VERLOT — An Ellensburg woman and her dogs were rescued Tuesday night after they became stuck on a steep, snow-choked chute known as Headlee Pass.
The pass is near 6,214-foot Vesper Peak east of Verlot. It is regularly used to ascend the peak.
Two other climbers told the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office they heard the woman calling for help. They went to the ranger station in Verlot and alerted officials around 12:30 p.m., sheriff’s spokeswoman Shari Ireton said.
The sheriff’s office helicopter crew flew to the area and spotted the woman but was unable to immediately reach her. They later were able to lower a radio to her and also lowered a crew member, who hiked to her location at the 4,000-foot level.
The woman, 41, told the team that she was unable to descend because her dogs could not navigate the steep and dangerous terrain, Ireton said.
The sheriff’s office worked with Everett Mountain Rescue. With some assistance, the woman and dogs were able to reach safety about midnight, Ireton said. One member of the rescue party sustained minor injuries when a boulder came loose and struck him.
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