WYOMING – On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, two visitors attempting to get to the Northeast Gate of Yellowstone National Park had to be rescued by Park County Search and Rescue after they ignored the posted “Road Closed” signs and became stuck in deep snow on the Beartooth Highway. The incident happened approximately one mile northwest of the Pilot Creek parking area, west of the intersection of the Chief Joseph Highway.
John Ray Elmore Jr., age 60 of Los Angeles, California and his father, John M. Elmore Sr., age 85 of Nashville, Indiana were following directions from their GPS device when they became stuck in approximately a foot of snow on the highway. They passed at least two “Road Closed” signs prior to becoming stuck but said that their navigation device indicated the road to be open, so they continued around the signs.
Search and Rescue (SAR) was mobilized after a cell phone call at 1:30pm from the victims disconnected before detailed information including their condition and exact location could be obtained. SAR deployed two ground teams equipped with snowmobiles to search the area.
Upon locating the victims, SAR members solicited the help of a local resident who was able to tow the victims back onto the pavement using a four-wheel drive pickup equipped with tire chains. The victims were unharmed and decided to take another route into the park.
Sheriff Scott Steward reminded residents and visitors alike to pay attention to all roadway signs, especially at this time of the year. “The road at the location of the closed signs may look clear and dry but conditions can change rapidly,” commented Steward. “Those signs are there for a reason and should not be ignored even if your electronic navigation device indicates otherwise.”
