Dispatch received a 911 call from residents on Omo Ranch Rd, near the middle fork of the Cosumnes River. The RP stated they heard calls for help, horn honking, and 3 gunshots. Patrol deputies and SAR Deputy Morgan made efforts to get some logging gates unlocked. OHV teams were called out to search the roads for the possible party in need of rescue.
Subjects were found @ 130am 12-25-09 and Dep Morgan reported the following: Omo Ranch Concluded - subjects located by sar ohv team - not in distress - looking for hunting dogs using their own attraction techniques - firing guns - honking horn, yelling etc. Thanks to all who came out Christmas eve!.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Snowboarders stuck on Mormon Emigrant Trail
Group Safe After Ordeal
POSTED: 1:16 pm PST December 21, 2009
UPDATED: 3:54 pm PST December 21, 2009
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- Four snowboarders were stranded Monday afternoon along the Mormon Emigrant Trail, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department.Sgt. Brian Golmitz said it appears that the group's car got stuck in the Silver Fork Area on the way to Kirkwood Mountain Resort.One of the snowboarders has been talking to his father by cell phone, Golmitz said.The group was get to safety on their own before nightfall.Kirkwood said visitors should be aware that Mormon Emigrant Trail is closed during the winter months. For accurate driving directions to the resort, please visit the Kirkwood site.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
"Winter" Storm 12-7-09
That Monday morning was marked a huge snowfall, reaching to the western borders of El Dorado County- up to 2 inches in El Dorado Hills, 6-8 inches in Shingle Springs, reports of up to a foot in Placerville and more further up the hill. As a result, a large number of trees and limbs contributed to massive power outages in Placerville and many outlying areas. With the power outages came loss of phone service, cell site failures, and lack of vehicle access to and from many residences.
EDSO OES set up the Emergency Operations Center on Monday, staffed by OES deputies and some SAR volunteers. Members of EDSAR OHV teams and others assisted in reaching and transporting the elderly and infirm, without heat and infrastructure. These citizens were either handed over to friends and family members for care or transported to "warming centers" set up by El Dorado County.
EDSO OES set up the Emergency Operations Center on Monday, staffed by OES deputies and some SAR volunteers. Members of EDSAR OHV teams and others assisted in reaching and transporting the elderly and infirm, without heat and infrastructure. These citizens were either handed over to friends and family members for care or transported to "warming centers" set up by El Dorado County.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Picket Penn Rd SAR
10-25-09 EDSO was notified at 700pm that a 40 yr old man and his 14 yr old son were stranded in the dark, unable to get around vegetation. The man had a working cell phone and a automobile GPS. He was able to provide their GPS coordinates but could not provide the location of this car. Sgt Morton sent in a team to find the pair and walk them out.
El Dorado Hills- mssing 79 year old man
On Friday afternoon November 13, 2009, Sgt Morton- made a callout for foot, dog and OHV resources a man who left his gated community at 1100am and did not return home. Hasty and dog teams were deployed in nature areas near the command post at Serrano and Silva Parkway. OHV teams ran the wider roads.
CalStar provided initial helo search resources, followed by CHP H-20. A citizen reported that a woman found a man nearby who appeared lost. This was radioed in and several SAR personnel converged on the scene.
A reverse 911 call had been placed to 3500 phone numbers in the immediate area of El Dorado Hills that the subject had last been seen. He had apparently walked quite a distance west, out of the active search area and was returning towards his residential area, when discovered.
While there was no previous history of dementia, the EDSO will follow up with the family to provide information resources for further assistance.
CalStar provided initial helo search resources, followed by CHP H-20. A citizen reported that a woman found a man nearby who appeared lost. This was radioed in and several SAR personnel converged on the scene.
A reverse 911 call had been placed to 3500 phone numbers in the immediate area of El Dorado Hills that the subject had last been seen. He had apparently walked quite a distance west, out of the active search area and was returning towards his residential area, when discovered.
While there was no previous history of dementia, the EDSO will follow up with the family to provide information resources for further assistance.
Mosquito SAR
10-10-09 A 62 year old male went for a walk along the south fork of the American River, in the Mosquito area. He planned to return home before dark by accessing the Mosquito Bridge and following a paved road to his home.
He was reported missing by family. The subject was unable to complete his walk due to the very steep canyon walls. He spent the night on a rock in the river. In the morning- limited resources (foot, dog teams) were deployed. CHP H-20 spotted him, after daybreak. Using a one-skid landing the subject was rescued. One dog team found itself in a similar predicament.
With the help of a local, knowing a "secret path" and OHV teams- the dog team was guided out of the canyon and returned to CP by OHV.
He was reported missing by family. The subject was unable to complete his walk due to the very steep canyon walls. He spent the night on a rock in the river. In the morning- limited resources (foot, dog teams) were deployed. CHP H-20 spotted him, after daybreak. Using a one-skid landing the subject was rescued. One dog team found itself in a similar predicament.
With the help of a local, knowing a "secret path" and OHV teams- the dog team was guided out of the canyon and returned to CP by OHV.
Robbs Valley- possible Suicide
"Ed" from Sacramento was missing from his Sacramento county residence and was reported suicidal. Authorities located his vehicle in the El Dorado National Forest. Working with the EDSO, more than one mission by search dog teams were run, looking for clues and remains. This case is open and will be pursued further subject to access.
Ellkins Flat SAR
On Saturday Nov 8th, 2009, EDSO was notified that two off-road motobikers were overdue to return to camp. Some nighttime searching was done at night by OHV teams. A full callout was scheduled for the next morning.
Command Post was set up. Incoming SAR volunteers were notified, over our ham channel, the clothing and bike descriptions of our two missing subjects.
One member noted a male ride by the CP and hence ran after him on foot. This person was confirmed to be one of the missing subjects. The other was nearby. They spent the night unprepared for the cold night, unable to build a fire due to mechanical breakdown of one of the bikes.
Command Post was set up. Incoming SAR volunteers were notified, over our ham channel, the clothing and bike descriptions of our two missing subjects.
One member noted a male ride by the CP and hence ran after him on foot. This person was confirmed to be one of the missing subjects. The other was nearby. They spent the night unprepared for the cold night, unable to build a fire due to mechanical breakdown of one of the bikes.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Slickrock SAR
Hello SAR Folks, (10-25-09 night)
The following are coordinates (WGS84/UTM) from this morning's SAR.
Command Post: 10S 736152mE 4306520mN - 6630 ft.
PLK: 10S 734958mE 4306114mN - 6391 ft.
First Prints: 10S 735267mE 4306278mN - 6528 ft.
Subject Location: 10S 734959mE 4306550mN - 6368 ft.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me if you'd like more information.
Regards,
Ryan Wimmer
SAR342, KI6UDK
A brief description of what happened (from my perspective):
A relative at home of the lost father + son called us to initiate the
retrieval. Father and son had a GPS (I think) and cell phone coverage,
and so Bernie was able to talk to them. They provided their coordinates, at
the top of a small ridge, then moved down the ridge a little to wait. They
left that afternoon (carrying a $9000 video camera) to take pictures that
they hoped to include in the son's yearbook. Somewhere along the way,
they lost the trail. They expected to follow the creek back to the car,
but found it difficult to make their way through the underbrush and were
uncertain whether the water near them was in fact the right creek. It
appeared they did not have a map, but were trying to rely on map
descriptions relayed to them over their cell phone.
We located their car at the end of Pickett Pen road (at the command post
coordinates Ryan provided). The subjects were perhaps 0.75mi away according
to the GPS. The subjects were able to hear Bernie's siren, so four of
us (team 1, the only team) followed a heading toward the last reported
coordinates. We did not hear a response to our whistles and yelling as we
moved toward the father and son. When we reached the top of the ridge
where they last provided coordinates, we could see a small fire they had
built a short distance down the ridge. They saw our headlamps. We reached
them about 3 or 3.5ish hours after we had received the call.
They were slightly cold and mildly dehydrated. We put out the fire and
made our way back. The son's (who I was talking to) mental awareness
improved as we got moving and they warmed up. It took a little over
an hour to return to command post. We gave them some more water and a
blanket. Bernie got some information, and we all headed back home.
It was a nice evening walk, a quick "search" and a happy ending. Thanks
to everyone who responded.
Tait
The following are coordinates (WGS84/UTM) from this morning's SAR.
Command Post: 10S 736152mE 4306520mN - 6630 ft.
PLK: 10S 734958mE 4306114mN - 6391 ft.
First Prints: 10S 735267mE 4306278mN - 6528 ft.
Subject Location: 10S 734959mE 4306550mN - 6368 ft.
If you have questions, feel free to contact me if you'd like more information.
Regards,
Ryan Wimmer
SAR342, KI6UDK
A brief description of what happened (from my perspective):
A relative at home of the lost father + son called us to initiate the
retrieval. Father and son had a GPS (I think) and cell phone coverage,
and so Bernie was able to talk to them. They provided their coordinates, at
the top of a small ridge, then moved down the ridge a little to wait. They
left that afternoon (carrying a $9000 video camera) to take pictures that
they hoped to include in the son's yearbook. Somewhere along the way,
they lost the trail. They expected to follow the creek back to the car,
but found it difficult to make their way through the underbrush and were
uncertain whether the water near them was in fact the right creek. It
appeared they did not have a map, but were trying to rely on map
descriptions relayed to them over their cell phone.
We located their car at the end of Pickett Pen road (at the command post
coordinates Ryan provided). The subjects were perhaps 0.75mi away according
to the GPS. The subjects were able to hear Bernie's siren, so four of
us (team 1, the only team) followed a heading toward the last reported
coordinates. We did not hear a response to our whistles and yelling as we
moved toward the father and son. When we reached the top of the ridge
where they last provided coordinates, we could see a small fire they had
built a short distance down the ridge. They saw our headlamps. We reached
them about 3 or 3.5ish hours after we had received the call.
They were slightly cold and mildly dehydrated. We put out the fire and
made our way back. The son's (who I was talking to) mental awareness
improved as we got moving and they warmed up. It took a little over
an hour to return to command post. We gave them some more water and a
blanket. Bernie got some information, and we all headed back home.
It was a nice evening walk, a quick "search" and a happy ending. Thanks
to everyone who responded.
Tait
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Missing 60yr male; Mosquito
Callout late on Sat 10-10-09 for missing male. CHP H-20 found him on a rock in the American River canyon 830am following morning.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
SAR Ground Team assists with a down dog on Trail
August 15, 2009
The day started with an organized hike from Wright's Lake to Enchanted Pools and included a navigational training exercise. View of Enchanted pools
SAR Folks,
You've probably seen Alan's email regarding a dog rescue at Wright's Lake. You may have even overheard some of the 805 traffic. Here's the story.
About 4 p.m. today Ryan Wimmer and I were homebound on Wright's Lake Road in Rescue 3 when a gentlemen in an SUV flagged us down. He said his dog was in some kind of medical trouble up on a hiking trail. The dog couldn't move. Could we help? I told him to lead us there.
We followed him to the Lyon's Creek trailhead. There, he told us the dog was no ordinary canine, but a Great Pyrenees - a huge breed. This particular example weighed 160 pounds! And, though I had secretly hoped the dog would recover by the time we got there, it was still immobilized up the trail.
Though I was skeptical, the owner assured us that the dog was docile and would tolerate being carried out. So, Plan A was to drive in as far as we could, hike to the dog, package him in a Stokes litter and carry him down to the vehicles. However, the whole plan depended on getting through the locked gate across the Lyon's Creek Trail. We radioed the Man Who Knows Everyone, Frank Yost, he made some phone calls, and it wasn't long before a cheerful USFS gal named Amanda showed up with the keys.
Meanwhile, we were getting advice from all over. Alan Fudge looked up the correct aspirin dosage for a 160 pound dog. He warned us against Ibuprofin or Tylenol. Dave McCracken suggested putting a blanket on the dog to during the carryout to prevent it from getting agitated - this really works! Deanna and Bill Hart and their two guests drove down from Wright's lake to volunteer as litter-bearers. (There were others who helped - sorry I can't remember everyone.)
The rest went according to plan. We packaged the dog almost like a human, with backboard, spider straps, and Stokes litter. The carryout took perhaps 30 minutes, including 4 or 5 rest stops. By about 6:30 the dog was on his way to his vet in El Dorado Hills.
Helping a dog in trouble is a little out of our normal line, but this was a very satisfying afternoon's work.
Paul
The day started with an organized hike from Wright's Lake to Enchanted Pools and included a navigational training exercise. View of Enchanted pools
SAR Folks,
You've probably seen Alan's email regarding a dog rescue at Wright's Lake. You may have even overheard some of the 805 traffic. Here's the story.
About 4 p.m. today Ryan Wimmer and I were homebound on Wright's Lake Road in Rescue 3 when a gentlemen in an SUV flagged us down. He said his dog was in some kind of medical trouble up on a hiking trail. The dog couldn't move. Could we help? I told him to lead us there.
We followed him to the Lyon's Creek trailhead. There, he told us the dog was no ordinary canine, but a Great Pyrenees - a huge breed. This particular example weighed 160 pounds! And, though I had secretly hoped the dog would recover by the time we got there, it was still immobilized up the trail.
Though I was skeptical, the owner assured us that the dog was docile and would tolerate being carried out. So, Plan A was to drive in as far as we could, hike to the dog, package him in a Stokes litter and carry him down to the vehicles. However, the whole plan depended on getting through the locked gate across the Lyon's Creek Trail. We radioed the Man Who Knows Everyone, Frank Yost, he made some phone calls, and it wasn't long before a cheerful USFS gal named Amanda showed up with the keys.
Meanwhile, we were getting advice from all over. Alan Fudge looked up the correct aspirin dosage for a 160 pound dog. He warned us against Ibuprofin or Tylenol. Dave McCracken suggested putting a blanket on the dog to during the carryout to prevent it from getting agitated - this really works! Deanna and Bill Hart and their two guests drove down from Wright's lake to volunteer as litter-bearers. (There were others who helped - sorry I can't remember everyone.)
The rest went according to plan. We packaged the dog almost like a human, with backboard, spider straps, and Stokes litter. The carryout took perhaps 30 minutes, including 4 or 5 rest stops. By about 6:30 the dog was on his way to his vet in El Dorado Hills.
Helping a dog in trouble is a little out of our normal line, but this was a very satisfying afternoon's work.
Paul
Spot Activation
On August 14th, 2009, EDSO OES was notified of a 911 Spot Satellite Messenger msg from the Rubicon Springs area. SAR Coordinators, Deps. Morgan and Cathey initiated events that led to a successful SAR.
The SPOT was registered to an outdoor adventure company in Coloma. The coordinators learned that the individuals at risk in the travel party included an obese forty-something male and a teenager with diabetes.
Working with the USFS, CalStar was dispatched to the beaconed coordinates. The teenager had experienced a diabetic reaction and was airlifted to Barton Memorial Hospital at S. Lake Tahoe.
Several SAR members were ready to head out, but the SAR successfully concluded w/o a volunteer callout.
The SPOT was registered to an outdoor adventure company in Coloma. The coordinators learned that the individuals at risk in the travel party included an obese forty-something male and a teenager with diabetes.
Working with the USFS, CalStar was dispatched to the beaconed coordinates. The teenager had experienced a diabetic reaction and was airlifted to Barton Memorial Hospital at S. Lake Tahoe.
Several SAR members were ready to head out, but the SAR successfully concluded w/o a volunteer callout.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Grizzly Flat- missing dirt biker
A gentleman from NV had departed from a known site for a day run near a citizen's property. It appeared that he had not returned over a 2 day period. EDSO was contacted. Deputy Crawford- initiated a hasty search and investigation about the subject. A callout for ground, K9, OHV and management was made.
Within minutes of the arrival of SAR volunteers and coordinators, the subject's vehicle was approached again to leave a note and was discovered gone! Well anyway, the man was no longer lost and slipped away!.
Very short exercise.
Within minutes of the arrival of SAR volunteers and coordinators, the subject's vehicle was approached again to leave a note and was discovered gone! Well anyway, the man was no longer lost and slipped away!.
Very short exercise.
Pacific House Search
A young male subject embarked on a long solo, first-time backpacking trip from Modesto to Tahoe. During his hike along U.S. 50 the subject stated CHP told him not to hike along the highway. On Saturday June 13th, he called 911 and was in touch with Deputy Olmos from Tahoe SAR and another SAR member.
Reason for the call- he was in the canyon and lost. A medical helo provided a flyover survey and EDSAR Swiftwater Team was dispatched to check a stretch of the S. fork of the American River downstream from Pacific House.
On Sunday, a wider callout was made- SAR ground, K9, OHV and Swiftwater teams searched the trails, the canyon and the waterways, down towards and downstream from Fresh Pond. Cal Star provided a morning flyover. Later in the day a National Guard Huey from Stockton arrived for more flyover surveys.
No sign, tracks or clues of the subject were found. Some team members did encounter poison oak exposure deep in the canyon. In addition a cougar was sighted.
On the following morning, SAR coordinators arranged for CHP H-20 to fly the river again. The subject was spotted, approximately 1000 yards downstream from points that several teams reached the day before. The subject was hoisted out and delivered to EDSO for debrief and reuniting with family.
Reason for the call- he was in the canyon and lost. A medical helo provided a flyover survey and EDSAR Swiftwater Team was dispatched to check a stretch of the S. fork of the American River downstream from Pacific House.
On Sunday, a wider callout was made- SAR ground, K9, OHV and Swiftwater teams searched the trails, the canyon and the waterways, down towards and downstream from Fresh Pond. Cal Star provided a morning flyover. Later in the day a National Guard Huey from Stockton arrived for more flyover surveys.
No sign, tracks or clues of the subject were found. Some team members did encounter poison oak exposure deep in the canyon. In addition a cougar was sighted.
On the following morning, SAR coordinators arranged for CHP H-20 to fly the river again. The subject was spotted, approximately 1000 yards downstream from points that several teams reached the day before. The subject was hoisted out and delivered to EDSO for debrief and reuniting with family.
South Fork Rescue Memorial Day
On Sat May 23, 2009- EDSO rec'd a 911 call from a pair who set out from Chili Bar with inner tubes, no PFDs and otherwise unequipped. After the first rapids, they realized that they were in danger and way past their abilities to continue. They exited into some isolated area off river and made contact with cell phone.
Sgt. Morton organized fire and rescue; EDSO dive team. CHP H-20 was called. Plans were underway to callout Swiftwater and possibly other support teams. H-20 located the subjects. They were hoisted up and deposited on a hastily made helispot at Hwy 193 and the American River.
While the rescue was a complete success, without loss of life, SAR members did not have the opportunity to participate. When the family learned about the process, they made a sizable donation to ESARC our non-profit organization.
Sgt. Morton organized fire and rescue; EDSO dive team. CHP H-20 was called. Plans were underway to callout Swiftwater and possibly other support teams. H-20 located the subjects. They were hoisted up and deposited on a hastily made helispot at Hwy 193 and the American River.
While the rescue was a complete success, without loss of life, SAR members did not have the opportunity to participate. When the family learned about the process, they made a sizable donation to ESARC our non-profit organization.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Missing Desolation Wilderness Hiker
Placerville Man Discovered In Desolation Wilderness
POSTED: 11:45 am PDT June 9, 2009 (kcra.com)
UPDATED: 4:37 pm PDT June 9, 2009
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- A Placerville man who was reported missing in the Desolation Wilderness in the Sierra has been found safe.
Matthew Kinney, 26, was last seen at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the area of Loon Lake by the friend who dropped him off.
He was found in good health at about 3 p.m. Tuesday near Lake Schmidell, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department said.
Kinney's plan was to hike from Loon Lake to Horsetail Falls, spending two nights in the wilderness and ending his trip on June 6.
When Kinney did not return, he was reported missing to El Dorado County Sheriff Office, which started search and rescue efforts.
POSTED: 11:45 am PDT June 9, 2009 (kcra.com)
UPDATED: 4:37 pm PDT June 9, 2009
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- A Placerville man who was reported missing in the Desolation Wilderness in the Sierra has been found safe.
Matthew Kinney, 26, was last seen at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the area of Loon Lake by the friend who dropped him off.
He was found in good health at about 3 p.m. Tuesday near Lake Schmidell, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department said.
Kinney's plan was to hike from Loon Lake to Horsetail Falls, spending two nights in the wilderness and ending his trip on June 6.
When Kinney did not return, he was reported missing to El Dorado County Sheriff Office, which started search and rescue efforts.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Grizzly Flat- missing juveniles 4-16-09
EDSO was notified about 2 missing juveniles on the evening of 4-16-09. A callout was made and SAR member(s) from Grizzly Flats located the subjects, straight away.
Alpine Mutual Aid 4-9-09
About 10-14 days before our involvement, a car belonging to a 51 yr old female was found south of Markleeville. Investigation indicated that she might be a missing person at risk. Multiple counties from CA and NV assisted Alpine County Sheriff's Dept in looking for signs of the subject. On 4-9-09 team members from EDSAR West Slope and Tahoe, were joined by members from Douglas County NV.
At one point, dogs showed interest in a mine shaft. Deputy Olmos was roped up, assisted by SAR members to have a look. Nothing was found. While an investigation is ongoing, Alpine SO suspended the search after this date.
At one point, dogs showed interest in a mine shaft. Deputy Olmos was roped up, assisted by SAR members to have a look. Nothing was found. While an investigation is ongoing, Alpine SO suspended the search after this date.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Deceased Loon Lake Subject
A Sacramento man, missing for two weeks, was found dead near Loon Lake. USFS rangers reported his found vehicle to El Dorado Sheriff, who found the vehicle was registered to a missing person.
On March 16, 2009 the EDSO, assisted by search dog teams, located the subject, apparently the victim of a suicide.
On March 16, 2009 the EDSO, assisted by search dog teams, located the subject, apparently the victim of a suicide.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Camp Creek SAR
(excerpted from KCRA)
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- A missing 13-year-old boy and his father who spent a chilly night in the Sierra after a kayak trip were plucked to safety Monday by a rescue helicopter east of Pollock Pines.
Mike Zanoska, 46, and his son, Ian, were reunited with family members shortly after 11 a.m. Mike Zanoska expressed gratitude to rescuers.
"I just appreciate all their hard efforts," the elder Zanoska said as medics took him to an ambulance. "It would have been a long, miserable couple more hours to walk out without their helping us."
The duo was dropped off Sunday in the mountains east of Pollock Pines. They were discovered Monday along Camp Creek a short distance from Mormon Emigrant Trail.
A searcher in an airplane spotted a kayak early Monday. The father and son were found nearby in the creek canyon.
A California Highway Patrol rescue helicopter delicately descended into the canyon, a rescuer was lowered and Ian Zanoska was lifted into the chopper.
The helicopter flew the boy to a nearby command post at about 11 a.m., where medics were waiting. He could be seen walking to waiting family members wearing a big green jacket.
The helicopter then returned and picked up his father. He was flown back to the command post about 10 minutes later, loaded onto a stretcher and wheeled to an ambulance. He was given a blanket to warm up after spending a freezing night in the woods.
"It was cold," Mike Zanoska added. "We had a fire. We had a space blanket. I had (Ian) in a parka, but, you know, we were sleeping in kind of a hollowed-out cave and it was cold."
Both father and son were taken to a local hospital for evaluations, but both appeared to be in good health.
Holly Zonoska, Mike's wife and Ian's mom, expressed tears of joy after her loved ones were flown to safety.
"I'm just so relieved," she said. "You have no idea. You have no idea."
A family member reported the pair missing Sunday after they failed to show up at a predetermined meeting spot.
The family member called the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department, which launched a search late Sunday. The search resumed on Monday.
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- A missing 13-year-old boy and his father who spent a chilly night in the Sierra after a kayak trip were plucked to safety Monday by a rescue helicopter east of Pollock Pines.
Mike Zanoska, 46, and his son, Ian, were reunited with family members shortly after 11 a.m. Mike Zanoska expressed gratitude to rescuers.
"I just appreciate all their hard efforts," the elder Zanoska said as medics took him to an ambulance. "It would have been a long, miserable couple more hours to walk out without their helping us."
The duo was dropped off Sunday in the mountains east of Pollock Pines. They were discovered Monday along Camp Creek a short distance from Mormon Emigrant Trail.
A searcher in an airplane spotted a kayak early Monday. The father and son were found nearby in the creek canyon.
A California Highway Patrol rescue helicopter delicately descended into the canyon, a rescuer was lowered and Ian Zanoska was lifted into the chopper.
The helicopter flew the boy to a nearby command post at about 11 a.m., where medics were waiting. He could be seen walking to waiting family members wearing a big green jacket.
The helicopter then returned and picked up his father. He was flown back to the command post about 10 minutes later, loaded onto a stretcher and wheeled to an ambulance. He was given a blanket to warm up after spending a freezing night in the woods.
"It was cold," Mike Zanoska added. "We had a fire. We had a space blanket. I had (Ian) in a parka, but, you know, we were sleeping in kind of a hollowed-out cave and it was cold."
Both father and son were taken to a local hospital for evaluations, but both appeared to be in good health.
Holly Zonoska, Mike's wife and Ian's mom, expressed tears of joy after her loved ones were flown to safety.
"I'm just so relieved," she said. "You have no idea. You have no idea."
A family member reported the pair missing Sunday after they failed to show up at a predetermined meeting spot.
The family member called the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department, which launched a search late Sunday. The search resumed on Monday.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Missing Tahoe Skier; Avalanche Victim
Missing Tahoe Skier Found Dead (excerpted from KCRA Channel 3 and EDSO press release.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -A missing Lake Tahoe skier was found dead Monday morning at the scene of a fresh avalanche, authorities said.The body of Christopher Trethaway, 39, was discovered near Cascade Lake, said Lt. Les Lovell of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.Trethaway had apparently gone skiing alone in the backcountry Sunday and failed to return."We would also like to remind anyone using the backcountry, especially this time of year, of the importance of telling someone where you intend to go, how long you plan to stay, and how many persons are in your party," Lovell said in a prepared statement.At about 9:25 a.m. Monday, searchers found clothing and equipment believed to be the property of Trethaway. Additional resources were committed to the area, and with the help of a search dog the remains of Trethaway were located. His body was removed from the area and next of kin were notified, Lovell added.Authorities said Trethaway's car was earlier found by the Bayview Trailhead near Emerald Bay.About 60 searchers were deployed, including members from the El Dorado County Search and Rescue unit, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Lake Valley Fire Department, Fallen Leaf Fire Department, Meeks Bay Fire Department, Tahoe Nordic Ski Team, California State Parks and the California Rescue Dog Association.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -A missing Lake Tahoe skier was found dead Monday morning at the scene of a fresh avalanche, authorities said.The body of Christopher Trethaway, 39, was discovered near Cascade Lake, said Lt. Les Lovell of the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.Trethaway had apparently gone skiing alone in the backcountry Sunday and failed to return."We would also like to remind anyone using the backcountry, especially this time of year, of the importance of telling someone where you intend to go, how long you plan to stay, and how many persons are in your party," Lovell said in a prepared statement.At about 9:25 a.m. Monday, searchers found clothing and equipment believed to be the property of Trethaway. Additional resources were committed to the area, and with the help of a search dog the remains of Trethaway were located. His body was removed from the area and next of kin were notified, Lovell added.Authorities said Trethaway's car was earlier found by the Bayview Trailhead near Emerald Bay.About 60 searchers were deployed, including members from the El Dorado County Search and Rescue unit, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, Lake Valley Fire Department, Fallen Leaf Fire Department, Meeks Bay Fire Department, Tahoe Nordic Ski Team, California State Parks and the California Rescue Dog Association.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
South County Missing Subject
A family ended up with a pickup stuck in the snow near North-South and Omo Ranch Roads. SAR members were called out late in the evening. The subject was found okay but cold and hungry in the early AM hours
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Amador Mutual Aid
A small group of EDSAR members traveled to Amador County, today, lead by Deputy James Morgan. The subject was a 62 year old male, missing four days, in rugged country at 2600 feet. The day before, a dog team found the subject's hat.
Today, on February 7, 2009, the subject was found deceased.
Today, on February 7, 2009, the subject was found deceased.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Missing Teenagers on Quads
In the early evening of 1-17-09, EDSO received a call that two 16 year old boys were overdue from a 400pm one-hour trip. The family was camped a long Mormon Emigrant Trail/Iron Mountain Road, about 4 miles east of Snow Mill Road Patrol deputies searched the drivable roads. CHP H-20 attempted to spot the missing boys from the air.
We learned this morning that the boys tried to signal the helo last night with their flashlight or head light.
Volunteers from El Dorado Search and Rescue responded to a 2200hr SAR callout by Deputy Morgan- and searched all night, while manning a command post/operations center. In the early AM, an additional callout was made and more members responded.
About 1030 hours, a family friend, driving the MET stopped and called out for the boys. One of the boys, who was walking out, responded to the calls. The friend brought him back to the CP. Teams in OHVs and Quads returned to the area with the boy as a guide. CHP H-20, returning again this AM, after refueling, spotted the other boy. The OHV and quad teams reached the other boy. CHP paramedics check him out; he returned to command post, where El Dorado County Fire Paramedics were staging. Medically the boys checked out fine and did not need hospital transport.
Further interviews indicated that the boys both became stuck in the snow and could not extricate their vehicles. They were unsuccessful their attemps to start a fire. They overnighted under a weather cover for one of the quad vehicles.
We learned this morning that the boys tried to signal the helo last night with their flashlight or head light.
Volunteers from El Dorado Search and Rescue responded to a 2200hr SAR callout by Deputy Morgan- and searched all night, while manning a command post/operations center. In the early AM, an additional callout was made and more members responded.
About 1030 hours, a family friend, driving the MET stopped and called out for the boys. One of the boys, who was walking out, responded to the calls. The friend brought him back to the CP. Teams in OHVs and Quads returned to the area with the boy as a guide. CHP H-20, returning again this AM, after refueling, spotted the other boy. The OHV and quad teams reached the other boy. CHP paramedics check him out; he returned to command post, where El Dorado County Fire Paramedics were staging. Medically the boys checked out fine and did not need hospital transport.
Further interviews indicated that the boys both became stuck in the snow and could not extricate their vehicles. They were unsuccessful their attemps to start a fire. They overnighted under a weather cover for one of the quad vehicles.
