Washoe County Search & Rescue

10/08/2026

09/17/2026

We are thrilled to report that the 2026 WCSAR Sierra Hill Climb was a huge success! As a volunteer organization that receives no tax dollars, every mission and community effort relies directly on the generosity and commitment of people like you.

First and foremost, a massive THANK YOU to every participant, runner, and spectator who came out to tackle the climb and show their support. Your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to safety in Northern Nevada make everything we do possible.

This event would not have been possible without the amazing support of our local sponsors. Thank you for investing in life-saving equipment, training, and resources for our team!

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
• iSLEEP Home Sleep Solutions
• Northern Nevada Financial
• Tahoe Fund
• Mountain Bounty Farm
• High Sierra Restorative Health
• Gearhut (The Biggest Little Gear Shop)
• Clinch Performance and Recovery
• Sierra Nevada Technology Consulting LLC
• Sani-Hut

Thank you all for standing behind our rescue team so we can continue standing ready for our community. See you at the top next year!

08/18/2026

08/17/2026

WCSAR’s Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Academy recently wrapped up an incredible weekend of training on the South Fork American River. Participants spent two action-packed days almost entirely in the water and on rafts, taking on Class III+ rapids to hone their raft handling and active river skills.

By practicing precise raft positioning and ferry angles in powerful currents, team members built up maneuverability techniques vital for real-world scenarios such as navigating a craft to safely extract a stranded subject or haul an injured paddler out of hazardous hydraulics. From reading complex water features to tackling technical drops, participants put their Swiftwater Rescue skills to the test in high-energy water. Massive shoutout to all the participants and instructors who showed up ready to work and made the course a big success.

08/13/2026

One month until this year's Mt. Rose Hill Climb! Slots are filling up fast so be sure to register now!

https://runsignup.com/Race/NV/Reno/MtRoseHillClimb

A 10-mile trail run supporting Washoe County Search & Rescue!

Challenge yourself on a steep out-and-back course to the 10,338 ft. summit of Relay Peak for stunning Lake Tahoe views, then fly down a fast dirt finish!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰ Start Time: 7:30 AM PDT (Staggered start)
📍 Location: Mt. Rose Trailhead | Reno, NV
💰 Price: $75 (Reg ends Sept 11 at 11:59 PM)

Need-to-Knows:

📦 Packet Pickup: Friday, Sept 11 (4:00–6:30 PM) at Reno Running Co. (Summit Location)

🚗 Parking: Dirt lots only at the trailhead—carpooling is strongly encouraged.

💧 Aid Stations: Water-only at Miles 3 & 7. Please run self-sufficient with your own fuel & hydration!

🏆 Awards: Top 3 in each category + fastest summit times, plus raffle drawings!

Run for a great cause and support the volunteers who keep our mountains safe.

🔗 Sign Up or Donate: https://runsignup.com/Race/NV/Reno/MtRoseHillClimb
👇 Tag your running buddy!

08/02/2026

Six years ago today, our teammate and friend Dr. Paul Sheykhzadeh was tragically killed in a recreational climbing accident. And we still miss him.

Whenever the pager goes off. Whenever we have training. Whenever we get together.

We miss you, Paul. And we will never forget you.

1R62 ❤️

06/07/2026

As we head into the summer season, Washoe County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue is sharing an important water safety reminder.

While air temperatures may be warming up, water temperatures throughout our region remain extremely cold and can create dangerous conditions for even experienced recreationists.

If you plan to enjoy our rivers, lakes, and waterways this summer, wear a life jacket and always recreate responsibly. Avoid swimming or boating while impaired, and use extra caution around areas with strong currents, high water flow, and fast-moving water.

Stay safe and enjoy all the incredible water recreation opportunities Northern Nevada has to offer.

04/19/2026

We are excited to announce a major milestone for search and rescue in our community. The Hasty Team, Specialized Vehicle Unit, and the legacy WCSAR team have officially joined forces to become a single, unified team under the Washoe County Search & Rescue (WCSAR) name.

By combining our specialized skills—from technical rope rescues and rapid response to off-road extraction—into one cohesive organization, we are streamlining our operations to serve our community better and faster.

While our new patches might look a little different, our commitment remains the same: So that others may live.

Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Mountain Rescue Association