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