Teenager rescued after fall at Bass Lake recreation spot. She went 150 down, sheriff says
A teenager was rescued Sunday afternoon after falling at Angel Falls, just above Bass Lake in Madera County.
The California Highway Patrol said the 18-year-old fell 150 feet down the falls and struck a log in the water, causing her to lose consciousness, deputies said.
A CHP helicopter arrived and dropped down a hook, and authorities put the girl inside the basket and safely hoisted her.
The injured teen was taken to a local hospital. for lower leg, hips, arms and head suffered during the fall.
“We are extremely grateful for the positive outcome of this rescue, and as always, thank our agency partners for their swift response. We commend the CHP H-40 crew for their diligence in skillfully navigating this complicated rescue and safely getting the patient to the hospital,” Sheriff Tyson Pogue said.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, Sierra Ambulance and the U.S. Forest Service - Sierra National Forest assisted in the rescue.
Angel Falls is located along Willow Creek just north of Bass Lake. It is a popular area to visit, but the polished smooth granite has proven dangerous, leading to many rescues over the years. Angel Falls is an area where people go to cool off amid hot weather in the creek’s plunge pools.
Last June, a teenager was safe and a deputy was hailed for his actions in saving the girl after she fell down a waterfall, completing a dramatic rescue operation near Bass Lake.
This story was originally published June 13, 2022 at 3:34 PM.
