Dec 2006

Dec. 8, 2006 N Antelope Flat / Bishop Mt. , Island Park

Fourteen Fremont Rescue members responded to a hunter and his son who had run off the road, outside of cell service. Fremont Rescue was notified by "On-Star" that the gentleman & his son required assistance. Eight members rode to their location via snowmobiles to find both men doing well, but very stuck in snow. After forty minutes of attempting to get their vehicle back up to the road, they were unsuccessful. Two other members were able to get their vehicles into the location, to assist in pulling them out. One pulled the vehicle while the other packed down the snow ahead of them.

Dec. 16, 2006 Upper Dry Canyon Creek, Island Park

Twenty Fremont Rescue members went after a couple of snowmobilers. The sledders had gotten one snowmobile stuck in Upper Dry Canyon on Friday. Unable to retrieve their sled that day, they returned on Saturday in hopes of riding their sled down through Dry Canyon in the daylight. Unfortunately, they did not succeed.

Leaving that sled for a second time, they started walking. After four hours of walking in sub-zero temperatures (-15 to -20 degrees F), they gained cell service and were able to call for assistance.

Fremont Rescue was called at dark, and was out until midnight looking for the snowmobilers.

Please remember to go prepared. Take necessary supplies & dress for all possible winter weather situations. Realize it could be several hours or longer until rescuers are able to reach you.

Fremont County Search and Rescue found themselves rescuing overdue snow machine riders again.

At 7:00 p.m. Fremont County Search and Rescue members were notified they had a search in Island Park for three stranded snowmobile riders stranded somewhere between Sawtelle Peak and Mt. Jefferson. The night was clear, and temperatures were below zero, causing concern for their safety. After driving the slick roads to the Island Park area and establish base camp at the Sawtelle Road parking lot, search teams headed for the mountains, riding Idaho slopes and some into the Montana side of the mountains looking for lights or a fire. Family members had received occasional text messages from the individuals reassuring search members the stranded individuals were not injured. After a member noticed a snow machine light, Search and Rescue members were able to locate the individuals, establishing voice contact with them. The three stranded snowmobile riders from American Falls and Chubbuck were safely rescued from the Rock Creek Basin, North West of Sawtelle Peak in Island Park. The individuals had ridden their machines into the Rock Creek Basin area, unable to ride them out because of steep slopes and rough terrain. They had started a fire to protect themselves from nature’s elements. Fremont County Search and Rescue rescuers were able to ride their machines part way down into the basin to rescue the individuals, and the remainder of the way necessitated the use of webs. All three individuals were brought up out of the basin to a staging area on the mountain where Search and Rescue had a fire going to keep them warm. When all individuals were brought out of the basin, they and could be safely taken the rest of the way to the Sawtelle Road base camp. All individuals were in good condition and released to family members waiting at base camp. Search members finally arrived home around 4:00 a.m.

Concurrently with rescue #1, five snowmobile riders from Baker, Montana were reported overdue riding in Targhee Forest, Targhee forest extending from Ashton, ID to the Montana line. Learning the individuals had a cabin in the Shotgun area, the search concentrated from the Shotgun area toward Reas Peak and Jefferson Mountain. Clark County Search and Rescue was notified to assist with the Search. Fremont County Search members split up to locate the overdue riders. Fortunately for the search members, the 5 riders, after experiencing snow machine difficulties, arrived safely to Willow Creek Parking area, west of Island Park on the Yale Kilgore.

Current avalanche conditions are high at the present time. Take all necessary precautions, and look at avalanche websites before traveling into mountain areas where avalanche conditions are high.

A reminder to anyone traveling backcountry areas whether skiing, snowmobiling or hiking:

Remember the time of year, exercising all back country cautions. Take necessary equipment and survival gear when venturing into the back country. If you have a GPS and cell phone, be sure to take them with you, but do not rely on them entirely for a safe rescue if you find yourself in trouble or stranded. Avalanche Transceivers and equipment, knowing what the avalanche conditions are, and knowing skills to save lives are a must for everyone entering back country riding or traveling. Plan ahead. Make sure you know the area you are heading into before heading into it. If you find yourself in trouble, stop, take a look around you, and do not go any farther. The farther you go the more complicated and dangerous it is to get yourself to safety, also making rescue efforts more difficult and dangerous. Make mental notes in relation to any physical features or landmarks that would assist in your rescue. Make a plan, stick to your plan, narrow the riding area, and most of all let someone know WHERE you are planning to go!