Helicopter hoists injured climber from Sierra Nevada cliff near Courtright Reservoir
An injured climber who fell on the Power Dome formation at Courtright Reservoir was rescued by a CHP helicopter using a hoist on September 11.
At approximately 12:45 p.m. on September 11, CHP’s Coastal Division Air Operations was dispatched to Courtright Reservoir in the southwestern Sierra Nevada after a rock climber suffered a bad fall on the massive granite dome known as Power Dome. A helicopter based at Paso Robles Airport, staffed by a pilot and a flight officer/paramedic, arrived on scene and employed its hoist to extract the injured person from the steep rock face.
A helicopter rescue technician from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office joined the effort, ensuring a safe lift. Once airborne, the climber was handed off to an ambulance that was positioned nearby for immediate medical care. CHP did not disclose the climber’s name or the extent of injuries. The agency highlighted the collaborative role of partner agencies in achieving a safe outcome.
Why it matters
The rescue shows how inter-agency cooperation and specialized air-lift capabilities protect outdoor enthusiasts in remote terrain.
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