VICTOR, Idaho — At 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue (TCISAR) was called to investigate an overdue snowmobiler who started from Pole Canyon in Victor.
According to TCISAR, the experienced rider had become stuck and spent Friday night in the backcountry with limited gear and no communication in avalanche terrain. Their last known point was in Bonneville County, Idaho.
TCISAR says that the call “quickly” became a multi-agency response.
An eight-person ground team from Bonneville County Sheriff Search & Rescue and TCISAR searched on snowmobiles from Pole Canyon to Palisades Peak. Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) was called to assist with its helicopter.
“Air Idaho Rescue flew an initial reconnaissance to the last known point with no results but did witness multiple avalanches occurring in the surrounding mountains,” said TCISAR’s report.
Eventually, ground teams spotted a single track in the vicinity of the last known location and the helicopter team was able to spot the missing person and initiate a rescue.
All team members and the victim were out of the field just before dark at 8 p.m. Saturday. The mission took 11 hours and required 35 members from four agencies.
“We are extremely grateful for all of the county teams that share these mountains,” said TCISAR. “We train together annually for just this situation. Good weather and exceptional teamwork led to the best possible outcome.”
