Thursday, September 6, 2018
Custer County Search & Rescue (CCSAR)
710 Rosita Ave
PO Box 1092
Westcliffe, CO 81252
719-783-0442
719-783-2270 (Sheriff’s Office)
SAR teams have successfully completed a 2-day rescue operation of four (4) stranded male climbers from Crestone Peak’s Northwest Couloir.
The climbers became stranded approximately 700 feet below the summit in dangerous terrain, complicated by the recent snowfall. The Custer County Sheriff’s office activated CCSAR on Tuesday, September 4th at approximately noon and four (4) CCSAR technical team members were inserted by REACH Air Medical helicopter into the Cottonwood Lake area with the Wet Mountain Fire Protection District (WMFPD) assisting with flight operations. These teams ascended the Red Gully and then rappelled into the Northwest Couloir and made visual contact with the stranded group but complicated terrain and weather conditions coupled with available daylight required the CCSAR teams to leave the field for the night. Additional assets were organized for the next morning and included resource assistance from Colorado State Rescue Board (CSRB) and rescue members from Western State Mountain Rescue and the Alpine Rescue Team, including two (2) Tier 3 Hoist Rescue Team members who were inserted by a Buckley Air Force Base Blackhawk helicopter crew. Rescue teams accessed the climbers and lowered them to safety with operations successfully concluded on Wednesday, September 5th at approximately midnight. Over 30 volunteers from this mix of agencies participated in the rescue effort and CCSAR is grateful for our mutual aid colleague’s assistance during this extended mission.
CCSAR would like to remind wilderness users/back country travelers that rescue is not always a timely option due to conditions and logistics. You should be prepared to spend extended periods of time in inhospitable terrain if an emergency arises. Carry the Ten Essentials (Ten Essentials List) and know how to use them. Lastly, be willing and prepared to abort a hike/climb if conditions aren’t suitable. Ascending is optional. Returning home shouldn’t be.
Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams. By purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund, which will reimburse these teams for costs incurred in search and rescues across the State of Colorado. The CORSAR card is available for $3 for a one-year card and $12 for five-year card. CORSAR Card purchases can be made locally from Custer County SAR and All the Range, as well as online at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dola/search-and-rescue-fund
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