Hiker stranded by rising river rescued safely in Little Cottonwood Canyon
May 23, 2022, 1:11 PM | Updated: 1:15 pm
(Salt Lake County Search and Rescue)
SALT LAKE COUNTY — A stranded hiker was rescued safely Sunday evening in the third search and rescue mission this weekend.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team responded to a call of a stranded hiker stuck on the south side of the Little Cottonwood River, near Tanners Flat, in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
According to a Facebook post, three teams were deployed; two ground teams that set up a Tyrolean traverse, while the third team began hiking around via the Red Pine trail, to intercept the patient if the guiding line was unsuccessful.
“The two rope teams were able to communicate with the patient (even though hearing was greatly diminished over the sound of the rushing water). The patient was successfully picked up from the far side of the river and brought to the North side, where they were assessed and released.”
Everyone was off the mountain by 8:15 p.m.
The search and rescue teams advised hikers to be aware of the rise of rivers throughout the day, “Snow melt increases throughout the day, resulting in higher water levels by the afternoon/evening. Ensure to plan accordingly and know where the safe and appropriate crossing points are in LCC, BCC, Bell’s Canyon, etc. Know your route, bring the essentials, and pack accordingly.”