Climber stranded on 6-inch ledge at 11,000 feet as 46 mph winds ground rescue helicopter

A climber became stranded on a ledge just 6 inches wide about 11,000 feet up a California mountain , with strong winds preventing crews from reaching him by helicopter as the man fought to hold tight.

The climber ran into trouble Aug.

22 while attempting the Mendenhall Couloir on Laurel Mountain, according to a Facebook post from the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team.

After mistakenly leaving the established climbing route, the man found himself in steep terrain where he could no longer safely move forward or retreat, the team said.

NURSE IMPALED BY POLE DURING HIKE FORCED TO TREK 10 MILES FOR HELP: 'A FREAK THING' The climber stopped on the narrow ledge and called for help using a satellite device.

Rescuers said the location was particularly dangerous because of the steep drop below — warning that a fall would "almost certainly be fatal." A helicopter was requested — but winds gusting between about 35 and 46 mph at roughly 11,000 feet prevented crews from carrying out an aerial rescue, according to the post.

Technical rescue teams instead had to head up the mountain carrying about 1,200 feet of rope and other equipment needed to reach the climber.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Once rescuers found him, they became concerned about how much longer he could safely remain in place.

The climber appeared to be repeatedly changing the leg he was standing on — which rescuers believed could indicate cramping .

Crews ultimately decided to begin a technical rescue that evening rather than leave him exposed on the ledge through the night.

Four rescuers used anchors and rope systems to reach the climber, secure him and guide him away from the steep gully.

The operation concluded at about 4:43 a.m. the following morning, according to the team.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "The team commends the subject for their incredible perseverance and determination, as well as for recognizing when help was needed and having the preparedness to call for it," the organization wrote.

Fourteen responders took part in the rescue, contributing nearly 172 volunteer hours, according to the post.