 hours the Team was called to assist in the search for a missing 16-year-old male who was last heard from at 1430 hours after a day of fishing in the Hot Creek area. Search base was established at the confluence of Hot Creek Hatchery and Hot Creek Ranch roads.
Operations made the early decision to deploy our Search Team Manager as well as both SAR K9s and their handlers.
As the Team approached base, a MCSO Deputy/SAR Coordinator and Incident Commander already on scene informed arriving personnel that the subject’s father had made contact with him, and both were safe and accounted for.
Kacka and Solo ready to go to work!
The subject required no medical attention, and the operation was terminated at 1901 hours.
IC: Belcher Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Brownlee, Carlson, Gerber, Huizingh, Lipman, Patterson, Quiring, Romanova, Salay, Tardy, Thompson, plus K9 Solo and handler Ackerman and K9 Kacka with handler Zila.
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue
December 28, 2025 25-7## #49
Stranded skier on the north side of June Mountain Ski Area. Operation initiated at 1731 hours, terminated at 1828 hours. Update in progress.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Haugh Responders: Quiring, Lipman, Beck, Carlson, Gerber
December 27, 2025 25-738 #48
Two snomobile riders caught in large avalanche above Latopie Lake. At 1132 hours the Team was called to assist snowmobile riders caught in a large avalanche (estimated D3) involving possible multiple injured subjects with unknown burial status above Latopie Lake in the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA).
Rescue base was established at Bryant Field airport in Bridgeport. Operations also requested CHP
helicopter H42 out of Fresno, CA, and they accepted the misson. Battle Born Medevac helicopter from Yerington, NV contacted the Mono County Sheriff’s Office to offer assistance, which was accepted.
Team members responded with rescue gear including the Team’s mountain snowmobiles. Battle Born was first on scene and was able to land and assess. It was determined that one individual (out of a group of seven) was partially buried and trapped under his machine in a shallow section of Latopie Lake. Bystanders and Battle Born personnel were able to extricate the rider and Battle Born transported him to Renown Hospital in Reno, NV. The other individual caught in the slide was uninjured and rode double with another rider back to the trailhead.
Northeast facing slope above Latopie Lake
The slide broke the ice on Latopie Lake. Note the tracks across the lake and above and on both sides of the slide area
Aerial view of slide area. Image by CHP H42 crew.
Aerial view from another angle
The resting place for the avalanche subject’s machine. Image from the Bridgeport Avalanche Center.
As the Team was gearing up at Bryant Field, CHP H42 arrived at Latopie Lake to continue response if needed. After determining the scene was clear of other subjects in need, H42 departed the area. The rest of the party elected to return to the BWRA parking lot via their snowmobiles.
The operation was terminated at 1312 hours.
IC: Pelechowski Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Huizingh, Gerber, Creager, Barker, Irving-Ruffing
December 25, 2025 25-736 #47
Stranded hiker on Highway 120 east near Sagehen Summit. Update in progress.
Travel was difficult in deep unconsolidated snow
On Highway 120 east just past the winter closure gate
There was 18” of somewhat supportive snow over 4-6’ of unconsolidated low quality snow
Often the snow was so deep it was pushing over the sled cowling
The Sheriff’s Office snowcat following the trenches left by the mountain sleds.
The Sheriff’s Office snowcat breaking trail
The snowcat with a Sergeant and Deputy aboard locate the stranded subject.
IC: Pelichowski, Belcher Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Leyen, Carlson
November 29, 2025 25-682 #46
Mutual Aid with Inyo County
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office requested 2-4 MOSAR members for a mutual aid in the Mt. Whitney area. Update from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office on December 16, 2025:
Press release from the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office
November 28 - MA request, briefing, planning and preparation. November 29 - 0500 hours to 2100 hours. IC: Pelichowski, Belcher Ops Leader: Beck Responders: Anderson, Quiring, Lipman Support: Haugh
November 13, 2025 25-666 #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.
Door-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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 29-30, 2025 25-589 #38
The Team was calleded by the Sheriff’s Office for a report of an overdue kayaker, missing for more than six hours on Mono Lake. The reporting party (RP) stated that their brother intended to paddle to Paoha Island and return to Navy Beach. The weather forecast was poor, and the RP decided to stay close to shore. After a prolonged period without seeing his brother, and with deteriorating weather making travel on the lake treacherous, the RP called 911. Search base was established at Navy Beach.
Despite impending nightfall, the decision was made to conduct a hasty search on both land and waterdue to the immediate threat to life from the extended overdue duration and combined poor weather. Air resources were also requested, but all were grounded due to the weather. Three rescue vehicles, a 4x4 Ranger (OHV) team, an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) team, shoreline search teams, and an optics team equipped with a spotting scope and night vision goggles (NVGs). The Sheriff’s Office also deployed their patrol boat from the Tioga Lodge boat launch area with SAR members and an MCSO Sergeant SAR Coordinator.
The shoreline team began clearing the south shore toward the east shore. The OHV team began a search from Navy Beach to the northeast side of Mono Lake. The optics team worked from the west/northwest shore, and the IRB launched toward Paoha Island with the intent to circumnavigate and clear the shoreline. The SO patrol boat also worked to clear open water, following wind patterns.
Conditions on the water were rough, with gusty winds, high waves, and darkness. The IRB team worked meticulously to follow the shoreline, clearing with lights, and periodically stopping to whistle and listen. After clearing from south to north counterclockwise, the decision was made to avoid the tufa-lined shallow waters near the west shore for rescuer safety.
The IRB team and all other teams concluded their search assignments with no success. Operations began planning assignments for the following day and awaited cell phone data from MCSO investigators. Just as teams returned to search base, multiple cell phone pings were received from an area along Walker Creek and Highway 395. MOSAR team members searched the area exhaustively, with no success. Operational period 1 ended at 0030 hours on September 30, with a return time to Navy Beach scheduled for 0700 later that morning.
At approximately 0530 hours on the morning of September 30, the RP called the SAR coordinator on duty to report that their brother had just kayaked back to Navy Beach and was not in need of any further assistance. It was determined that he had made it out to the island and when conditions deteriorated, was unable to return. He hunkered down slightly inland on the west shore on Paoha Island, building a small makeshift wind shelter, and decided to depart back toward the beach around 0330 hours when he could no longer keep warm.
The Team returned as scheduled to collect rescue equipment and debrief. An extensive decontamination session was conducted back at the Mono SAR Rescue Building in Mammoth to prepare gear for future operations.
The operation was concluded at 0900 hours on the morning of September 30.
IC: Belcher, Pelichowski Ops: Haugh Responders: Anderson, Baron, Barker, Blackman, Brownlee, Carlson, Creager, Gerber, Glessner, Huizingh, Lipman, Mayernick, Quiring, Salay, Torrence
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 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