The Carson City Sheriff’s Search & Rescue crew has assisted 15 motorists so far in 2023.
CCSSAR has put its new Side-by-Side to use, rescuing nine people trapped in mud that proved impassable to wheeled vehicles. CCSSAR requested Washoe County Sheriff’s RAVEN respond to one late afternoon mission as there were multiple stranded vehicles miles apart with occupants who had already been stranded overnight.
The focus for mud rescues has been the low-lying areas along the Pine Nut Range including Simpson, Delphi, and Hudson Pass Road. Snow rescues have included Como and Goni roads.
Rainfall and snow melt coming off the east side of the Pine Nut range has settled in a number of low areas making passage extremely difficult with mud that does not clear tire treads and ruts up to 10 inches deep.
GPS provided routes were a factor in a few of these stranded motorist missions. GPS does re-route due to traffic accidents or road blockage but does not provide exact road conditions. A GPS travel route is not a guarantee of success, a press release from the CCSSAR said.
“Final determination falls upon the driver,” the release said. “With additional foul weather in the forecast please keep this in mind when travel planning.”
For information, visit CCSSAR’s Facebook page or at carsonsar.com.