URGENT UPDATE: Two hikers were rescued from Mount Rose on Sunday, November 2, 2023, as winter conditions rapidly changed the trail environment, prompting officials to issue a critical safety reminder for backcountry users.
Earlier in the day, emergency units responded to the Ophir Creek drainage after receiving reports of an injured hiker. The North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD), in coordination with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, provided immediate medical care and safely extricated the individual from the backcountry for transport to a local hospital.
Later that evening, NLTFPD crews were dispatched again, this time to the Mount Rose Summit Trail to assist a distressed hiker. The team successfully guided the hiker back to their vehicle without further incidents, ensuring their safe return.
Officials from the NLTFPD are sounding the alarm, urging all backcountry users to exercise extreme caution as trail conditions are shifting rapidly with the onset of snow and ice in many areas. The district stressed the importance of wearing appropriate footwear and carrying essential supplies to navigate these changing conditions safely.
“Trail conditions are changing rapidly, and we want everyone to enjoy the outdoors safely,” the NLTFPD stated. “Please be aware of your surroundings and prepare adequately.”
This incident highlights the urgent need for awareness among hikers as winter approaches. With temperatures dropping and trails becoming hazardous, it is vital for outdoor enthusiasts to stay informed and prepared.
As rescue efforts continue to evolve, authorities recommend that hikers check local weather reports and trail conditions before embarking on any excursions. The situation serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of backcountry adventures during this season.
For ongoing updates and safety tips, stay tuned to local news sources and the NLTFPD’s official communications.
