A Marin County search and rescue crew wrapping up annual certification training got to practice its skills for real in the Boreal snow country of Nevada County Sunday afternoon. Marin County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Doug Pittman says the crew came across a man in distress, in the Castlepeak hiking area. He told the crew that the family, from Folsom, was snowshoeing when his 10-year-old daughter fell through the snow, which became what was described as a “manhole-sized” hole…

click to listen to Lt. Pittman

Seeing the girl was already showing signs of hypothemia, and that Nevada County crews were more than two hours away, Pittman says the Marin County crew felt it was vital they get involved…

click to listen to Lt. Pittman

Pittman says the crew employed a rope and rigging system to go down into the hole and bring her out. She appeared to have only minor abrasions and bruises.