Four Missouri residents rescued in Snow Range on December 17
Four Missouri residents were recently rescued while snowmobiling in the Snowy Range, according to a press release from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.
On December 17, at approximately 7:34 p.m., the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding four snowmobilers who had three machines break down and were trying to make it to shelter at the Nelson Warming Hut. Deputy Patrick Patterson responded to the call along and activated members of the Rawlins, Ryan Park, Saratoga and Encampment Search and Rescue teams.
In total, seven search and rescue members arrived to assist in the search. Saratoga members brought the Snowcat, Ryan Park members brought the rescue trailer, personal equipment and a command truck, and Rawlins members brought personal equipment. Deputy Patterson established a command post at Chains End on Highway 130.
During the search the reporting party, who was in the missing group, reported he was unable to get anyone to the warming hut. He was going to ride back to ensure everyone had a fire. The party sounded as though they had separated while riding.
The first wave of searchers utilized the Snowcat and one snowmobile. This group searched the T-trail and were unable to locate the missing party. The search party was unable to locate the warming hut and determined the huts had not been set up yet. They next went down the W-trail and located all four members of the missing party. The second wave of searchers was composed of members from the Rawlins team. They proceeded to meet up with the Snowcat and they all rode out together.
All members are loaded into the Snowcat to warm up due to it being 4 degrees, or colder, and windy in their location. After a brief warming period, the rescue team started one of the missing snowmobiles and rode out. The other three snowmobiles were left in the mountains to be retrieved later. During the return trip, the Snowcat requested EMS personnel to be on scene due to ongoing cold related problems. MS267 was dispatched from Saratoga and arrived with EMT-I Mike Farver and Paramedic Stayton Mosbey on board.
The four rescued personnel were Missouri residents, identified as 25-year-old Gavin Graupman, 25-year-old Keegan Budine, 22-year-old Meredith Skinner and 22-year-old Sydney Melet. The group had a varying degree of riding experience and were dressed appropriately for the weather. They also had some lifesaving equipment to build fires and a back country radio.
Search and rescue members who aided in the operation were Pat Walliser, Randy Sikes, Homer Beach, Andrew Myers, James Willis, Mike Lujan and Vince Vogt.
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