Nevada County honors search-and-rescue partners after Castle Peak avalanche

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors on July 14 adopted a resolution recognizing the interagency search-and-rescue effort that followed the Feb. 17 Castle Peak avalanche.

Sheriff Shannon Moon told the board the response began the afternoon of Feb. 17 and involved more than 46 personnel from the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Nevada County Search and Rescue, and partner agencies including Placer and Washoe county search-and-rescue teams, the California Highway Patrol air operations, CareFlight Truckee and the California National Guard. "Every hour spent in the mountains reflected a promise to never stop searching," Moon said, describing multi-day operations hampered by weather, avalanche risk and limited hoisting windows.

Moon said first aid and on-the-mountain rescues reached survivors at about 17:36 on the first day and that crews ultimately recovered nine decedents through coordinated effort, including ground teams, CHP and National Guard hoists when weather permitted. He thanked local volunteer groups and federal, state and municipal partners for their roles in recovery and victim services.

Supervisor Hardy Bullock introduced the certificate of recognition, which lists participating agencies and thanks individuals and organizations for their resilience and professionalism. The board moved and adopted the resolution by unanimous roll call.

The resolution directs the county to recognize the participating agencies and individuals and to thank them publicly; the board recessed afterward for a photo opportunity with the honorees.