Jackson Hole Radio

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Covering the Tetons since 1965

Teton County Search and Rescue Monitoring Virus Situation

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Rescuers Help Woman

Team urges backcountry travelers to be cautious as Winter Storm drops two feet of snow on the Tetons

 

Teton County Search and Rescue is closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and following CDC guidelines for the health and safety of our team members and Foundation staff. As all of you, we are concerned about a potential outbreak here in Jackson and recognize the important responsibility of having a healthy team of first-responders. With large-scale events being canceled in Teton County, the SAR team decided to postpone group training this weekend, as the priority is to keep the team operationally healthy and ready to respond in the event of backcountry emergencies.

“Our team is continuing to train in small groups and individually and as always is prepared 24/7 for backcountry emergencies,” said Stephanie Thomas, executive director of the TCSAR Foundation. “Big storms can bring unfortunate accidents for weeks to follow, so please remember to be prepared and change plans accordingly.”

We know that as a community of adventurers, people are going to be out skiing and recreating in Teton County during this global health scare. With a Winter Storm Warning in effect until Sunday evening, we want to remind backcountry travelers to continue to follow best practices:

  • Check the daily avalanche forecast from the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center.

  • Let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to return.

  • Carry the appropriate gear (beacon, shovel, probe, airbag, first aid kit, communication device, extra layers, food, etc.)

  • Always be prepared to self-rescue, as avalanche conditions, inclement weather, nightfall, and other natural hazards may make it difficult for first-responders to reach you regardless of what is happening in the news.

As the TCSAR team likes to say, be “prepared, practiced, and present.”

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