Medicine Bow Nordic Ski Patrol
Patrol Log:  Saturday, December 20, 2008:  J. Hamann


Began patrol day at Snowy Range Ski Area with temperatures below zero, blowing and drifting snow.  Alerted to off-area rescue underway in Albany County for two overdue snowmachiners from the Mountain Meadows Cabins.  Assisted ACSO with preparation of snowcat to initiate transportation of potential patients from upper reaches of the range.  At approximately 12:30pm, departed SRSA with ACSO deputy to attempt to reach Quealy Warming Hut.  Rendezvoused with second ACSO snowcat at Green Rock parking area and IC, then continued up Highway 130 in tandem.  Travel was slow due to temperatures, wind and occasional whiteout conditions.  Reached Quealy Hut at about 3:30pm (approximately 16 miles from Green Rock).  The two overdue individuals had been located by ACSO snowmachine personnel earlier and brought to the hut to warm up.  Possible frostbite and cold injury noted and cared for by ACSO.

Loaded personnel and belongings and began to retrace the route back to the trailhead at about 4pm.  Continued blizzard conditions and darkness slowed travel even further.  Called upon resources of both snowcats on several instances to overcome conditions.  Met State Trails groomer at intersection of  N and U trails (Hwy 130), and followed this unit east toward trailhead.  Cold and weather continued to wreak havoc, resulting in mechanical difficulties.  Patients ultimately delivered to Mountain Meadows by 10:00pm, and personnel to Green Rock by 10:15pm with assistance of trails groomer.  Returned to SRSA at 10:45pm to recover personal belongings and return to Laramie.

Communications with IC from west of Libby Flats were limited to talk-around relays.  State Trails groomer reported availability of a satellite phone and should soon have either USFS or State radio capability in new Tucker machine.  Terrain covered was reasonably free of avalanche risk, however windloading and new snow don't bode well for future travel on steeper slopes.

Map of Route



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Page last modified December 23, 2008
Comments/Additions/Corrections to hamannj@tribcsp.com