With at least three snowmobile emergencies last week, it seems a reminder of snow machining safety is in order for residents of the Valley and its visitors.
With all three accidents apparently being the result of inexperience or overconfidence the Saratoga Sun is providing these basic safety tips.
An emergency incident occurred in which local search and rescue was sent to the Ryan Park area for a Colo. couple who had rented a snowmobile and sent out a SPOT satellite based distress call. Based on accounts from Carbon County Sheriff's office employees, the couple had gotten their snow machine stuck on a non-groomed trail and set off the SPOT transponder nine times before hiking out of the area. The couple was apparently picked up and transported to a safe place, by a private citizen, before the search and rescue teams even made it to the area. If you set off an emergency beacon of any kind, you should stay with it so that search and rescue personnel can find you, according to Sheriff's deputies.
The following Thursday a snowmobiler touring with a group staying at a local resort bottomed out on his snowmobile and suffered chest injuries. On Friday, a woman on a guided tour with a local resort crashed her snowmobile into a tree and suffered face and head injuries.
The couple that requested a rescue are thought to have suffered no injuries and the other two are expected to fully recover from their injuries.
While no one was hurt last week Carbon County Deputy Sheriff Kevin Shue says it is a reminder of several safety precautions that should be followed with any back country winter activity.
Shue, Deputy Sheriff John Moore and Saratoga Resort and Spa General Manger Scott Randall have several recommendations for the safety of snow machine users.
The first is to make sure somebody knows where you plan to go and when you should return from your trip. As part of that, knowing where you are and being able to relay that information in an emergency situation is key. Have a GPS (Global Positioning System), a SPOT GPS or "Make sure somebody knows how to access the GPS on your cell phone," said Shue. Keep in mind that a SPOT device transmits location information in decimal degrees and local emergency dispatch equipment uses a minutes, degrees, seconds format. Accurate maps of the area you are going to be in can be obtained from the Forest Service, BLM or local sporting goods dealers.
Additionally, having a cell phone that uses the local carrier is often better than a cell phone serviced by a major provider in rural areas. A working cell phone or satellite phone may be your only connection to emergency services providers if you are stuck in the back country.
The second most important piece of survival gear noted by Shue, Moore and Randall was the ability to start a fire. At a minimum they suggest having a butane lighter or a fire starting kit. Extra fuel for your snow machine can also aid in fire starting as well as to get you home when you inadvertently run out. Shue notes running out of fuel has caused several rescue situations during his time with the department.
The basics of having proper clothing (waterproof, wind proof and insulated) for winter-time outdoor activities, extra food and water transcend all outdoor activities this time of year. Based on stories provided by Randall and Shue many people end up in emergency situations when they head in to the back country during good weather thinking they will only be out for a short time during ideal conditions.
For shelter construction a collapsible snow shovel or entrenching tool, rope and an emergency blanket or tarps can be used to build a lean-to or dig a snow cave. A shovel can also help to extract a stuck snow machine.
A tow-strap, strong rope, or a come-along are also recommended items to have when snowmobiling in order to extract a machine that becomes stuck.
To avoid head and face injuries Shue and Randall recommended full-face helmets designed for snowmobiling. One of the keys to safe helmet use is to always keep it on, even during slow speeds in warm weather.
Finally, if you are recreating in the outdoors during winter, stay within your limits. Randall suggests that if you are snowmobiling, skiing, or snow shoeing, stay out of areas that make you uncomfortable and keep your machine at speeds you can handle.
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