Highlights of The Year 1999

Compiled by Webmaster from Newsletters by Jim Gilbreath and scrapbook created by Nickie Leyen

1999 had 33 field operations, 20 training sessions, 12 team meetings, and a total of 80 Team events. There were six fatalities.

The following accounts of field operations are the best efforts of the newsletter editor, are NOT official reports, and may have errors and omissions, for which apologies and regrets are expressed in advance.

January

The team was able to buy quality red North Face outerware for Rescue Members. Now we are recognizable in the field, as well as a lot warmer.

We received contributions of $500 from the June Lake Women’s Club and $500 from Greg Silvi, one of the Mt. Dana victims. Greg has indicated that he would like to come to Mammoth next summer to do a BBQ as a thank you to the Team!

The Sheriff’s office was able to obtain a used Forest Service 4-door 4WD truck for us, and it has been outfitted with a shell and roof containers for the avalanche probes. It is now Rescue 3, and based in Mammoth.

Welcome to David Percak, who was accepted as our newest Candidate Member at the January meeting.

January 3, 1999 99-01R. The John Wong family from London (father and 3 daughters) began skiing in the afternoon, intending to also do the night skiing session, then have dinner before going home. Their car was at chair 15. The family mother reported them overdue when they were not home by 0200.

The team was called out at 0315. The subjects had tried to ski back to chair 15 from the top of chair 14 by going around the back of the mountain, which won’t work. They got confused in direction and went to Mammoth Pass then down to Red’s Meadow, thinking they were heading east. They walked up the road in the fine weather and moonlight to the gate across the road at Minaret Summit. Upon seeing the sign saying "ROAD CLOSED", they turned around and walked back down.

We sent a snowcat down the road toward Red’s Meadows, which encountered the subjects, in good condition, but tired after walking eleven hours and eleven miles in ski boots. Responders were: Rosnau (ops), Wright, Nelson, Gilbreath, Harvey, Baker, Edwards, DeGeorge, McClintock, Zahn, Burns, Bauss, Enright, Greene, Maresch, Tracey, Aquirre, Enyeart.

January 3 and 4, 1999 99-02R Amber Vierling and Don Hayes left Tamarack 27 December for a planned winter ski/backpack trip, intending to finish January 2. Their wilderness permit showed their plan to go over Duck Pass to Purple Lake, Cascade Valley, Iva Bell Hot Springs, Crater Creek, Crater Meadow, Mammoth Crest, and return to Tamarack.

The Forest Service was the first to be aware the subjects were overdue, and sent out ski teams to Mammoth Pass, and asked MLPD to identify the car, which was parked at Tamarack. The team was called out late afternoon on Sunday, with helicopter service requested from NAS Fallon. Rescue 6 arrived at 1615, and searched until dark without a find, but saw ski tracks near Island Crossing.

Greg Enright searched the Lakes basin, finding lots of tracks, but not the subjects. Lee Frees did not see them when coming down from Barney Lake. Bob Sollima was out most of the day, finding many tracks near Mammoth Pass and Red’s Meadow, and saw two people heading in the general direction of Crater Meadow.

Because all the nearby areas had been searched at least some, high probability areas were farther than a ground team could get during the night, the subjects were experienced and well equipped, weather was good, and flying weather was predicted excellent for Monday, no ground teams were sent in on Sunday night.

The team met after dinner at the fire station for a planning session with the helicopter crew, and arrangements made with the airport manager for early fuel support and space for Search Base.

Victor Aguirre went to the top of Mammoth Mountain early with a cross-band radio repeater to provide communications between the airport and Fish Creek. Bill Greene set up his mobile radio in the airport office with an external antenna. This scheme worked very well for helicopter communications. The Mammoth ham repeater was used for ground team communications.

Rescue 6 began searching at 0719, with Lee Frees aboard as expert observer. They found intermittent ski tracks in various places, tracks from Duck Lake to Cascade Valley, a camp site on Fish Creek, and an arrow stamped in the snow near Island Crossing.

Team 1 of Rosnau and Bauss was inserted via helo to Island Crossing, Team 2 of DeGeorge and Edwards was inserted a few miles north on Crater Creek, and Bob Sollima started hiking south from Red’s Meadow.

Team 1 began following tracks up the trail from Island Crossing. At 1113, Sollima encountered the subjects on the trail to Red’s, about three miles away, in good condition. He took them to his cabin for the night.

The field teams were picked up by the helicopter, and the operation terminated. Telephone conversation with Amber revealed they were late primarily due to steep and icy snow, especially on Duck Pass. They spent their first night at Skelton Lake, then had to post-hole up to Duck Pass. They did not go to Purple Lake, but camped at the Duck Lake outlet, then followed the stream down to Cascade Valley, camping upstream from Second Crossing where the helo had seen evidence of a campsite.

They also camped two nights next to the main pool at Iva Bell, but on ice so the helo crew did not see their tracks. They stamped the arrow into the snow on Sunday morning, and camped that night near the waterfall north of Cold Creek. They claim the helicopter flew directly over them on Monday morning while they were wearing red and waving their arms, but were not seen, providing a reminder that helicopter searching is difficult. They were probably in the trees at that time. Responders were: Case, Rosnau, Gilbreath (ops), Tracey, DeGeorge, Greene, Zahn, Edwards, Bauss, Harvey, Enright, Newman, Ognibene, Burnham, Frees, Riggs, Browne, VanDusen, Aquirre and Sollima,

Victims Visit - We were surprised and very pleased to have Amber Vierling and Don Hayes walk in at the January meeting. They had skied over the pass after a night of rest and fine hospitality at Bob Sollima's cabin. They expressed grateful thanks for our concern and search work on their behalf. Don said that although they were only late, and not injured or lost, it easily could have been otherwise. They briefly described their work in saving some rain forest land in Costa Rica and other nature rescue work.

January 28, 1999 99-03R. After asking advice from a ski patrolman, John Hadidan from Carpenteria skied outside the boundary toward the Mammoth Mt. backside, but failed to turn soon enough to get back to Chair 14, and continued downhill in deep snow.

He was reported overdue by his friend when he failed to show up at 1100. The team was called out and began operations at Main Lodge. At 1745 a Mammoth snowcat was sent down the Reds Meadows road. Bob Sollima let his dogs out and left his cabin to search at 1840. Ski/snowshoe teams were dispatched to the top of Froggy’s and Turkey Gulch.

At 1925 Sollima reported hearing someone yelling in the same direction toward Sotcher Lake his dog Chief had gone, and was proceeding in that direction. Ski teams stood by pending identification. Two teams on snowmobiles were sent to Sotcher Lake with snowshoes.

At 1951 Sollima confirmed the identify of the subject at the Northeast end of Sotcher Lake where the subject had built a fire. Bob led him out to the road where he was picked up at 2055 by the snowcat, and brought to Main Lodge at 2205. He was in good condition, but tired. Responders were: Sollima, Bauss, Aquire (ops), Little, Rosnau, Tracey, Greene, Enyeart, Edwards, Edlund, DeGeorge, Riggs, Percak, Rousek, Burnham and Kennedy

January 31, 1999 99-04R Tom Miller from Thousand Oaks was snowboarding with four friends on Lincoln Mountain in the avalanche chutes. He took a separate route the last run at 1515, and was reported missing by his friends after he did not meet them at the bottom of the run. The team was called out at 1908, and began operation at 1941 from ski patrol at main lodge.

Snowcat took search teams to the top of Lincoln Mt. Dave Harvey found the victim unconscious at 2140. Team 3 of Lee Frees and Joe Rousek brought a toboggan and equipment down and the victim was loaded. At 2205 Frees skied the toboggan down to Canyon Lodge, where the paramedics took charge. The victim died in the hospital about 0330. Responders were: Frees, Greene, Harvey, Edlund, Rosnau, Aguirre (ops), Enright (ops), Enyeart, Rousek, Maresch, Voss, Salzmann and Baker.

February

Welcome to new Candidate Members Kelly Van Dusen, Dori Leyen, Tim Rudolph, and Stephanie Larson, who were accepted at the February meeting.

February 11, 1999 - Ice Climbing and training with Dean Rosnau. Meet at Rush Creek Power Plant in June Lake at 0800.

February 14, 1999 99-05R Duff Linde from San Francisco was snowboarding Hemlock Ridge, and failed to meet his companions. He was reported missing at 1900. Team 1 of Rosnau and Rousek was dropped off by snowcat at Reds Lake to search down Reds Creek, and a snowcat was started down the road, while snowmobiles looked at Minaret Summit.

Duff had failed to turn right to get back to Chair 14, and went all the way down to the road. After walking several hours he found a place where his Cellular phone would work, and called 911, just before team 1 was ready to drop into the canyon. The snowcat picked him up, and brought him to Main Lodge. Responders were: Rosnau, Rousek, Aguirre, Riggs, Baker, Wright, Kennedy, Enright (ops), Zahn, Salzmann, Maresch, Gilbreath, Sollima and Percak.

February 19, 1999 - Avalanche Training and Skiing at June Mountain with Trapper. Meet at the QMC building at 0730.

March

Many thanks to Kevin McBride for a fine job of instruction in Blood Borne Pathogen training at the March meeting.

Welcome to new Candidate Member Jim Bridger, who was accepted at the March meeting.

Congratulations to Karen Riggs, who has completed all her Candidate requirements and was elected to Rescue Member at the March meeting.

Bob Sollima skied out to be with us at the March meeting. He noted he has found 29 out-of-bounds snowboarders and skiers so far this season.

Dave Harvey, Bill Greene, Chuck Bauss, Natalie Nelson, and Pete DeGeorge had a great time near Sonora with swiftwater training, and are now certified.

Dean Rosnau reported that the Discovery Channel program featuring the flood (and him in his tree) at Mountain Gate is available on tape at the Booky Joint and the Country Store. Rentals of the tape are donated to the team. Dean also contributed his honorarium of $3,000 to the team, earmarked as a starter fund for snowmobiles and a trailer.

March 2, 1999 - Blood Borne Pathogen Training with Kevin McBride at the team meeting. Be there at 6 PM.

March 11, 1999 - Steep Snow Training in Lee Vining Canyon. Meet at the Poole Plant at 0800.

March 17, 1999. 99-06R. Jason Pecarich and Ross Wiebe from Bakersfield and Port Hueneme failed to return after a day of skiing and snowboarding on Mammoth Mountain. They were last seen at 0800 by Jason’s father, who reported them missing.

The team was called out at 1908. Bob Sollima was alerted and began searching from his home at Reds Meadows while the team assembled at Main Lodge. Sollima’s dogs reached the subjects and he made voice contact at 2007. They had been near the outlet of Sotcher Lake since about 1100, and had built a fire.

Bob escorted them over the safest snow bridges to the road, and they were brought out to Main Lodge by team members on snowmobiles. Bob’s dogs got a bit chewed up by coyotes, but no permanent damage. Responders were: Greene (ops), Rosnau, Aguirre, Riggs, Wright, Gilbreath, Case, DeGeorge, Frees, Bridger, Edlund, Zahn, Sollima and Rudolph.

March 22, 1999 - Bloody Mountain Climb with Dean Rosnau. Meet at Sherwin Creek Road at 0200.

April

Dean Rosnau reported that Eric Schultz, who we rescued from North Peak last summer, has arranged a $10,000 donation to the team from his family’s foundation. The team has designated half of this to the fund to acquire snowmobiles.

Welcome to new Candidate Members Theresa Alshouse and Bree Adams.

April 14 & 15, 1999 - Candidate Basic Training with Dean Rosnau, Jim Gilbreath, and Pete DeGeorge. Bring notebook and pencil and alert brain matter. Meet at Canyon Lodge conference room (3rd floor, behind ticket office) at 7pm.

April 19, 1999 - Tracking Training #1 with Greg Enright. Bring Ready Pack, paper and pencil, tracking stick or ski pole, rubber bands, good light source, and flagging. Meet at Geothermal boulders at 5:30 pm

April 26, 1999 - Tracking Training #2 with Greg Enright. Bring same things. Meet at Convict Lake at 5:30 pm.

May

GOOD NEWS! Sallee Burns announced that Trapper has completed all the steps in WOOF's re-certification process, and can now go on searches again. Good job, Trapper, and we are happy to have you back with us, big boy.

Take a look at the May 6 issue of Mammoth Times for an ugly photograph of Dean Rosnau, and a fine article about the Eric Schultz rescue and a donation of $10,000 to our team from his family’s foundation. This is largely a result of Dean’s practice of keeping in touch with our victims after the operation.

May 1, 1999. 99-07R. Jeffrey Curley and Kevin Rainey from San Bernardino County snowboarded into the San Joaquin River drainage at approximately 1430 in foggy conditions. They found the pay phone at Pumice Flat Campground, where they called 911. They were brought out cold and hungry by Rosnau and DeGeorge via snowmobile. They appreciated the extra clothing brought to them. Responders were: Greene (ops), Rosnau, DeGeorge, Riggs, Bauss, Rousek, Wright, Enright, Bridger and Aguirre.

May 2, 1999. 99-08R. Lisa Hosking of Mammoth Lakes was riding a snowmobile near edge of Inyo Craters, failed to make a turn due to ski slippage, and fell approximately 150 feet into the crater, including over a 40 foot cliff.

Team 1 of Bauss, DeGeorge, and medics Baitz and Mikulicich snowmobiled to the crater, stabilized the victim on a backboard with C-collar. Other team members came in soon via snowmobiles. A 5 to 1 mechanical advantage raising system was used, but friction on the snow was very high, and it was difficult.

The victim was towed to the Scenic Loop road behind a snowmobile with two rescuers holding tag lines on both sides. Responders were: Enright (ops), Greene, Harvey, Bauss, Wright, Bridger, Aguirre, Riggs, Salzmann, McClintock, Nelson, Case, Rousek and White.

May 10, 1999 - OPS Leader Search Management Training with Greg Enright. Bring Ready Pack, paper and pencil. Mammoth Fire Station #1 at 5:30 pm

May 17, 1999 - Search and Search Management Training with Greg Enright. Bring Ready Pack, paper and pencil. Meet at Inyo Craters 5:30 pm

May 31, 1999. Bruce Lella had just finished reaching the top of a 90 foot climb in the Middle Owens Gorge and was being lowered to the ground when the rope came untied from his harness. He fell 65 feet, struck a ledge and went another 30 feet to the ground.

Amazingly, he didn't have a single cut on his head. The rest of his body suffered tremendously. He has broken his back in two places (no paralysis, thank God), broke his pelvis, broke both feet and lower legs, shattered his right forearm. and has a tremendous amount of scrapes and deep muscle bruising. (Information from Dean Rosnau, an old friend of the victim).

The standard Gorge rescue plan was followed, with the Control Gorge plant operator informed via the direct telephone line from the yellow phone located on the fence at the Middle Gorge plant. The litter hanging on the toilet was used, and the victim was evacuated by the Bishop ambulance service, with assistance from fire companies.

The victim was quickly on the way to the hospital before our team reached the scene, and the callout was cancelled. Team members known to be responding when the mission was canceled were: Rosnau, Aguirre, Bauss, Greene, Harvey, Gilbreath, Wright, Zahn, Newman, DeGeorge, and LeFever.

June

President Dave Harvey has obtained verbal commitments from both Mammoth Mountain (Rusty Gregory) and Kittredge Sports (Tom Cage) for annual support for our team.

Thanks to Sallee Burns, Trapper, and Jim Bridger for a good job teaching Brownie Troop #332 about Search and Rescue. The Troop wrote a nice letter of thanks, which is printed in the current issue of Mammoth Times.

June 7, 14, 21 & 28 (every Monday evening in June) - Raising and Lowering Systems with Greg Enright. Bring Ready Pack. 5:30 PM. This training is not just for Candidates. All members should attend as many of these as possible.

• The June 7 class will be held in Down Canyon June Lake at a rock near Dean Rosnau's residence. Turn right just past Carson Peak Inn and look for the streamers Dean will put out.
• The June 14 class will be at Bottomless Pit (Hole in the Rock) reached from Horseshoe Lake parking area.
• The June 21 class will be near Canyon Lodge in Mammoth.
• The June 28 class will be review and testing at Triple Cracks, one mile in on the first dirt road north of the Crestview Caltrans Maintenance Station on northbound 395. Turn near the Caldera Kayaks highway cleanup sign.

June 11, 1999. 99-09R Herb London reported that Ted Thoemy from Hollister had suffered a broken leg at McNamara Lake and could not move. NAS Fallon responded and air lifted the victim to Mammoth Hospital. No direct team involvement with this one, but worth noting for the training.

June 18, 1999. 99-10R. Joanne Knephoff of Mammoth fell about 50 feet near Shadow Lake, and suffered a head laceration. The team hiked in and readied the victim for transport. She was lifted to Mammoth Hospital by NAS Fallon helicopter. Responders were: Harvey, Bauss, Rosnau, Greene, DeGeorge, LaLande, Nelson, Newman, Case, Bridger, Wright, Riggs, Lewis, Edlund and McBride.

June 25-27, 1999. 99-11R. Mervin Lee Butterfield from Redondo Beach was reported missing at the Mono Village campground at Twin Lakes. The area was searched by campground security and Sheriff’s deputies prior to callout of the team about 1100 Friday June 25.

Ground teams searched from the point last seen (PLS) into the areas around the campground, and the trails leading from the campground area. A dog team searched from the PLS and south of the campground. CHP helicopter H80 flew up canyon and into side canyons.

On Saturday teams searched the valley floor and up the sides of the canyon while WOOF dog teams searched many areas outlined in the search plan. H20 searched the areas around the campground and down canyon and the cattle pastures between Twin Lakes and Bridgeport. A FLIR helicopter was used Saturday night to search the valley and canyons above the lakes and as far up as Barney and Peeler lakes.

On Sunday 24 Marines from MWTC did detailed searches of the campground and surrounding area, Twin Lakes Estates, and campgrounds below Twin Lakes. Mutual Aid SAR teams from China Lake and Inyo County re-searched all likely areas and above them to the canyon rims. All teams completed their assignments and the mission was suspended at 1643 on Sunday June 27. Responders were: Bauss, Enright (ops), Lewis, Greene, Bridger, Burns, DeGeorge, Edlund, Aguirre, Riggs, Rudolph, Gilbreath, Rosnau, Tracey, Rousek, McClintock, personnel from MWTC, China Lake SAR, and Inyo County SAR, and 6 search dog teams from WOOF.

June 30, 1999. 99-12R. A backpacking party of 4 from San Francisco became separated when one member returned to Mono Village due to symptoms of altitude sickness. She expected the others to follow her out, and reported them overdue and in a disoriented condition when she left them. CHP helicopter H20 located the hikers near Barney Lake. Team personnel hiked in and found the party to be in good condition. Responders were: Rosnau, Bauss, Greene, Bridger, DeGeorge, Harvey, and Riggs.

July

We acquired 15 new Motorola pagers through a GTE lease, and they are working very nicely.

July 3, 1999. 99-13R. Lynsi Pickett from Napa was injured (possible broken leg) when her horse spooked on Angel’s Flight on the Agnew Lake trail and went down the shale slope, rolling on the victim. The team responded with wheeled litter to the base of Agnew Falls and transported her to the Silver Lake trailhead where Medic-2 took over her care. Responders were: Rosnau, Greene, Aguirre, Enyeart, Case, DeGeorge, Riggs, Enright, Bridger, Wright, and Harvey.

July 8, 9, 10, 1999. 99-14R. Wesley Shanks was reported missing by his mother in Tahoe after being overdue on a trip from Lancaster. His car was found at the Lee Vining Pumice plant compound. The team searched Thursday afternoon and night, Friday, and Saturday with support from CHP aircraft and Sallee Burns and Trapper.

Saturday morning about 1120 the victim was found deceased in Lee Vining Creek by Ssgt. Brouillet from MWTC. The team performed the body recovery via litter. Responders were: Greene, Rosnau, Harvey, Bauss, Enyeart, Tracey, DeGeorge, Burns, Rousek, Bridger, Zahn, Gilbreath, Enright, Tracey, and, Riggs, plus two trackers from MWTC.

July 18, 1999. 99-16R. Bill Leventhal from Reseda was climbing on the Gong Show route near the Big Meadow campground in Rock Creek. While being lowered after leading the route the end of the rope ran through the belayer’s friction device, and the victim fell about 20 feet.

Injuries appeared to be wrist, ankle, pelvis, ribs and a head laceration. Medic-3 paramedics attended the victim on-site. Our team members plus USFS, Long Valley Fire, and fellow climbers carried the victim down in a stokes litter through steep talus. Responders were: DeGeorge, Rosnau, Bauss, Case, Harvey, Gilbreath, Wright, Nelson, Enright, Tracey, Edlund, Bridger, Greene, Leyen, Browne and Salzmann.

July 25, 1999. OES-0329. Eric Brower and Walter Rosenthal were returning from a Sunday day hike from the upper Hilton Lakes basin when Eric fell about 40 feet on a steep and loose section about 1/4 mile north of Half Moon Pass above the Rock Creek pack station.

Walter hiked out for help, then later led Joe Rousek back to the victim. The site is in Inyo County, but mutual aid from our team was requested to help our friends from the Inyo Sheriff’s Posse. The victim was lowered about 1200 feet in the dark in six pitches of about 200 feet each.

The Navy helicopter rescue crew from NAS Fallon arrived about 0630 and was able to fly the victim directly to the trauma center at Fresno. Responders were: Rousek, Rosnau, Greene, Gilbreath, Leyen, Aguirre, Enright, Tracey, Harvey, Lewis, Newman, McBride and Kennedy.

July 14 and July 21, 1999 - A two-session Navigation (Map and Compass) class and outdoor orienteering. The indoor part will be July 14 at 6:30 PM at Jim Gilbreath's house. The outdoor orienteering part will be held one week later on July 21, at 6 PM, at the same place. Bring your compass.

July 22, 1999 GPS Training and exercise at Smokey Bear Flat, at 5 PM with Jim Gilbreath. Contact a Rescue Member to borrow a Garmin GPS receiver that you can practice with, and use for the training. Bring your compass, too.

July 28, 1999. 99-17R. Peter Berrington (age 80) from Pacific Palisades was on a climb of North Peak with family members when he slipped on rocks and fractured his right hip. The team responded to the site with litter. Longhorn 7 helicopter rescue crew from NAS Fallon hoisted the victim from the talus slope and flew him to Mammoth Hospital. Responders were: Rosnau, Bauss, Greene, Aguirre, Browne, Bridger, Enyeart, Rousek, Lewis, Riggs, VanDusen and Harvey.

August

August 5, 1999 99-18R. Laurie Whitsel from Pleasanton was hiking in the Saddlebag Lake area when she felt a pop in her ankle stepping from snow onto a rock. Her stepson hiked out and notified personnel at the Marina who contacted the SO. Our team responded and transported her by wheeled litter 2 miles to the lake, where she was taken by boat to the marina, and was transported by POV to Mammoth Hospital. Responders were: Greene, Bauss, Harvey, Bridger, Riggs, Kennedy, and Enright

August 7, 1999 99-19R. Melissa Reyes from San Francisco twisted an ankle while camped with other students from UCSC at Steelhead Lake. SAR team responded to Mammoth Airport to await helicopter from NAS Fallon. After getting no response from the students on the ground, they landed at McGee Lake and were told that Steelhead was indeed the correct lake. This time, in near darkness, they lowered their paramedic to the ground, located the victim, and hoisted her into the helo. Responders were Greene, Rosnau, Harvey, Gilbreath, Enright, Riggs, Kennedy, and Zahn.

August 9, 1999 99-20R. Daniel Kenyon of Carson City slid approximately 50 feet down a snow field in Horse Creek into rocks, injuring his chest and arm. His climbing partner hiked out at night and notified the SO. SAR team was called out at 0800. Team one hiked to the subject, whose injuries were minor, and escorted him out to Twin Lakes.

August 14, 1999 99-21R. The remains of Mervin Butterfield were found near Blacksmith Creek by hikers. The team assisted the Deputy Coroner with the recovery. Responders were: Greene, Rosnau, Bauss, Harvey, Riggs, Lewis, Zahn, Bridger, and Salzmann.

August 14, 1999 99-21R. The Team assisted the Deputy Coroner with the body recovery of Mervin Butterfield (suspended search Op 99-11). Mr. Butterfield's remains were discovered by hikers the previous afternoon approximately 1/4 mile up Blacksmith Creek, in a steep, wooded area 30 yards west of the creek. Responders were: Enright, Rosnau, Greene, Riggs, McClintock, Aguirre, Burns.

August 14, 1999 99-22R. James Barolow and Joe Voshell became separated from their high school cross-country team while training in the Crater Flats area. Team members found them wandering lost among the logging roads. Responders were: Enright et al.

August 14, 1999 99-23R. Cecilia Placeek was hiking in the Nutter Lake area and had symptoms of AMS. Rosnau hiked to the scene and assisted Rescue-7 from Fallon NAS to extract her via a one-skid hover. She was flown to Mono General Hospital. Responders were: Rosnau, Riggs, Aguirre, and McClintock, and Burns.

August 14, 1999 - Helicopter Training with both CHP and NAS Fallon air crews. 9:00 AM at Mammoth Airport.

August 14 & 15, 1999. 99-24R. William Dolinar of Paradise, CA fell across a sharp rock while fishing near Robinson Lake and injured his right thigh. Rescue-7 helo from NAS Fallon dropped Rosnau, Greene, and their corpsman at Barney Lake just before dark at 2010. They hiked up to Robinson Lake in two hours and spent the night with the victim. Rescue-7 hoisted the victim into the helo and took him to Mono General hospital, then fueled and picked up Rosnau and Greene. Responders were: Rosnau, Greene, Aguirre, Gilbreath, Lewis, Bridger, Riggs, Rudolph, Zahn, McClintock, and Leyen.

August 18, 1999 99-25R. John Walter began experiencing back pain while on a camping trip near Big McGee Lake. Pain was such that he would not be able to hike or ride a horse out. Rescue 7 from Fallon responded to Mammoth Airport (base). Rosnau flew in with Rescue 7, located subject, and transported him to the Airport. Mr. Walter's pain was subsequently diagnosed as coming from the presence of kidney stones. Responders: Greene, Rosnau, Aguirre, Edlund, Kennedy, Riggs, and Harvey.

August 21, 1999 99-26R Rob Roth became separated from fellow backpackers in the Slide Canyon area of Yosemite National Park (just west of the County line). Two Teams were flown into the area and began ground searches, while NAS Fallon and Park Service helicopters flew search patterns. Subject was located hiking out in the Burro Pass area by Park Service helicopter and transported to Tuolumne Meadows. Responders were: Rosnau, Rudolph, Leyen, Greene, Gilbreath, Harvey, Enright, Burns, Riggs, and Aguirre.

August 21, 1999. 99-29R. William Grishaw walked away from the Leavitt Meadows Pack Station about 1500 on Wednesday August 18, and has not been seen since. He has a history of suicide threats. The team was called out and began searching on August 21, with assistance from Marines from MWTC. The search was subsequently suspended. Sallee Burns and other WOOF members have gone back at times for additional searching, but so far Mr. Grishaw has not been found. Responders on 8-21 were: Harvey, Bridger, Bauss, and Leyen.

August 22, 1999 99-27R Alisha Giorgianni, age 10, became separated from her parents while hiking near their campsite located at the west end of Gem Lake. Teams began hiking in via the June Lake power plant tramline at 2035. Just before the first Team arrive at the parent's campsite, the parents and child were reunited by other campers in the area whom the child had contacted after wandering around for a while. Responders were: Bauss, Rosnau, Bridger, Burns, Enright, Harvey, Greene, Leyen, Enyeart, Tracey, Rudolph, Aguirre, Tim and Karen Lefever.

September

The September raffle was successful, and raised $604 for the team.

We received two wonderful letters from Mammoth Mountain/Intrawest and Kittredge Sports pledging annual support for the team.

September 1, 1999 99-28R Chris Sharma, a world class sport climber, and Sterling Keene were reported as overdue from a climb of "The Incredible Hulk" located in Little Slide Canyon west of Twin Lakes, Bridgeport. Three Team members were flown to a LZ near the location in extremely windy conditions and began searching the face and descent routes. Another Team began hiking in from Mono Village to the Hulk when they came upon the two climbers hiking out. They had completed the climb, but had significantly underestimated the time required for approach and descent, requiring them to bivy for two nights. Responders were: Rosnau, Greene, Bridger, Aguirre, Harvey, Wright, Zahn, Tracey, and Lewis.

September 2, 1999 99-30R SO was notified by relatives of overdue hiker Robert Doolittle, age 85, who was believed to be hiking/camping by himself somewhere in the San Joaquin River/Fish Creek drainage's. Subject's vehicle was located at the Rainbow Falls trailhead parking lot.

Search teams began searching south of the parking lot towards Fish Creek. Subject was found deceased approximately two miles south of Rainbow falls, west of the Crater Creek trail near a smoldering, downed tree. The tree appeared to be smoldering due to the spread of fire from a campfire started by victim. Packhorses from Reds Meadow met search teams at the subject's campsite and transported him to the pack station. The cause of death is unknown at this time. Responders: Harvey, Riggs, Aguirre, Case, Bauss, Rudolph, Brown, Van Dusen, Enyert, McClintock, Burns, ,and Salzman.

September 5, 1999 99-31R Campground hosts at Junction Campground near Tioga Pass Resort became worried when Dennis Johnson did not return at nightfall to his vehicle at their trailer. Subject, who suffers from MS and uses a cane to move about, is the campground host at Sawmill Campground just before Saddlebag Lake.

Team was called out at 2200 and did hasty searches of the area, grid search of the campground area, and searches along the stream channel through approximately 0300. Search was suspended until the following morning. In the morning Browne and a campground host searched past the previous night's search boundary, and located the subject cold but doing well at Fantail Lake. Persons who knew subject were amazed that he was able to travel such a distance. Responders were: Greene, Harvey, Enyeart, Wright, Bridger, DeGeorge, Brown, A. Rousek, Leyen, Burns, and Kennedy.

September 7, 1999 Inyo/OES Our Team was asked to assist Inyo SAR in locating Gene Gast, a missing camper whose campsite was located at Consultation Lake near Mt. Whitney. Inyo SAR had searched the area around the lake, and based on evidence at the site suspected that the subject may have drowned in the lake (dive team from El Dorado SAR were enroute).

Later discovered evidence led Inyo SAR to believe that subject may not be in the lake and additional searching was performed. Inyo and Mono SAR personnel were transported-to the lake from Lone Pine airport by NAS Lemoore rescue helicopter. Subject was located at approximately noon deceased. Victim and teams were transported back to Lone Pine airport by helicopter. Responders: Harvey, Greene, and DeGeorge.

Michelle Tracey again did a fine job running our part of the Health Fair on September 12. She wants to thank Tim, Dadre, Sally, Dori, Pete, Karen, Kelly, Robert, Dean, Bill, and Dave for their help with the event.

On September 15, 1999, Bob Sollima’s dog Chief was awarded the highest honor given to an animal, the Hero Dog Award, by the SPCA of Los Angeles. Back in February of 1998, David Blais snowboarded out of bounds from Hemlock Ridge and got stuck in 6 foot deep powder before being found by Chief and rescued by Bob. (See Hero Dog - An Angel in the Snow for full story.)

September 22, 1999 99-32R. Velinda Paranal, M.D. from Los Angeles hiked to Purple Lake with her family, using packer support for their gear. Over several days she became ill with symptoms of acute mountain sickness or high altitude pulmonary edema. Her husband hiked out to obtain aid, and the team began hiking in at 1630. Jim Bridger reached the victim at 1942 and Chuck Bauss stayed a little back to provide radio relay from Bridger to the repeater which was placed on Duck Pass. Dr. Paranal felt better after receiving oxygen, and was able to ride out in the dark on a horse from Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit, arriving at the trailhead at 0200. Responders were: Greene (Ops), Bridger, Bauss, Harvey, DeGeorge, Wright, Aguirre, and Lewis.

September 25, 1999 99-33R. On Saturday September 18 Joseph Burton and Marilyn Swenson crashed in a Piper light plane near the summit of Mt. Gibbs. The wreckage was found by Civil Air Patrol pilots late Friday September 24. NAS Fallon Rescue helicopter landed at the scene and determined that the occupants were deceased. On Saturday September 25 the team was flown in by Navy helicopter and extricated and recovered the bodies. A salvage company removed the wreckage a few days later via Llama helicopter. Responders were: Rosnau, Greene, Aguirre, DeGeorge, Bauss, Bridger.

October

Sallee Burns and other dog handlers from the team and WOOF did two more days of searching for the missing packer from Leavitt Meadows with 6 dogs.

Bill Greene and Pete DeGeorge dug a trench for lighting wiring for the pay phone near Pumice Flats. This could help an out of bounds boarder/skier find help and avoid one of our fun trips down there. A loud ringer will also be installed to help attract the lost.

Our own Doug Nidever fractured his left tibia and ankle while guiding a client in the Palisades. He was able to orchestrate the rigging for lowering himself down off the glacier. Our good friends in the Inyo team and the H40 helicopter plucked him out from his camp a day later, delayed due to a radio problem. He’s had surgery with a big old rusty deck screw in his ankle, and has a cast on his leg and foot. Twenty years with no injuries, then stuff happens.

October 23, 1999 at 11:30. Great social event at the annual Team Picnic at June Lake Community Center. Hosted by 3 people we rescued on Mt. Dana (Greg Silvi, Chris Benziger and Adam Bloom), who are bringing a real treat for us in a surprise menu. Bring your own eating utensils and the whole family - the kids can have fun on the new playground equipment. The Sheriff's office will provide the drinks. Come no matter what the weather - it will be inside if it's not nice outside. BE THERE!

The team barbecue was an unforgettable event. Chris Benziger, Adam Bloom, and Greg Silvi brought and prepared all the food for us as a thank you for their rescue on Mt. Dana in June of 1998. The food was wonderful and most plentiful, but the best part was just having them with us and hearing them tell about what happened, how they felt physically and emotionally at various points in the rescue process, their many surgeries and recovery therapies, and their obvious present joy for life. Gary Guenther brought his slides of the rescue, and it was great to see them with the victims and hear their commentary. It really brought it home to us.

On October 29 Dean Rosnau made five (5!) one hour presentations to 1800 kids at the school in Loma Linda with a slide show and SAR focus. They made a donation to the team of $750.

November

The new light for the Pumice Flats pay phone is now working. This could help an out of bounds boarder/skier find help and avoid one of our fun trips down there. A loud ringer has also been installed by Jack Gunn to help attract the lost. Bill Greene also taped some space blankets and charcoal warmers under the shelf inside the booth, and a large orange traffic cone on top.

November 6, 1999 - Helicopter Training with NAS Fallon air crew. 9:00 AM at Mammoth Airport. Not just for Candidates. Everyone should come for a refresher and update on any changes in procedure and aircraft, and to promote the familiarity and good will with the crews that are so important to us and to our missions.

The helicopter training last Saturday with the NAS Fallon air crew was very well done, and well attended with 17 team members. The following ELT search exercise was fun and again demonstrated that reflections can make it frustrating and difficult to find the signal source, even if it is fairly strong.

Leo Smith was accepted as our newest Candidate Member at the November meeting.

Greg Enright attended a 2-1/2 day tracking seminar, and learned some new techniques and gadgets he will pass on to us.

December

December 7, 1999 - Radio Training after the business portion of the December team meeting.

Sgt. Boe Turner obtained a satellite telephone and accessories for the team, which also has the capability for radio contact with Mono 1 and others. It was demonstrated at the December meeting.

Dean Rosnau and the helicopter crew from NAS Fallon will be featured in an issue of People Magazine early next year for the rescue of Erik Schultz on North Peak.

Two snowmobiles and trailer were purchased with money received from donations, and are ready for winter SAR missions.

Board of Directors Election was held at the December meeting. There were 5 positions open in this odd numbered year (4 in even years). Those elected were Victor Aguirre, Bill Greene, Dave Harvey, Dean Rosnau, and Joe Rousek. The Team officers for the year will be selected by the board.

Dr Pete Clark was accepted as our newest Candidate Member at the December meeting.

The second annual Team awards banquet was held December 8 at the Convict Lake Restaurant. Honored guests included Sheriff Dan Paranick, Tom Cage of Kittredge Sports, Clifford Mann from Mammoth California, Chief Mike Donelly from MLPD, Art Schultz from the Arthur B. Schultz Foundation, and most importantly, his son Eric Shultz that we rescued on North Peak in June of 1998.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation by Sheriff Paranick of a laser engraved cherry wood plaque to Dean Rosnau as the Pete Schoerner Memorial Rescue Member of the Year award. Jim Bridger received the Candidate Member of the Year award.

Tom Cage of Kittredge Sports presented a check for $1000 and a pledge for $2000 for year 2000. Clifford Mann presented a check for $5000 from Mammoth Mountain and Intrawest. Erik Schultz presented a check for $10,000 from the Arthur B. Schultz Foundation.

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