December 4, 2012
CCSAR received a call from Saguache county at 08:45 to assist in an apparent overdue climber who was going to attempt to climb Crestone Peak from the Saguache side. It was reported that the subject was going to camp near the Cottonwood lake on the Saguache side Saturday night and climb to the Peak Sunday and return home Sunday night. She failed to return home as planned.
CCSAR dispatched 5 technical climbers to assist. The plan was to have CCSAR tracked vehicles bring the team to the mine which is above the old parking lot, have them walk approximately a mile to the base of Brokenhand Pass and work their way over to the Peak. Brokenhand Pass would also give the team a good view of the Saguache side of the mountains.
FFL was approaching the Sangres to do a recon when a report from Saguache dispatch came in that the subject was found walking down the Cottonwood lake trail in Saguache County. Western State SAR was also stood down along with a Nat’l Guard helicopter and assistance from the Air force reserve. All members returned to search base at 13:45.
Although the subject signed in at the traihead with a proper timeline incorrect information had been given to Saguache County dispatch by the reporting party.
