McClure Rock SAR

[Don Shingler]

Another rescue above McClure. Here is my report below. I would like to give some extra props to Mia, Helaina and Alli. Especially Mia and Helaina who strapped on the sleds to their packs without question and were so powerful up to McClure. And all 3 of them were strong and competent skiers. Was really impressed.

This report was already sent to the Ash and Winter Techs.

SAR Report – Mt. Rainier National Park

Date: 4/13/2025

Location: Above McClure Rock, Paradise Area

Start Time: Approximately 15:30

Report By: Don Shingler

Incident Summary:

At approximately 15:30, a radio call to Nordic was received regarding a patient in distress above Pan Face, in the Paradise area of Mt. Rainier National Park. Nordic One, which was descending from Paradise, immediately turned around and began ascending back to the Paradise base. Simultaneously, Nordic Two, staged at Nisqually House, regrouped and also returned to Paradise.

Team Deployment:

By approximately 16:00, both Nordic teams had arrived at Paradise. Around this time, the Hasty Team, consisting of two Wilderness Technicians, departed from the Old Station toward the incident site.

At approximately 16:30, a Litter Team composed of Alli, Mia, Helaina, and Don departed with a litter and extra gear to support evacuation efforts. This team ascended via the route up Panorama Face and past McClure Rock and reached the patient location approximately 40 minutes after the Hasty Team.

Rescue Operation:

Upon arrival by the litter team, the toboggan was prepared and the patient was packaged for transport. With Ryan managing the front and Don controlling the rear during descent. With occasional swap off with others as needed. 

At the steepest section of the route above Pan, lines were set up, and the toboggan was safely lowered using rope systems. Once past the technical terrain, the team resumed sled transport on skis and splitboard. The descent route followed down Pan Face, past Alta Vista, and back to the Paradise base.

Conclusion:

The team arrived back at Paradise at approximately 20:30, just as it was getting dark (sunset was around 20:00). The patient was immediately transferred to the waiting ambulance, at which point their boot was removed and the EMS personnel managed the rest of patient care. 

What went well-

At first it was just Ryan in front and Don in back. As the sun was setting the snow was firming up and becoming more challenging, at least down to Pan. Just above pan we attached two ropes to both back corners to lower the sled (with knots along rope for various grips). We kept those attached afterwards and assigned them to others. This resulted in a fairly good system with the other support skiers further back and off to the side. They were able to help guide the slide when needed, especially on the side hilling areas in the firmer conditions. as well as offering additional drag when needed. It also allowed assistance when pulling the sled up hills near Alta Vista. I felt this worked well in those conditions. 

Ryan on his split board was able to do an excellent job side slipping, even in the chunkier snow. Which is harder for skiers. So that combination surprisingly worked out well. And we had enough skier support to help with the occasional uphills.

Opportunities-

Nordic does not have many people with litter hauling experience on skis. I think it would be beneficial to practice this skill. Like an OET type course. Perhaps bring in some instructors to teach more patrollers. You never know when you will need to do this. And I felt it was very beneficial in this SAR, the conditions were quickly getting more difficult as the sun was going down. So skiing the sled out was definitely the right decision. 

Don