Ted Mandryk, 42, of Ventura, California, was hiking alone up a snowfield on Dunderberg Peak near Virginia Lakes when he was struck by a rock slide.
He had planned on climbing to the top of the mountain, and had intended to ski down the snow-filled couloir back to his vehicle at the Virginia Lakes trailhead.
He was wearing a helmet at the time of the rock slide that limited the severity of his injuries. However, the slide did cause injuries to his head and hand, along with a possible broken leg.
Mandryk was able to call for help on his cell phone.
The Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, along with a Mono County paramedic, responded to the call.
The SAR team climbed up the snowfield to his location, placed him in a litter and lowered him down the couloir.
Mandryk was then transported to Mammoth Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
He was first spotted by the team high in the couloir he had climbed.
He slide down the snow on his own for quite a distance as shown in the photo at the right.
These pictures by Joe Walker and Dave Michalski document the rescue process. After stabilizing him and getting him into a liter, he was belayed down the moderate snow slope in two steps.
Snow filled couloir from rescue site
Track of subjects slide down the snow can be seen as preparations start for belaying him down the slope
Victim's injuries included a possible broken leg
While victim's medical needs are attended to, anchors for the first belay site here and the second belay site below are set up
Preparing to move victim into litter
Making the victim comfortable in the litter
Securing the victim in the litter
Meanwhile the belay system is set up
Preparing to start the belay
Belay setup about ready to go