Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion MR Accident Feb. 11th

From Inyo County Sheriff Facebook page:

"On February 11, 2018, H-82 was requested by Inyo County Sheriff's Office to assist with a rescue of an injured hiker descending the Mountaineers Route on Mt Whitney. The climber fell approximately 200 feet down the route sustaining multiple injuries making him unable to continue his descent. The climber was located at approximately 12,600 feet elevation near Iceberg Lake. When H-82 arrived the winds were gusting in excess of 50 knots. Several attempts were made but conditions were too dangerous to affect a rescue. The injured climber and his partner did not have overnight gear and temperatures had dropped to 20 degrees (F). H-82 gathered equipment at Lone Pine to drop to the climbers for an overnight stay. However, when they returned to the scene winds had calmed enough that a landing could be attempted. H-82 was able to land safely in a patch of snow near the climber and transported the hiker to Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine. His partner hiked down on his own."

Thanks to the CHP helicopter crew of H-82 and Inyo SAR for initial recon.

Glad to hear this had a better outcome as I was fearing reading the first part of it...

I was up there during this time with a guided group of 10 at our high camp just below Iceberg Lake. I like to think that if we had to, we probably could have either moved a tent to them or brought them back to us. As it is, we were all very relieved that the helicopter was able to pick him up safely.