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A father and his 18-month-old son were dramatically rescued by helicopter after the pair became trapped in deep Sierra snow above 10,000 feet, authorities said.
The rescue unfolded Thursday near Freel Peak, a 10,881-foot summit south of Lake Tahoe, where lingering snowpack still blankets sections of the high country despite warmer temperatures below.
According to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the man had been mountain biking with his toddler late Thursday afternoon when snow completely blocked the trail.
Trying to get back to dirt terrain, the father pushed through the snow but quickly became exhausted in the brutal conditions.
Officials said he also was not prepared to remain in the mountains after sunset.
As temperatures dropped, the situation escalated when the child began showing signs of “extreme discomfort,” leading the father to believe the toddler needed medical attention.
An emergency response team with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the department’s helicopter, Echo 1, were dispatched to the remote area.
Authorities said the helicopter crew quickly located the stranded pair before coordinating a rescue plan with ground volunteers.
Two rescuers were flown to a landing zone high on the shoulder of Freel Peak, above 10,000 feet, then hiked down through the rugged terrain to reach the father and son.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
