Winter Steep Terrain Training: January, 27 Sugarloaf

Topic: Ice Axe Self-Arrest and Crampon Training

Who: Cross Training for: Sugarloaf Ski Patrol, Northstar EMS, Franklin Search & Rescue, MASAR team members.

Date: January 27th

Locations: Sugarloaf Mountain area 1. Flume Headwall trail on Sugarloaf Mountain 2. NotrhStar Sugarloaf Rescue base Carrabassett Valley, Maine.

Time: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

8:00 a.m. meet at the base of Whiffletree chairlift ready to snowshoe.

or

8:30 a.m. meet at the top of Flume Headwall (for those who will arrive on skis)

Welcome to winter!  This one-day training will begin on the steep flume trail at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. We will begin with ice axe self arrest methods and practice, and other ice axe related techniques.

For the second half of the day we will move to the Sugarloaf NorthStar rescue base about 5 miles south of the resort to learn basic crampon techniques and practice. This will be a better location for training and will not interfere with the skiing public. There will be some crampons available but it would be best to have equipment that you know fits your boots prior to training.

What to bring?

Bring the following gear if you have it:

• Ice Axe
• Crampons
• Helmet
• Harness
• Your ready pack
• Lunch (or an early Bag burger?)
• Boots
• Winter hiking/snow clothing
• Snowshoes (to hike up to the flume)

We will cancel if the travel weather is poor as some participants will be traveling from afar.

Watch the FSAR Blog for cancellations and training updates here: http://franklinsar.blogspot.com/

For planning purposes, please RSVP (or questions):

Al Sleight

alsleight@gmail.com

207-649-5333

2 Recent FSAR Standby Search Calls

Dec. 27: FSAR was put on standby by MASAR for a possible search for a two 9 year old children in Ellsworth, Maine. A live find was made before FSAR was activated. More information here:

http://bangordailynews.com/2012/12/27/news/hancock/children-missing-near-branch-lake/


Dec. 28: FSAR was put on un-official standby by Saddleback Mountain Ski Patrol for the search of a group of hiker/skiers. The subjects apparently left the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) parking lot on Rt. 4 around 1 p.m.  in deep snow. Wardens located the party at Rev It Up sport shop in Rangeley around 6 p.m. They may have been picked up by snowmobilers where the A.T. crosses the ITS trail at the base of Saddleback Mountain.  FSAR had not been activated at the time of the find.

Thank you to all who were preparing to respond.

WInter Rescue Readiness.... Are You Ready to Sleep?

It is important to remember that all active FSAR members are required to be self sufficient in the wilderness for a minimum of 24 hours. We need to assume that ANY rescue call we get at this (short daylight) time of year, will require us to spend the night outside; it could be 40 degrees and driving rain or -20 in deep snow, high winds and at 3500 feet. Are you ready? Does your ready pack have enough gear to allow you to set up or construct a reasonably warm shelter?  

FSAR does not require you to carry a bivy bag (like Baxter SP) or a tent or tarp. We expect that you have developed and tested a system that works well for you.

In the comments section of this blog post, please share a few of your tips, ideas or personal best practices with the team. I will add them to the post as we get them. FSAR blog readers (600-800 hits each month) are notoriously poor at commenting on blog posts... it is easy and quick.


Just click 0 comments

Question: What tips, ideas or personal best-practices can you share about sleeping outdoors in the winter? What works for you?

Outdoor Bivouac Survey Results

How many nights have you slept in the outdoors in the past 12 months?

Survey results:

FSAR Monthly Training 12-12-12

FSAR Monthly Meeting/Training

Wednesday, December 12

6:30 p.m.  Kingfield Fire Station

All interested people are welcome to attend

Training Subject: Communications

Pat will conduct a radio training for the team. 

GEAR TO SHARE: Each meeting, members are asked to share some of their personal field experience with a different aspect of gear. Wednesday, members should bring tips for use or actual gear concerning communication tools in the back country. Such as (but not limited to): 2 way radios, cell phone, whistle, firearm, smoke, lights, flagging, SPOT communicator, PLB, SAT phone, reflective clothing, written notes, filing a 'flight plan' by telling others what your plan is before leaving, others? What are your tricks, tips or rules of thumb?

Rope work: knot review

Pete B. demonstrates how to construct a signal fire at a FSAR winter training a few years back.

Simple LW backpacking stove

Check out this short video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flY6DMCe4uM

Smalls Falls Autumn Rope Rescue Training

We had a great Smalls Falls rope rescue training in Madrid last week. Before lunch, participants and instructors worked in small groups on different skills such as: knots, anchors, patient packaging, 3:1 mechanical advantage systems, scarab lowering device, radium LRH, and more. In the afternoon, all groups came together and conducted: litter lower, litter raise, belay, repelling and rope ascending evolutions. DK, Paul, Gabe and Al did a great job instructing. Watch the FSAR blog for announcements of the next training at this wonderful site to be scheduled in the spring.

October 27 & 28 Search at Baxter State Park

BSP Ranger Mike Winslow contacted FSAR about a search they are conducting in the park near Nesowadnehunk Campground on October 27 & 28.

In the 1960’s a 2-seater piper cub went down and both occupants were killed. Although the location was once known to Maine Wardens the information has been lost. The families of the victims are interested in reconnecting with the crash site. Mike said teams will have access to lean-twos and tent sites and can arrive on Friday night. Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday he is planning a large grid search in the general area of the crash. The terrain is a hardwood stand so it is relatively easy moving.

He would like a count by the 19th, please RSVP to Mit if you are planning on attending. FYI Sunday October 28 is the smalls falls rope rescue training, Mit will likely go to Baxter on Friday and return late Saturday or early sunday to make the rope training.

Update: this search was cancelled by BSP at the last minute so that park employees could prepare for incoming storm, Hurricane Sandy. It may be rescheduled later this fall or in the spring of 2013.

October Events and Training

Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012
6 p.m.
Mt. Abram High School Track (rain or shine)

Will be our annual fitness test.
MASAR requires that each team certify that its members are physically fit enough to carry out the mission.

The meeting will be held at Mt. Abram high School in Salem at 6 p.m. (not in Kingfield and this is a ½ hour earlier than normal)

What to bring? Bring a pack and 25 lbs. of weight, some folks use: 2 liter bottles of water, free weights, sandbags, rocks, etc. and good footwear for walking fast. The test: walk 2 miles around the track wearing your 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or less. You are not permitted to run.

What if I am unable to take the fit test tomorrow due to injury or other situations? 

No worries, come at 6:30 for the meeting and take the test at another time.

FSAR has purchased some utility cord so that all interested team members can fabricate a purcell prussik.  We will do this following the fitness test at Mt. Abram.



Smalls Falls
Rope Rescue Training

Sunday, October, 28 2012
Smalls Falls on Rt. 4 Madrid, Me.
9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

A training for NorthStar, FSAR and local Fire Departments.

Instructors:  Gabe Gunning, Al Sleight, Dennis Kerrigan and Paul Marcolini

Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather,  bring sturdy boots and a bag lunch.
If you have HAR gear, please bring it.

The first FSAR Meeting of the season is this week!

On Wednesday, September 12 at 6:30 we will meet at the Kingfield Fire Station.
All interested people are welcome to attend.

We will:

• Debrief the summer rescue calls and training events
• Discuss the merger of the Trident Man-tracking team with FSAR

• Discuss the training schedule for the 2012-2013 year

This year we will continue to do a monthly ‘gear to share’. We began this practice last year; each member is asked to bring one piece of their gear (if they choose) to share with the team. The intent is to learn some things about, different varieties, favorite features and applications of specific pieces of gear. This month we will share Ready Packs please bring your (loaded) pack and be prepared to share 1 or 2 things you like (or dislike) about your setup.

The first meeting of the season is a great time for interested people to attend. If you have a friend who may be interested in checking FSAR out, please invite them.

FSAR at Baxter State Park Aug. 30-Sept. 2

FSAR at Baxter by Pat Cyr

FSAR's 3rd and final 2012 SAR duty coverage in Baxter State Park (BSP) was at Togue Pond over Labor Day weekend.  Pat C, Steve Y, and Matt C participated in 3 days of coverage.  Staged at Chimney Pond was the Mahoosic Mountain Search and Rescue team.

The weekend weather could not have been better...light winds, with daytime highs in the 60's and nighttime lows in the 40's (38* at Chimney Pond Sunday!)  All weekend BSP was extremely busy both with overnight, as well as day use.  The Visitors Center at Togue Pond saw over 350 people on Saturday alone. Even with all the campers and hikers in the park, we had no calls for SAR assistance. A few overdue hikers after dark Saturday night ended well. We took advantage of the great weather to explore and hike in the park.  Over the three days we managed to reach both Baxter Peak on Katahdin and summit The Owl. We also took exploratory hikes into Nesowadnehunk stream, Daicey Pond, and the West Branch of the Penobscot. As always the Baxter Park staff extended their hospitality and gratitude and treated us like VIP's.  They certainly understand and appreciate the commitment we make as volunteers. FSAR welcomes all active members to participate in weekend Baxter SAR coverage.  

In 2013 we hope to plan more organized training weekends with many more members encouraged to attend.  Stay tuned!
Pat

 Hamlin Ridge from South Peak

 Pamola Peak from South Peak

Pamola and the Chimney from the top of the Armidello

Weekend Swiftwater Rescue Class on the Rapid River

The Swiftwater Rescue class on the Rapid river was a great success. 9 people from NorthStar, FSAR and Saddleback Mtn. Ski Resort participated. During the 2.5 day long training, students and teachers spent about 12 hours in the water learning and practicing the techniques of basic swiftwater rescue. Gabe, and assistants Mike, Pat and Al did an outstanding job instructing.

Carter gives the 'I'm OK' signal (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

The crew moves down river trying not to accumulate too many butt bruises!

(photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Thanks to NorthStar for sponsoring this awesome training. (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Carter uses a throw-bag (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Gear Check  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Kevin ready to roll (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Looking for pearls?? (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Pat is 'Good to go' (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Gabe runs the river  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Pat and Mit trekking back to camp (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Pat's turn to run the river (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Happy Jeff after coffee! (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Gabe demos some swimming techniques (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

The amazing Rapid River before sunrise  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Mike is good-to-go  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Shelby heads back to camp. (photo?)

Pat and Gabe chillin in an eddy  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Mit is Hangin' out in the river (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Happy Mike with cup-o-joe  (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Kevin is lovin' it (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Jeff was the envy of many in his 70's speedboat helmet. (photo: Shelby Rousseau)

Around the campfire (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

PFD, gear-up and safety review by Gabe, Mike and Al (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Carter and Cree listen to instruction before getting wet (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Swimming practice (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Mike on standby with a throw rope (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Cree riding the river waiting to be rescued (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Kevin goes for a ride (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Al works his way off the strainer pipe. (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Strainer drills with Pat and Gabe standing by (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Kevin on the strainer (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe creates one of the best breakfasts I've had in a long time on Sunday morning (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Chillin on the 'winter house' deck before training (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe lovin' life (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Pat's throw rope gets the best of him! (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Mechanical advantage drills on Sunday morning (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe talks about anchors and ropes (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Gabe and Pat gear-up  (Photo: Stephan Mitman)

Wood fired hot tub after long day on the river...priceless, many thanks to J.P! (Photo: Carter Hall)

Hanging with caretaker JP before heading out.