Improving Search and Rescue Efficiency in the Tahoe Basin

Project Partners: Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Hasty Team, Tahoe Fund
Funds Granted: $30,250

You don’t often think about it, but 24/7, 365 days a year, there are volunteers ready to answer the call if you need rescuing, no matter the situation. In North Lake Tahoe, search and rescue operations are carried out by Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and Washoe County Sheriff’s Hasty Team.

Last year, volunteers responded to over 120 missions. To help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of future rescues, we are partnering with both organizations to make critical equipment upgrades.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue

TNSAR has been conducting fast, safe rescues and educating the public on winter safety since 1976. This funding will provide volunteers with a fleet of new GPS tracking radios. The new radios will help keep their team safe in the field and help continue to ensure successful search and rescue operations.

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Hasty Team 

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Hasty Team was founded in 1971 and is comprised of non-paid professionals in the Reno/Sparks area. The team specializes in Backcountry, Dive, Swiftwater, Helicopter Hoist, and Technical Rope rescue. This grant will provide the team with 30 winter ice kits, 30 technical rope rescue kits, 15 new radios, and new technical rescue ropes to improve the capability and efficiency of future rescues.

We are thankful to these volunteers for keeping folks safe in the backcountry and out on the Lake.