– Mono County Sheriff’s Office press release

On the morning of Wednesday, April 8^th, 2015, at approximately 10:00AM, the Mono County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a stranded backpacker near Glass Creek.

A male backpacker, age 43, from Ramona, CA, began a two week backpack trip. The backpacker started his trip at Dead Man Creek and was hiking to Yost Lake. On day four of the trip, while near Glass Creek, the backpacker twisted his ankle and camped at his location to recover. During this time, a storm moved into the Eastern Sierra and the area received 18” to 2 ½ feet of fresh new snow over the dry landscape. The backpacker was unsuccessful in keeping his equipment dry. He became wet and cold with numb feet. On Wednesday, April 8^th, he called 911 via his cellphone and requested rescue/extrication.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Team was dispatched to rescue the stranded backpacker. SAR team members staged at June Mountain Ski Area. The ground teams accessed Glass Creek through the ski area and the trailhead at Hartley Springs. The teams were able to locate the stranded backpacker, conduct an EMT patient assessment, and assist in re-warming the backpacker’s extremities. The backpacker was given snow shoes, and with the teams’ assistance, was able to hike back to the trailhead. Once back at the rescue base, the backpacker signed a medical release to seek his own further medical treatment. He was given a ride to his family members in the Mammoth Lakes area.

The Mono County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Team wasn’t to remind all the hikers and backpackers who enjoy our Eastern Sierra trails, to research your route prior to starting on your journey, bring the proper equipment for the terrain and area, and always check the weather report for the time you will be enjoying the backcountry. We want all our hikers and backpackers to have a fun but safe adventure throughout the many Eastern Sierra trails.

Written and reported by: Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer