October 17, 2023 - Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office officials report that as part of a cohesive working environment with local agencies, which included Ebbetts Pass Fire Department, CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, and Northern California Power Agency, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office conducted a high-angle training. The training was held on October 3, 2023, at the remote location of Calaveras Dome. Calaveras Dome is a 2,000’ granite feature on the South side of the Mokelumne River near the intersection of Calaveras County, Amador County, and Alpine County. While Calaveras Dome is the biggest feature in the area, it is surrounded by several additional cliffs of significant size. The increasing number of climbers learning to climb in a gym and then venturing outdoors increases the chances of an incident necessitating a technical rescue.

The training topics included high-angle rescue, radio communication, logistics, pre-planning, treatment of victim injuries, and victim extrication by way of a stokes litter (a wire basket conforming in shape to the human body into which an injured, sick, or disabled person can be safely strapped and transported by foot or other methods of travel).

The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all participants and commend them for demonstrating their excellent skills and unwavering dedication during this intensive training.

Access by Calaveras Dome is made by way of a series of unimproved roadways followed by an unmarked trail. It is not a location for amateur climbing or hiking activity, and the area is inherently dangerous and treacherous. Recreational use in the area is not encouraged.

The Calaveras County Volunteer Search and Rescue Team continually accepts applications to the team. Persons of all skill levels should contact Lt. Stark at 209-754-6783 or visit calaverassar.org for more information.

Source & photos: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office