A winter ride in the Sierra backcountry turned into something far different this weekend when a person found themself stranded by snow on the Butcher Ranch Trail in the Tahoe National Forest near Downieville.
According to the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office in an online post, deputies responded to a report of a lost and stranded mountain biker after winter conditions forced the rider off the established route and left the person unable to safely self rescue.
The person was carrying satellite communication equipment and used it to call for help. A California Highway Patrol helicopter based at the Auburn Airport responded, picking up a Helicopter Rescue Technician in Nevada City before heading to the area.
Once the crew located the mountain biker, the helicopter landed at the Downieville School field to reconfigure for hoist operations.
The person was then hoisted into the helicopter and flown back to Downieville.
The Sheriff’s Office said winter backcountry conditions can change quickly and urged anyone heading into remote areas during the winter months to be properly prepared with appropriate clothing, emergency supplies and reliable communication equipment.
The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the CHP Air Operations unit and everyone involved for their professionalism during the successful rescue. A short video clip of the helicopter was shared on the post. Click here to watch it.Â
(The Sierra County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)
