A search and rescue team consisting of a group of volunteers were called into action last Sunday to save five climbers who had made the ill-advised decision to attempt to go rock climbing in the icy mountains of California’s High Sierra.
The climbers lacked the necessary experience and finding themselves stuck on a dangerous part of the trail were ‘unable to proceed in any direction’ after underestimating the treacherous conditions.
When they finally made it back down to the ground the group were chastised by the rescue team on social media.
In a post on Facebook on September 23, Inyo County Search & Rescue made it clear that the risky rescue was ‘entirely avoidable’.
A search and rescue team consisting of a group of volunteers were called into action to save five climbers who had made the ill-advised decision to attempt to go rock climbing in the icy mountains of California ‘s High Sierra.
The volunteers rescuers were forced to ascend the same hazardous routes themselves in order to bring the stranded climbers to safety
The team received two calls for help from the climbers, who had ventured onto icy scrambling routes without adequate preparation or gear, a decision that SAR suggested was nothing short of foolhardy.
The volunteers rescuers were then forced to ascend the same hazardous routes themselves in order to bring the stranded climbers to safety.
‘These missions are very risky to all people involved, and they are entirely avoidable,’ Inyo SAR stated, clearly frustrated by the unnecessary danger posed by the climbers’ lack of planning.
The rescue team sternly advised that anyone encountering snow and ice the routes without the proper knowledge, training or equipment should turn around immediately rather than press on blindly.
‘If you continue into higher elevations, the snow and ice will just get worse — risk and consequences increase greatly,’ the post warned.
In a post on Facebook on September 23, Inyo County Search & Rescue made it clear that the risky rescue was ‘entirely avoidable’
Photos posted online show the steep gradients and tricky conditions the group faced
The climbers found themselves stuck on a dangerous part of the trail were ‘unable to proceed in any direction’ such were the levels of snow and ice in the area
The rescue team advised anyone encountering snow and ice the routes without the proper knowledge, training or equipment should turn around immediately rather than press on
Photos taken by the rescuers show just how high 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 are not only putting themselves at risk but also endanger the lives of the volunteers who have to rescue them from their poor 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 crest, making it particularly hazardous to engage in high-altitude climbing at the current time.
The SAR’s final note imparted words of advice to those tempted to take on dangerous conditions while issuing a subtle rebuke to the climbers who had to be rescued: ‘Meanwhile, enjoy some adventures at lower elevations.’