July 3, 2021 was a big day for Custer County SAR in the Crestone Group. We were called to respond to missions on both Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak only hours apart. Our mutual aid partner Saguache SAR fielded the call and requested we take lead. They continued to provide support until the missions were completed. On the first mission we responded to assist 2 male climbers who became cliffed-out while descending Crestone Needle. A technical team of 4 was inserted via helicopter from our support partners DFPC Canon Helitack. We are SO grateful for their assistance all day as they then inserted another team several hours later to assist a solo female climber who sustained an injury near the traverse from Crestone Peak to Crestone Needle. After completing a technical rope rescue for the first two subjects (who were able to continue their descent on their own,) that same technical team joined up with the second team to assist the injured woman in the Red Gully. As darkness fell, the group approached a snow-filled Broken Hand Pass. After assessing conditions in the dark, they used ropes to safely navigate a snowy, icy, and wet Broken Hand Pass into the South Colony Basin. All SAR teams and the second subject were out of the field by 0415 on July 4, 2021. CSAR also provided support to our team throughout both missions. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our extended SAR community and mutual aid partners including Saguache SAR, Colorado SAR, and DFPC Canon Helitack.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone the importance of precise route-finding, utilizing accurate weather forecasts, and researching current trail conditions before heading out. Rescue missions are long and can extend overnight depending on the situation. It can SAVE YOUR LIFE to travel with proper gear, extra clothing, and additional food and water. Stay safe out there!
(July 3, 2021 photos courtesy of Gage Rothrock)