Missions

2008

February

February 8th - Idaho Falls/Swan Valley - Winter weather hit Bonneville County hard this week.  County roads throughout the region were blown closed by blowing and drifting snow.  In addition, Highway 26 through Swan Valley was closed for an extended period of time, stranding motorists.  Search and Rescue helped the BCSO in closing roads throughout the county.  Additionally, SAR teams took the 60 mile trek from Idaho Falls to Swan Valley, under escort from Idaho Transportation Department, to deliver emergency supplies for the stranded motorists.  In addition, BCSSAR snowcats were on standby to assist the Idaho Falls Fire Department in transporting patients from areas throughout the county inaccessible by ambulance.

January

January 20th - Poker Peak - On Sunday, January 20th, we were called to assist the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office in rescuing a snowmobiler with a possible broken leg in the Poker Peak area.  Air Idaho Rescue was also summoned.  Because of the change in snow conditions from the previous night, Air Idaho was able to touch down and retrieve the subject (after three attempts), and SAR units were called off.

January 19th - Poker Peak - On Saturday, January 19th, we were called to assist the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office in locating two overdue snowmobilers in the Poker Peak/Jensen's Pass area.  The individuals had called their "significant others" and told them that they were stuck, and were not exactly sure where they were at, and to call Search and Rescue.  Air Idaho Rescue was requested to do a fly-over of the area, and located the subjects, but were not able to touch down because of the snow conditions.  13 BCSSAR snowmobilers responded, and made contact with the missing snowmobilers at approximately 2AM on January 20th.  The individuals were extremely stuck.  Search and Rescue personnel recommended to the individuals that they ride out with SAR members and come back after their stuck snowmobiles the following day.  The indivudals refused, stating that they had a fire and would be OK for the night, and that they thought they could get their machines out in the morning on their own.  At the subjects request, they were left with extra gasoline and food, and SAR members returned home empty handed.  Bonneville County Sheriff's Deputies checked the following morning and the subjects had made it out on their own.