Injured Climber Rescued After 700-Foot Fall on Mount Shasta
Search and rescue teams retrieve two stranded climbers after overnight delay due to hazardous conditions
SISKIYOU COUNTY, Calif. — Search and rescue teams successfully retrieved two climbers from Mount Shasta after one of them suffered significant injuries during a fall while descending the mountain Sunday evening.
According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a call for help around 8:22 p.m. on March 8 from two climbers stranded in Avalanche Gulch. The climbers, ages 19 and 20 and both from the Bay Area, had successfully reached the summit earlier that afternoon.
While descending below the Red Banks area, one climber lost his footing and slid approximately 700 feet down the slope. Authorities said the fall left him with serious injuries to his shoulder, hand, and ankle, preventing him from continuing the descent.
An initial rescue effort began Sunday night, but strong winds and hazardous mountain conditions forced teams to delay the operation until daylight.
Climbing rangers from the U.S. Forest Service and members of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team ascended the mountain Monday morning and safely located the climbers. The injured climber was then transported to Mercy Medical Center in Mount Shasta for treatment.
Officials say the incident marks the second major search and rescue response on Mount Shasta in 2026 and serves as a reminder for climbers to carefully plan their trips and prepare for changing conditions.
Rescue officials recommend climbers begin their descent no later than noon to avoid icy conditions and limited daylight if an emergency occurs. Authorities also advise checking current mountain conditions with local rangers or guides before attempting a climb.
Climbers heading into high-risk terrain should carry essential safety gear including crampons, helmets, and ice axes, and should be trained in self-arrest techniques in case of a fall.
Search and rescue officials also emphasize the importance of carrying emergency supplies, even on day trips. Items such as insulated clothing, a bivvy or emergency blanket, first aid supplies, and extra food and water can be critical if climbers must wait for help.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office thanked the U.S. Forest Service climbing rangers, CHP Air Operations, CalOES, and volunteer search and rescue personnel for their efforts during the operation.
Officials encourage anyone planning to climb Mount Shasta to review current avalanche and climbing advisories through the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center before beginning their trip.
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