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