Siskiyou County Search and Rescue rescue climbers on Mount Shasta

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to two incidents on Mount Shasta involving injured or endangered mountain climbers stranded after mishaps left them imperiled at high elevations and in need of rescue. 

Siskiyou County Sheriff was assisted by multiple agencies including: US Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, and CAL FIRE.

First call, broken leg

The first call, a report of a climber with a broken leg, was received by the SCSO’s Dispatch Center at about 9:53 a.m.  It was later determined a climber, Mr. Collins Bakasa, 21, of Hayward, CA, was immobilized after he slipped, fell, and was injured near Avalanche Gulch, at about 12,000 feet elevation.

USFS Lead Climbing Ranger Nick Meyers reached the injured man and managed to rescue him by transporting him to Lake Helen.  The CHP’s H-14 helicopter crew responded and successfully airlifted the man from Lake Helen to Mercy-Medical Center in Mount Shasta, where he was treated for his injuries. 

Second call, ice cave

The second call resulted in a response by SCSO’s SAR Coordinator (Deputy Burns) at about 1:47 p.m., when a report was received a climber slipped and fell into an ice cave (crevasse) at the 12,000 feet level at Casaval Ridge, in vicinity of Whitney Glacier. 

The climber, later identified as Ms. Abaline Bushong, 31, no address claimed, was immobilized and endangered.  The CHP’s H-14 and later, H-16 helicopter crews were instrumental in rescuing Ms. Bushong from her predicament and she too was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta for treatment of minor injuries.

Both rescued climbers are doing well and are expected to be released from the hospital.

Sheriffs notes

According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, “This is a good time to reinforce some important safety messages to those visitors or area residents who plan to climb or conduct recreational activities on Mount Shasta.

When climbing the mountain, always get the most current information on weather and conditions by checking with the USFS rangers. Stop by the Ranger Station in Mt. Shasta, and check the web page www.shastaavalanche.org.  You’ll find a wealth of information to help you stay safe, and includes information about permit requirements, weather forecasts, safety tips, and clothing and equipment recommendations for Mount Shasta climbs and other outdoor activities on the mountain.”

According to SAR Coordinator Deputy Burns, “Mountain enthusiasts should climb at a level commensurate with their abilities, carry clothing and equipment which will allow them to survive in adverse weather or climbing conditions, and always carry sufficient food and water and a first aid kit. Flashlights, avalanche beacons, bright clothing, such as orange, red, or pink; reflectorized tabs, whistles, global position systems, portable strobe lights, signal mirrors, portable radios, and charged cellular phones are items which can be helpful when something goes wrong on the mountain. Simple things like carrying a map and compass and more importantly, knowing how to use them are critical to survival when visibility conditions change or a rapid descent is warranted. Climbing equipment include proper footwear and crampons to negotiate icy conditions at higher elevations”. 

Deputy Burns added, “Climbers should travel with at least one experienced climber in the party, and it is always better to travel in groups.  Always be familiar with your route and advise a friend or relative of your intended route and time of return.  Always be prepared for adverse weather and environmental conditions on the mountain. Conditions, especially at higher elevations, can change abruptly.  Again, come equipped with proper clothing and footwear, and carry enough equipment for routine and emergency situations, because a quick rescue may not always be possible, especially in a wilderness area such as Mount Shasta, and particularly at higher elevations.   It is common for climbers to be disoriented during sudden changes in weather especially when visibility is reduced.  There are very helpful private guide and equipment rental services available in Mount Shasta as well for climbers and other mountain enthusiasts.”

Sheriff Lopey concluded, “We are very relieved both of these difficult and dangerous rescue missions were successfully orchestrated and I cannot say enough about the SCSO SAR coordinators, SAR volunteers, and the extraordinary efforts of the CHP’s Northern Division Air Operations Unit, led by H-14 and H-16 helicopter crews. USFS Climbing Ranger Nick Meyers was instrumental in these rescue operations and he conducted the first rescue in very hazardous conditions in rugged terrain. Other climbing rangers assisted with the rescue missions.  It should be added a California National Guard helicopter crew were requested and responded to the rescue mission but were cancelled due to the success of the earlier rescue efforts. CAL FIRE also played a role in the rescue missions.  It is always a good day when rescued climbers return home alive and well, thanks to the rescuers and medical staff at Mercy-Mount Shasta Medical Center in Mount Shasta.”                            

Deputy Mike Burns, SCSO’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator, United States Forest Service (USFS) Lead Climbing Ranger, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Air Operations’ helicopters, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and a number of SCSO SAR volunteers responded to both calls.  Deputy Burns was assisted by Deputy Bob Buker, Assistant SAR Coordinator on the second rescue operation.

Press release provided by the Siskiyou County Sheriffs Office.