A search and rescue team made up of a group of volunteers intervened last Sunday to save five climbers who had made the reckless decision to attempt climbing in the icy mountains of California’s High Sierra.
The climbers lacked the necessary experience and, finding themselves trapped in a dangerous part of the trail, “were unable to proceed in any direction” after underestimating the dangerous conditions.
When they finally returned to the ground, the rescue team berated the group on social media.
In a Sept. 23 Facebook post, Inyo County Search & Rescue made it clear that the risky rescue was “completely avoidable.”
A search and rescue team made up of a group of volunteers intervened to save five climbers who had made the reckless decision to attempt rock climbing in the icy mountains of California’s High Sierra.
Volunteer rescuers were forced to ascend the same dangerous routes themselves to bring stranded climbers to safety.
The team received two calls for help from climbers, who had ventured onto icy routes without proper preparation or equipment, a decision SAR suggested was nothing short of reckless.
Volunteer rescuers were then forced to ascend the same dangerous routes themselves to bring stranded climbers to safety.
“These missions are very risky for everyone involved and are completely avoidable,” said SAR Inyo, clearly frustrated by the unnecessary danger posed by the climbers’ lack of planning.
The rescue team strongly recommended that anyone who encounters snow and ice on the routes without proper knowledge, training or equipment should turn around immediately instead of blindly proceeding forward.
“If you continue climbing, the snow and ice will get worse; the risk and consequences increase considerably,” the publication warned.
In a Sept. 23 Facebook post, Inyo County Search & Rescue made it clear that the risky rescue was “completely avoidable.”
Photos posted online show the steep slopes and difficult conditions the group faced.
The climbers found themselves stuck in a dangerous part of the trail and “couldn’t move forward in any direction” due to the levels of snow and ice in the area.
The rescue team recommended that anyone who encounters snow and ice on the roads without proper knowledge, training or equipment should turn around immediately instead of continuing forward.
Photographs taken by rescuers show how tall the climbers were and how steep the slopes they encountered were.
The team’s message was clear: those who ignore the dangers of these extreme conditions not only put themselves at risk but also the lives of the volunteers who have to rescue them from their bad decisions.
Inyo SAR also reminded climbers that icy and snowy conditions are currently prevalent throughout the High Sierra, including on the western side of the Sierra ridge, making it particularly dangerous to climb at high altitude at this time.
The SAR’s final note imparted advice to those tempted to brave dangerous conditions while subtly reprimanding climbers who had to be rescued: “In the meantime, enjoy some adventures at lower elevations.”
