At approximately 7pm, Search and Rescue (SAR) was activated for an injured hiker near Round Lake in the Lakes Basin area, who managed to make an emergency call before his phone battery died. The individual, a 71-year-old male, had slid down a snow patch into the water while attempting to follow a trail, leading to hypothermia and immobility as he struggled to return to the path.
Two SAR units deployed e-bikes for quick access to the hiker, who was attempting to crawl through the brush toward the trail. Upon arrival, SAR personnel found that he had sustained only minor cuts and scrapes, and he was no longer hypothermic. The hiker had wisely removed his wet clothing and changed into dry layers from his backpack. He was able to walk with assistance, and two additional SAR units helped escort him on foot for the two-mile trek back to his vehicle. He received food and water and was deemed in adequate condition to self-transport.
Plumas County SAR expressed gratitude to the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) and Butte County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue for their readiness to provide additional resources if necessary. It was fortunate that the individual was able to walk out, avoiding the need for helicopter transport during the challenging nighttime hours.
