PCSAR was dispatched late this morning to Beckwourth–Genesee Road for a delivery truck stuck in the snow. The driver reported he had been following GPS directions from Portola to Susanville and had already called a tow truck for assistance. Upon arrival, SAR personnel helped the driver install chains and safely turn the vehicle around.
While returning down Beckwourth–Genesee Road, SAR units encountered the responding tow truck — a very large heavy-duty rig that had attempted to turn around and also become stuck. It turns out the road was not impressed by size or horsepower. With some teamwork — and a Jeep Rubicon that suddenly felt much bigger than it actually is — crews were able to pull the approximately 40,000-pound tow truck free. Both vehicles then made it back to Beckwourth without further incident.
PCSAR would like to remind travelers to be cautious when GPS directions route you off state highways and onto unmaintained or snow-covered roads. Situations like this occur during nearly every major snowstorm, when routes that look reasonable on a map become impassable on the ground.
Please use caution, check road conditions before traveling, and carry proper winter equipment when driving in our area this week.
