Sierra Madre Search and Rescue

While the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team (SMSR) typically has a smaller call volume in the winter than in the summer, the stakes on these calls are often higher. This winter, the Team has responded to 5 calls in snow and ice conditions, requiring specialized winter clothing, emergency shelters, ice axes, crampons, snowshoes, avalanche beacons, and more.

One such call came on the afternoon of February 17th when a group of trail runners came to an icy section of the Kenyon Devore trail on Mt. Wilson about a mile from the nearest trailhead. While navigating the icy section one member of the party slipped and fell over 200 feet down steep terrain.

The initial responding agency, Montrose Search and Rescue, used ropes to access the patient and render medical aid. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team and Altadena Mountain Rescue Team then responded to assist in the rescue of the trail runner. Heavy snow and cloudy weather blocked helicopters from accessing the scene. Sadly, the fallen runner succumbed to their injuries in the field. The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team sends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of the trail runner.

The following Sunday two female hikers also encountered icy trail conditions while hiking from Chantry Flats to Mount Wilson. When they came to the icy section near the summit, they made the smart decision to turn around. However, they were not prepared for the long hike out after dark that the detour caused. Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team again worked with Montrose Search and Rescue to locate the hikers. The hikers were found at Sturtevant Camp and evacuated by L.A. County Fire Dept. Air Copter 15 to Chantry Flats.

In order to work safely in these conditions, the Team trains annually for these types of rescues. On Saturday February 16th, team members spent a 15 hour day training in the snow at Mt. Pinos on skills such as snow anchors, avalanche burials, and patient packaging finishing with a comprehensive mock scenario.

As a member of the national Mountain Rescue Association, SMSR is accredited in snow and ice rescue. On Saturday March 2nd, SMSR traveled to Lake Tahoe with the other California Region MRA teams for the annual reaccreditation exercise. This year’s scenario involved searching the Sierra Nevada mountains on snowshoes to locate a distressed hiker. As snow fell, the scenario required the team to demonstrate their ability to navigate, provide medical aide, respond to an avalanche burial, provide emergency shelter, and use rope systems to transport a patient over steep terrain. Exercises like this are a vital part of what keeps SMSR ready to fulfill their motto, “Anywhere in the wilderness that someone needs help . . .”

For over 65 years, the all-volunteer Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team has been responding to calls for help in the local mountains and beyond. The Team is funded entirely by charitable donations, and SMSR provides a range of public programs on wilderness safety in addition to its search and rescue activities. Importantly, the Team never charges for any of its services. For more information, including how to arrange a wilderness safety demonstration for your school or group, visit www.smsr.org.