Water Resources Engineering Associate

Department of Water Resources

2/20/1979

Special Act Award (Gold)

During a very heavy snow storm with occasional avalanches in Plumas County, California, Water Resources Engineering Associates Conrad Lahr and Earl Stower of the California Department of Water Resources began their workday at the Beckwourth Subcenter. While hearing about several avalanche warnings, Conrad received a phone call about 8 a.m. from the Sheriff’s office asking for help in rescuing nine Portola High School students and their instructor bogged down from the continuous heavy snow fall. As the rescue effort began, Conrad trucked the snow cat for 15 miles, then drove it for 12 miles in areas where the snow depth had reached 20 feet. Conrad, knowing the risk of avalanches and having few options for routes, had to deal with an avalanche that buried their snow cat with him, Earl, and the student’s instructor for almost two hours. After shoveling themselves out of this avalanche, they continued their journey towards the students. They reached the students by 7 p.m. the same day. The students, who were formerly in a skiing class that Conrad was the assistant instructor, were wet and cold after being stuck in the snow storm for three days. Due to limited space on the snow cat, Conrad and Earl made two trips to rescue students ending the rescue effort at 3.a.m. the following day. Conrad and Earl were happy that all of the students were successfully rescued. The State of California takes great pride in presenting Conrad Lahr and Earl Stower these Gold Medals of Valor for their extraordinary acts of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service.