JACKSON, Wyo. — Inconsistent winter weather has resulted in a difficult season for snowmobilers. Teton County Search and Rescue (TCSAR) was mobilized for another snowmobiler incident on Thursday.
According to TCSAR, the call came in at 11:37 a.m., stating that an injured snowmobiler required assistance on Togwotee Pass. The 42-year-old male had crashed into a ravine “between the X and K trails near the CD trail,” TCSAR posted to Facebook. The TCSAR helicopter was dispatched with a short-haul team — a pilot, a spotter and two volunteers. Short-hauling involves retrieving a patient from terrain that would be difficult for a landing helicopter; instead, the patient is lifted by a long rope connected to the helicopter and carried to safety.
“The team was able to execute the short-haul and fly the patient a short distance to a waiting ambulance on the highway,” TCSAR posted. “From there, the team returned to SAR HQ in Jackson, completing the mission in 2 hours, 23 minutes.”
At least four snowmobilers have been killed in the region this winter. Stay safe out there.
