With wind gusts having hit 40 mph at Mt. Umunhum, and the San Lorenzo River swelling to more than eight feet in height thanks to unrelenting rains, two rafters had to be rescued south of Felton earlier this week.
The man got out unscathed, but the woman—who is in her 50s—was injured and required a technical rescue by members of a variety of state and local agencies, deep in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
“Felton firefighters hiked through the rough terrain to reach the two patients on the opposite side of the river,” a Cal Fire CZU spokesperson said in a Twitter post Monday. “CA State Parks deployed rescue swimmers who reached them and brought them safely across the river to receive care.”
Responding agencies included Cal Fire, Santa Cruz County Fire, Felton Fire Protection District, California State Parks and American Medical Rescue.
Authorities are reminding the public that when the river rises, conditions change from a “relaxing float” to a “high-stakes environment.” Leave the high-flow navigation to the professionals with the dry suits and specialized training, they said.
Monday’s call came in before 10am. The rafters were able to call 911 themselves.
Around 2pm, Cal Fire CZU firefighters began tying their ropes off to the train tracks normally used to guide Roaring Camp’s beach train to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and back. The firefighters repelled down the side of the steep soggy-tree-litter mountainside that threatened to give way with every step.
Around 3pm, the injured woman was transferred to the basket and, by this time, in good spirits. She was elevated to safety shortly afterwards.
“Huge thanks to our local first responders for their quick action in difficult terrain,” the Cal Fire spokesperson said.
In addition, closures were announced for multiple State Parks on Tuesday, including Castle Rock, Big Basin and New Brighton. Another winter storm system is on its way, arriving Sunday and lasting through Wednesday, according to forecasts.
In an interview, Cal Fire CZU spokesperson Cecile Juliette reminded the community about just how dangerous a river becomes during a storm.
“It can carry downed branches and other debris,” she said. “We are in for a period of extended wet weather, so it’s just better to stay home when you can. Spring will be here before you know it.”
