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Northern California Rescue: Injured Climber Stranded at 12,600 Feet
Mount Shasta, CA – A climber stranded high on Northern California's Mount Shasta survived freezing temperatures, powerful winds and a serious leg injury before rescue teams completed a dangerous, mult
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-10-22T02:30:26.916Z
Mount Shasta, CA – A climber stranded high on Northern California's Mount Shasta survived freezing temperatures, powerful winds and a serious leg injury before rescue teams completed a dangerous, multiday extraction Tuesday afternoon.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff 's Office, the climber became stranded Sunday, Oct. 18, after following an incorrect GPS route onto Whitney Glacier during his descent.
While crossing the glacier at approximately 12,600 feet, the man fell through a snow bridge and severely injured his leg. He contacted 911 around 5 p.m., triggering an emergency search and rescue operation.
The climber was wearing sweatpants, a sweatshirt and running shoes, leaving him dangerously unprepared for overnight exposure as temperatures dropped below freezing.
High winds and poor visibility prevented rescuers from reaching him Sunday night.
By late Monday morning, two U.S. Forest Service climbing rangers reached the injured man and provided treatment for frostbite, his leg injury and early signs of hypothermia.
However, worsening weather prevented helicopter extraction, forcing the rangers to spend another freezing night alongside him at approximately 12,500 feet.
Meanwhile, more than 30 additional search and rescue personnel mobilized for a ground evacuation.
By 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, ground teams reached the climber and began transporting him down the mountain.
Despite rockfall hazards, freezing conditions and winds reaching 50 to 60 mph, rescuers carried the man to a suitable helicopter landing zone on Shastina peak.
A California Highway Patrol helicopter used a brief break in the weather to evacuate him to a hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
The operation involved rescue personnel from several Northern California counties and the Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit.
The sheriff's office praised the volunteers and emergency responders for their determination under extreme conditions.
The climber's current medical condition has not been publicly detailed.