
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.