Successful SAR 4/22 Whitney

Use this forum to stay informed on missing persons alerts, active SAR's and unfortunate hiker accidents we can all hopefully learn from. Any information you may have on a missing person, including first hand weather related information or any other insight (however little) may prove to be critical information to Law Enforcement / SAR in locating the person in question.
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maverick
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Successful SAR 4/22 Whitney

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Inyo NF:
At approximately 12:30 Saturday April 22nd, Inyo County Sheriff’s Dispatch received notification of an avalanche, with one reported injury, on the lower end of the Mountaineer’s Route (~9,500 elevation). The reporting party did not witness the avalanche, but as he was hiking he noticed the runout zone of the avalanche, and below that there was one injured male hiker believed to be suffering from a broken leg. Although CHP H-80 was already near Mt. Whitney doing aerial reconnaissance for the fatality, they were unable to assist because they are not hoist certified. Additional aerial support was requested through Inyo County Search and Rescue, and CHP H-70 out of Paso Robles was able to respond.
The avalanche victim, identified as Sung Kim, 64 year old male from Fullerton, CA, was successfully airlifted out and transported to Southern Inyo Hospital for treatment.
Due to historic snowfall in the Sierra we want to remind outdoor enthusiasts that the risk of avalanches is greater than in past years. Additionally, the high snowpack requires experience and technical skills.
Agencies assisting this weekend include: CHP H-80, CHP H-70, Sequoia-Kings, Inyo SAR, Inyo Sheriff.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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maverick
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Re: Successful SAR 4/22 Whitney

Post by maverick »

Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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