Couple safe after overnight rescue on Mt. Tallac

El Dorado County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, with assistance from a California Highway Patrol Helicopter, made an overnight rescue of a married couple on Mt. Tallac Monday morning.

At 3:00 a.m. October 23, the Sheriff's Office received a call for rescue on the eastern slope of Mt. Tallac.

Two hikers had set out for a day long, round trip hike to Mt. Tallac. During their hike, they became disoriented due to patches of snow left from a previous storm, which resulted in them becoming lost. As darkness fell, they decided to hike down the east side of Mt. Tallac, which is very steep and consists of loose shale rock. Becoming fatigued and lacking proper light to continue, the couple decided to stay in place and call 911 for help.

"Their decision not to go further possibly saved their life," said the CHP on their Facebook page. "The terrain below them was impassable due to the steep sheer cliffs."

The CHP helicopter H-24 responded for a first light search from the Auburn Airport. While en route, additional information came in that Search and Rescue (SAR) members, Mark Carlisle and James Burns had hiked down to the two victims and determined they had sustained injuries, making it impossible to hike uphill.

H-24 Officer Monty Emery Flight Officer/Paramedic and Officer Brandon Hallam responded, sent down rescue equipment to the SAR team and hoisted the couple from the mountain side. They were flown to a landing spot where they were met by El Dorado Sheriff’s Deputy Greg Almos. The couple declined medical attention.

SAFETY TIP: As we approach the winter months, the weather in the high Sierra’s can change at a moment’s notice. The weather at ground elevations may not be the same as that higher up in the mountains. Be overly prepared when hiking in the back country. Always carry more food and clothing than needed for your trip. The rescued couple was lucky their cell phone had reception and they made a wise decision to discontinue their hike as darkness fell.