Overview
- A satellite communicator sent an SOS that alerted the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and prompted a Sierra County search-and-rescue response, which occurred Sunday.
- Sierra County deputies requested mutual aid and roughly 20 volunteers from Nevada County’s Search and Rescue Mountain Rescue Team joined the effort.
- Washoe County’s RAVEN helicopter crew located the group on a steep, exposed section south of the lookout tower and lowered a rescue team member to reach them.
- All three hikers were hoisted to a helicopter landing zone where deputies were waiting and officials reported no major injuries.
- The rescue highlights how satellite SOS devices, volunteer SAR teams, and specialist helicopter hoist capabilities are being used more often for late‑season mountain incidents that strain regional resources.