Siskiyou County Sheriff Search and Rescue

10/22/2026

INJURED CLIMBER RESCUED FROM WHITNEY GLACIER

The multi-day effort to rescue an injured climber from the Whitney Glacier area of Mount Shasta concluded on Tuesday night with a successful CHP helicopter extraction on the flank of Shastina peak. The 39-year-old Florida man had summited Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch on at 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 18th, and then ran into trouble on the descent, following an erroneous GPS route that led him onto the Whitney Glacier. While crossing the glacier at approximately 12,600 ft, the climber fell through a snow bridge and severely injured his leg. When he called 911 to report his accident at 5:00 pm that evening, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office initiated a search and rescue (SAR) response and notified the USFS Climbing Rangers as well as CHP air operations to provide assistance.

At the time of his distress call Sunday evening, the injured climber was wearing only sweatpants, a sweatshirt, and running shoes, and was not equipped for an overnight stay on the glacier, as nighttime tempuratures dipped below freezing. Further complicating matters, high winds and poor visibility prevented rescue crews from reaching the injured man Sunday night. By late Monday morning, a pair of USFS Climbing Rangers reached the man and rendered medical aid for his injuries, frostbite, and the onset of hypothermia. Throughout Monday afternoon and evening, additional aerial extraction attempts were made, but inclement weather continued to impede rescue efforts. The USFS Climbing Rangers had to then spend another harrowing night at 12,500 ft with the injured man, as the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office mobilized over 30 additional search and rescue personnel to perform a ground extraction.

By 1:30 pm on Tuesday, the first wave of ground searchers reached the injured man and began to carry him further down Mount Shasta to await a helicopter rescue. Despite the incredibly challenging terrain, rockfall hazards, 50-60 mph winds, and freezing conditions, SAR personnel were ultimately able to transport the man - who's condition was deteriorating rapidly - to a viable landing zone on Shastina peak. CHP helicopter then seized upon a critical weather window to reach the awaiting team and transport the injured climber to the hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office would like to express our deep appreciation to the USFS Climbing Rangers, CHP Air Operations, the SAR volunteers from Siskiyou, Jackson, Trinity, Marin, and the Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU), and CAL OES. These rescuers demonstrated impressive resolve throughout the entire ordeal, persevering in extreme conditions, and executing the mission with a relentless commitment to the saving of a life.

Our sincerest gratitude to our partner agencies and selfless volunteers:
U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest
CHP - Northern Division Air Operations
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Mount Shasta Avalanche Center & Home of the Climbing Rangers
Trinity County Search and Rescue
Marin County Search and Rescue
Jackson County Sheriff Oregon
San Mateo County Sheriff's Office
Bay Area Mountain Rescue Unit (BAMRU)

10/20/2026

10/15/2026

PRESS RELEASE
2 Hikers Lost on Mount Shasta Rescued in Cascade Gulch

Mount Shasta, CA - At approximately 10:20 pm on the evening of Monday, October 12th, 2026, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) Dispatch Center received a call from two hikers - a 19 year-old male and 20 year-old female from Salt Lake City - who were freezing and unable to complete their descent of Mount Shasta.

At the time of the distress call, the hikers were in the Avalanche Gulch area at approximately 11,000ft, and had only planned for a day hike on the mountain while their friend summited. Temperatures on the mountain by this point in the night had plummeted to 14-16 degrees Fahrenheit, and the party did not have adequate clothing, food, or water to safely wait out the night from their position. The hikers were advised to keep descending in order to maintain their body heat, and by 2:00 am they called the SCSO to report that they had made it to Helen Lake (approximately 10,400ft). Shortly after this final call, the hikers' phones died.

Search and Rescue resources were then called as well as CHP Air Operations to conduct a fist-light rescue of the duo Tuesday morning. At approximately 9:00 am, CHP Air Operations located two people waving down the helicopter that matched the description of the missing hikers, but later determined that they were neither the search subjects, nor in need of help.

Throughout the afternoon, ground searchers and aerial assets continued to comb the upper section of Avalanche Gulch as a second team of SAR volunteers and a USFS Climbing Ranger focused on the Cascade Gulch area below Horse Camp. At approximately 4:00 pm, the searchers heard shouting in Cascade Gulch and found the two missing hikers stranded at the bottom of the gulch, roughly 1,000 ft from the McBride Springs Trail. Fortunately, both hikers were uninjured, and were ultimately able to climb out of the gulch with assistance.

At the time of their rescue, the pair had been walking for approximately 36 hours. The party had left to climb Avalanche Gulch at 4:00 am Monday morning, and made it to Red Banks by 5:00 pm, 5 hours past the recommended turnaround time when climbing Mount Shasta. By 5:00 am Tuesday, the two hikers reached Horse Camp, but could not see the trail and traveled northwest into Cascade Gulch, a steep, dry river canyon. They persisted 3 miles down this drainage until they were ultimately stranded between two 30-50 foot cliffs.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Search and Rescue volunteers, Mount Shasta Climbing Rangers, and CHP Air Operations for their work to bring the missing hikers home. Though this rescue concluded with a positive outcome, theirs is the third such rescue on the Avalanche Gulch route within the past month. As posted at the Bunny Flat Trailhead, Avalanche Gulch is not a recommended route this time of year due to deteriorating conditions, rockfall, and the onset of winter weather. This ordeal is also an important reminder for anyone hiking, climbing, or hunting to prepare for worst case scenarios, such as an unintentional overnight stay, inclement weather, or an injury. With winter conditions returning, it is imperative to research your route ahead of time and only choose objectives that are safe for the season, as a simple mistake can turn deadly in the Siskiyou County high country.
U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest Mount Shasta Avalanche Center & Home of the Climbing Rangers

10/14/2026

This weekend the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Search and Rescue team assembled at Pluto's Cave for a cave rescue training. While cave rescue situations are generally rare in Siskiyou County, training for these scenarios is critical to ensuring lost or injured persons are evacuated swiftly while preserving the safety of all team members.

This weekend's training focused on cave safety precautions, litter carrying through challenging terrain, as well as route-finding, communication, and team management in a cave environment. It's safe to say that this is one of our SAR team's favorite trainings of the year, so if you enjoy exploring the lava tubes or caves of Siskiyou County as much as we do, here are some safety tips to keep in mind for your next adventure:

1) Tell someone where you are going and when they should expect you back
2) Wear a UIAA-certified climbing helmet
3) Bring 3 sources of light, with at least two being headlamps, and extra batteries
4) Avoid caving alone - bring at least 2-3 other people with you (4 is considered the bare minimum for caving)
5) To reduce the risk of falling, one should avoid jumping and uncontrolled sliding down slopes, wear proper footwear, and maintain three points of contact
6) Have a method to find your way back - leave removable flagging, paper, or carins on your way in to make wayfinding on your return easier
7) If you become disoriented, lost, or panicked, stay put and realize that rescuers actually find the vast majority of lost cavers
8 ) To attract rescuers, you can knock rocks together, and these sharp sounds often travel farther than your voice
9) As always, research your route beforehand and talk to real experts - call the local land management agency or hire a cave guide
10) Don't forget your 10 essentials, including extra food, water and warm layers - even if you are only planning a short day hike, these essentials can be the difference between life and death in an emergency

10/08/2026

The search concluded with heavy hearts when Ms. Dortha Diane Evans was located deceased today on October 7th by search and rescue personnel in a wooded area above Shastice Park. As the lead agency in the missing person case, the Mount Shasta Police Department will also be handling the investigation into Ms. Evan's passing. Any further information regarding this case will be shared through their office.

On behalf of our entire team, we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Evan's family, as well as sincere appreciation to the Mount Shasta community for their support and assistance throughout the search efforts.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office also sincerely thanks the dozens of search and rescue volunteers who came from across Northern California and Southern Oregon to assist in the search, including:
Shasta County Search and Rescue Jeep Patrol
Trinity County Sheriff's Office, CA
Jackson County Sheriff Oregon
Klamath County Sheriff's Office
Yuba County Sheriff's Department
CARDA - California Rescue Dog Association
Butte County Sheriff's Search & Rescue
U.S. Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

10/07/2026

---AT RISK MISSING PERSON LOCATED---

On October 01, 2026, the Mt Shasta Police Department was notified by Eskaton Washington Manor that Dortha Diane Evans was last seen on September 25, 2026. A missing person’s report was taken and a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) was sent to neighboring agencies.

On October 04, 2026, the Mt. Shasta Police Department contacted the California Highway Patrol and requested a Silver Alert be issued. A Missing Person’s Flyer Posted on social media with the most recent photos of Ms. Evans. That afternoon, officers, along with the US Forest Service, were checking on foot in the Kingston Road Area extending northeast towards the railroad tracks. Local hospital checks were done for any recent contacts as well as collection for DNA.

On October 05, 2026, officers along with Search and Rescue began searching the area of McCloud Avenue as she had prior history of wandering there as well as the McCloud Avenue Forest area. Resources used were quads, canines and drones. Officers went door to door on foot handing out flyers during the canvas area check as well as reviewing any camera footage.

On October 06, 2026, Search and Rescue operations resumed with more footage review of local business, use of drones, quads, and canines. This search included the area along the railroad tracks between Mt. Shasta Blvd and Everitt Memorial Highway.

On October 07, 2026, around 10:00 am members of the community were walking above Shastice Park and notified Search and Rescue members of strange odor in the area above the railroad tracks. Search and Rescue members were able to locate a female in advanced stages of decomposition wearing clothing consistent with our missing person. Officers at the scene were able to positively identify the deceased as Ms. Evans and her next of kin has been notified. An official cause of death is pending the outcome of an autopsy.

The Mt. Shasta Police Department extends our heartfelt condolences for the family and loved ones of the deceased. We want to thank the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department and the Siskiyou County Search and Rescue volunteers for their endless long hours and selfless service is resolving this case as well as search and rescue teams from Klamath, Jackson, Shasta, and Butte to name a few. We would also like thank the Citizens of Mt Shasta for their tips and help with this case. While this was not the outcome that we had hoped for, it does show how a community can come together and work for the common goal.

10/07/2026

The search continues for Dortha "Diane" Evans, the 79 year old Mount Shasta woman who walked away from her apartment complex on September 25th, 2026. On Tuesday, October 6th, the Mount Shasta Police Department requested the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue teams for a second day of searching. Teams concentrated their efforts in the area of McCloud Avenue and the eastern flank of Mount Shasta City.

According to witnesses, Ms. Evans may have been traveling in the area of Alma Street or McCloud Avenue on or after Friday, September 25th. Ms. Evans was known to wander away from her apartment complex on Kingston Road and become disoriented, showing possible signs of dementia.

If you have any information related to this case, or have had previous interactions with Ms. Evans, please contact the Mount Shasta Police Department at: (530) 926-7540.

Correction: In a previous post related to this case, Ms. Evans' residence was described as an assisted living facility. We have since learned that Ms. Evans was residing in an apartment complex for independent senior residents, not a full-time or part-time care facility.

Mt Shasta Police Department Shasta County Sheriff's Office Shasta County Search and Rescue Jeep Patrol

10/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE
10/5/2026 - Missing Hiker Injured in Fall, Located Alive

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office and Shasta County Sheriff's Office conducted a joint Search and Rescue operation over the weekend to locate a missing hiker, 72-year-old Mount Shasta local, Mary Beth Granbery, whose camper van was found at the Cabin Creek Trailhead in Shasta County.

Ms. Granbery departed for a multi-day camping trip on September 28th, 2026, but when she failed to return to work on Friday, October 2nd, family members became concerned for her wellbeing, and reported her missing to the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office. After locating Ms. Granbery's camper van at the Cabin Creek Trailhead on Saturday, October 3rd, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from the Siskiyou County and Shasta County Sheriff's Offices began a thorough search of the area.

On Sunday, October 4th, SAR members located Ms. Granbery at the bottom of a steep embankment along Cabin Creek. Ms. Granbery had sustained multiple significant injuries from a fall, as well as from exposure. Due to the nature of her injuries, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Air Operations were requested, and Ms. Granbery was airlifted from the Cabin Creek drainage and transported to Mercy Medical Center in Redding to receive medical care.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office would like to extend its deep thanks to the Shasta County Sheriff's Office, our Search and Rescue volunteers, and the CHP Air Operations crew whose invaluable work ensured that Ms. Granbery was located alive, and returned her safely to her loved ones. The Sheriff's Office would also like to thank Ms. Granbery's family and friends for their assistance in this search effort, and for the critical information they provided to help find her.
Shasta County Sheriff's Office

10/05/2026

Per the Mount Shasta Police Department, Dortha Diane Evans is missing from her residence in Mount Shasta. Search operations are underway, and the public is asked to be on the lookout for any sign of Ms. Evans.

AT RISK MISSING PERSON AT-RISK MISSING PERSON — DORTHA DIANE EVANS

The Mt. Shasta Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Dortha Diane Evans, age 79.

Dortha was last seen on September 25, 2026, leaving the area of 1020 Kingston Road on foot. She was reported missing on October 1, 2026. She was last seen wearing yellow checkered pants and a yellow sweater.

Dortha is approximately 5’5” tall, weighs 120 pounds, and has brown hair and green eyes. She does not carry a cellphone and shows signs of dementia. A Silver Alert has been issued.

If you see Dortha or have information about her whereabouts, please contact the Mt. Shasta Police Department at (530) 926-7540 and reference case number 26-000308.

Ref Case: 26-000308