$36,000 IN AWARDS FOR SAR TEAMS
Congratulations to the 2023 award winners! These teams were selected to highlight the unbelievable skill, dedication, and bravery of volunteer SAR members, and remind us of the critical role they play in keeping us safe in the backcountry.
2023 Award Winners
Chelan County Mountain Rescue
Race Against Time: Trapped Under a Boulder in the Enchantments
Pinned beneath a refrigerator sized boulder, a hiker’s condition was declining rapidly. Chelan County Mountain Rescue, in a multi-agency collaboration, raced against time to free the hiker without causing further injury and rendezvous with heli-evac in high winds.
Chelan County Mountain Rescue
Inyo County Search and Rescue
Overnight Multi-Pitch: Stranded on a Cliff with a Broken Leg
When a helicopter evacuation on Mt. Emerson became impossible, Inyo County Search and Rescue worked through the night to rescue a stranded climber with a broken leg from rockfall. Incoming weather conditions and a technical rescue from a rock face, put this team’s tenacity to the test.
Inyo County Search and Rescue
Portland Mountain Rescue
Over the Edge: Uncontrolled Slide Into an Active Volcanic Fumarole
After a snowboarder fell 30 feet into an active volcanic fumarole on Mt. Hood, Portland Mountain Rescue and Hood River Crag Rats combined forces to rescue him from prolonged exposure to potentially lethal toxic gasses.
Portland Mountain Rescue
Vote for the rescue that most inspired you
This award is funded by the Rocky Talkie Pledge where we donate $2 per radio to SAR teams. Like good communication, these volunteer teams provide critical peace of mind in the backcountry.