Chelan County Mountain Rescue assists injured climber at Snow Creek Wall

LEAVENWORTH — A climber with a sustained ankle injury was evacuated from Snow Creek Wall over the weekend, according to Chelan County Mountain Rescue.

Chelan County Mountain Rescue said it received a callout to Snow Creek Wall, a popular climbing area near Leavenworth, around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Because a helicopter hoist was unavailable, the rescue team said it was prepared for a technical evacuation. Gearing up with high-angle rigging equipment and a rescue litter, they split into two teams; one stayed at the creek crossing to establish a suspended line for the anticipated litter-out, while the other hiked to the base of the wall with the litter and technical rigging gear.

Chelan County Mountain Rescue said that when the team arrived at the scene, they found that the patient and their climbing partner had successfully descended the wall thanks to the help of local climbers. The rescuers evaluated the patient, stabilizing their ankle with an orthopedic boot.

“Showing incredible grit, the patient was willing and able to shoulder-hop and butt-scoot down the rugged trail. When the terrain turned into steep slab, our team set up a technical belay to safely lower them to safe ground. Thanks to the patient's mobility, we made excellent time and managed to reach the main Snow Lakes Trail without needing to deploy the litter,” said Chelan County Mountain Rescue.

The rescue team said it was met by Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue (CCVSAR), who packaged the patient into a wheeled litter for the remaining two-plus mile wheel-out.