High Sierra Topix

On 8-27-18, on the Thunderbolt Peak north couloir of the North Palisades Traverse, a climber had become injured at 13,200 ft. in the couloir. H-82 was unable to access the patient due to high, unpredictable winds. After several failed attempts at and below the patient, the crew decided to try coming in from above the crest at nearly 14,000 ft. Mathematics will tell you that on this day a hoist at that altitude from H-82 should not be possible. However, the same winds that were giving them fits near the patient were creating a column of air rising up the steep rock face that created the lift needed to make a successful hoist insertion of an Inyo County SAR member, which you see here. This defied all mathematics but was a welcomed surprise. You can see how hard the pilot was working in the unstable wind and updrafts. These winds persisted long enough for six separate hoists, inserting five Inyo County SAR members and heavy equipment, at 13,800 ft. elevation. The SAR members were able to access the critical patient and move him down the mountain far enough for an Army National Guard Chinook helicopter to hoist him out. The stars were definitely aligned that day for an incredible rescue operation. Great job by everyone involved!