August 1, 2026 26-393 #36
Backpackers With Possible Heat Exhaustion Near Peak 10,772 on the Pacific Crest Trail (Leavitt Lake area)
At 1236 hours the Team was called to assist a hiker near Peak 10,270, just off the Pacific Crest Trail, who was reported to be suffering from dehydration, nausea, fatigue, and general lethargy. The subject was part of a group of three. As the operation unfolded, it was communicated that another member of the party was experiencing similar symptoms, although to a lesser degree. Rescue base was established at the intersection of Highway 108 and the Leavitt Lake Road.
As base was being established, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) received notice of another incident nearby on the West Walker River. The reporting party (RP) reported that the subject had launched onto the river in a low-quality inflatable raft without a personal floatation device (PFD) or other safety equipment, had floated out of sight, and could not be located. Operations began allocating some of the responding resources to the river incident when it was communicated that the rafter had been located.
Changing a flat tire on the way to rescue base.
Team 1, consisting of two members, departed base in an MCSO Polaris RZR. Team 1 was able to travel past Leavitt Lake on an abandoned road to a location on the Sierra Crest near the subjects' location. The RZR was parked at 1456 hours, and the team hiked a short distance to the subjects, arriving at 1509 hours.
Team 1 performed an assessment, provided hydration, and began escorting the subjects back to the RZR at 1520 hours, arriving at 1541 hours. Team 1 carried the original subject's backpack, while the other two members of the party were able to carry their own gear.
Hiking out the subject’s backpack. Image by J. Bush
On the Pacific Crest Trail with the subjects. Image by J. Bush
On the Pacific Crest Trail near the wilderness boundary. Image by J. Bush
Team 2 arriving at Leavitt Lake
Team 2, also consisting of two members, departed base in the team’s six-wheel-drive Polaris Ranger and met Team 1 near Leavitt Lake. One passenger and additional gear were transferred to the Ranger, and both teams continued toward base. The three subjects were part of a larger group of 11. The remainder of the group overtook the teams on the descent and caught up when Teams 1 and 2 stopped at the subjects' vehicle, which was parked just prior to the first water crossing.
Assembling the group of 11 on the way to rescue base
Teams 1 and 2 and the remainder of the group met at base, where the original subject's condition was reassessed. The subject was advised to obtain an evaluation from Medic 1. The group met Medic 1 near the Marine Warfare Training Center for further assessment.. Operation terminated at 1713 hours.
IC: Rhoads Ops Leader: Beck Deputy Ops Leader: Salay Responders: Blackman, Brownlee, Bush, Cornelius, Haugh, Huizingh
36.9 person hours volunteered
On-Scene Coordinator: Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team