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Successful SAR 4/22 Whitney

Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 2:18 pm
by maverick
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.

Re: Successful SAR 4/22 Whitney

Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 11:33 am
by maverick