SAR Near Kelso Ridge

[Bombay2Boulder]

Not sure if anyone saw this, but Alpine Rescue Team had a recent rescue operation near Kelso ridge. Thankfully everyone as safe after a 10 hour rescue operation.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alpine-R ... 91?fref=ts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
From the post-
"Two teenagers became cliffed out and stuck on the east side of Kelso Ridge Monday afternoon. The night before their hike to summit Grays and Torreys Peaks via the standard route, the teens had reviewed maps with their parents and developed a solid plan for their hike; however, at the summit of Torreys the teens changed their plan for decent (based on minimal information from another hiker). Not knowing the Kelso route and ill-prepared for the technical terrain, the teens got themselves into a nasty predicament resulting in a very dangerous and technical mission lasting over 10 hours. There were some tough conditions for the subjects and rescuers, intensified by rain and snow throughout the night with a constant threat of lightning.
The lesson here is to stick to the plan you know (and that your loved-ones know about), these teens did the right thing by calling 911 right away (luckily they had service)! Alpine Rescue Team’s services are always free to those in need of our help, delaying the call could cost a life!"

[wondering_hough]

Hats off to the rescue team and glad to hear of a positive outcome.

Last year a hiker wanting to descend this route after seeing me come up it...i tried to discourage a down climb on this ridge and told her that staying on the ridge proper is safest. 15 minutes later she returned to the standard route after seeing the difficulties. Descending a route you didn't ascend is always a gamble without proper research of the terrain.