An injured Bay Area climber was rescued after falling roughly 700 feet down Mount Shasta, marking one of the first major search-and-rescue incidents on the mountain this year, according to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said two climbers, ages 19 and 20, successfully reached the summit Sunday afternoon before encountering trouble during their descent through Avalanche Gulch. While descending below an area known as Red Banks, one of the climbers lost his footing and slid hundreds of feet down the mountain.
The fall left the climber with significant injuries to his shoulder, hand and ankle, leaving him unable to continue down the mountain. His climbing partner remained with him while they waited for help.
The pair called for assistance at about 8:22 p.m. Sunday. However, severe weather conditions, including high winds and dangerous terrain, prevented rescuers from immediately reaching them.
Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office
Rescue teams from the U.S. Forest Service climbing ranger program and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team began operations but were forced to delay their ascent until daybreak due to the hazardous conditions.
Early Monday morning, rescuers climbed the mountain and successfully reached the stranded climbers. The injured man was evacuated and transported to Mercy Medical Center for treatment.
Officials said the incident highlights the risks of remaining on the mountain late in the day. The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center advises climbers to begin their descent no later than noon, regardless of experience level.
“In this most recent incident, the two climbers failed to contact rescue personnel until well after dark when conditions had deteriorated, and had to instead spend the night on the mountain,” the sheriff’s office said in a social media post.
“This incident was the second major Search and Rescue incident on Mount Shasta of 2026, and contains several important lessons for those preparing to climb Mount Shasta this year.”
Authorities also urged climbers to check with local rangers or guides before attempting the climb. Persistent cold weather and strong winds have kept snow conditions firm, creating what officials describe as dangerous “slide-for-life” terrain where a single slip can lead to a long fall.
Climbers planning trips to Mount Shasta are encouraged to carry proper gear, including crampons, helmets and ice axes, and to know how to use them. Officials also recommend bringing emergency supplies such as extra food, warm clothing and a bivy kit, noting that even under good conditions rescue operations can take hours. For more alpine climbing tips see here.