FSAR was requested to respond to assist in the rescue of 2 skiers/snowboarders (which would later become 4 skiers/snowboarders) on the back side of Sugarloaf Mountain. 2-4 inches of snow was forecast for the night and high winds of 30+ MPH. 7 members proceeded to gather their winter alpine rescue gear and head for the staging area at the Northstar Sugarloaf Rescue base in Carrabassett valley.
Upon arrival at staging, we spread out our gear and discussed what we would need. We also monitored radio traffic and were updated on new events as they unfolded. Around 9 p.m. the decision was made to move FSAR up to the Ski Patrol base on the mountain where we could be rapidly deployed by snow cat if/when needed. We spent the next 3 hours monitoring radio traffic as the 2 Ski Patrol teams attempted to locate the 2 lost parties on the mountain.
At midnight the wardens told the lost skiers to dig a snow shelter and weather the night. We were also released for the evening.
Although we never hit the snow, our presence as backup plan ‘B’ for support of the hasty teams was much appreciated by both the wardens and the ski patrol.
For more detail on of the overall incident, follow this link to the Daily Bulldog.
http://www.dailybulldog.com/db/?p=4227
Jim and Jake hurry up and wait at the Sugarloaf Ski Patrol base.
Devon takes advantage of a wheel chair for comfort and entertainment!
FSAR team president Steve Y. talks strategy with with Sugarloaf Rescue base.
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