Southern California hiker, 40, her dog airlifted off icy Mt. Baldy trail
A 40-year-old woman and her dog hiking on Mt. Baldy over the weekend had to be rescued after getting lost and stuck in icy conditions on the Devil’s Backbone trail, officials announced.
In a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, officials said Calabasas resident Shawna Burger called for help at around 2:10 p.m. March 22, telling dispatch she’d been hiking for several hours before getting lost and stranded in treacherous terrain.
SBSD’s day shift helicopter located Burger just below 9,000 feet on a one-foot-wide trail made up of shale rocks, snow and ice.
“One side of the trail was against a steep rock face while the other side was a severe slope into a canyon,” the release detailed. “Burger was pressed against the rock face holding her dog with slick iced over snow on either side of her. She was wearing a light jacket, shorts and tennis shoes.”
Based on the risk of falling and her lack of proper clothing, officials said a hoist rescue was requested.
The sheriff’s department’s rescue helicopter was then deployed, and a rescue medic lowered to Burger. The 40-year-old was put into a rescue harness and hoisted, along with her dog, from the mountainside to safety.
There were no reports of any injuries to Burger, her dog or the rescue medic.
“The Sheriff’s Department would like to remind anyone heading to the mountain regions for outdoor activities to be safe and prepared with adequate hiking gear, equipment, clothing, food, and water,” officials said. “Researching the area and weather forecast ahead of time can help with planning. Mountain conditions can be treacherous and can change drastically over a matter of minutes.”
Additionally, officials said portion of Mt. Baldy remain closed after the recent Bridge Fire and U.S. Forest Service rangers can issue citations of up to $5,000 to those who trespass on closed trails.
More information about which trails are closed can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.