Be prepared for winter jaunts into the Montana backcountry
As I write this on the Friday before Christmas, knowing that it won't be read until after Christmas, I still can't help but wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
As of today, we have very little snow and only a chance that more will fall before Christmas. I know the skiers and snowmobilers are unhappy about no snow, but it fits the old fat guy just fine.
Lack of snow in the lower elevations does not eliminate outdoor recreation. It just changes it. This week, North Valley Search and Rescue responded up Canyon Creek to rescue an ATV rider. With little snow in the river bottoms, this individual tried to ride his ATV between Canyon Creek and Big Creek. Higher up, he got his ATV stuck and couldn't get it out.
Luckily, he had a cell phone and was able to call for help and then started walking out. NVSR searchers met him on snowmobiles and brought him out to the Canyon Creek parking lot.
According to searchers, the ATV operator was mostly well-equipped except for his leather boots, which caused him to get cold feet. He did have spare dry socks, which really helped. NVSR did not attempt to retrieve his ATV, so he'll have something to do after he rests up and finds friends to assist him.
It's fun to go alone into the backcountry. It can also be really dangerous if you have even a minor accident. Snowmobiles - or ATVs - can break down, so you should have cross-country skis or snowshoes to get out on foot.
Most important is adequate winter clothing, especially footwear. I prefer to avoid battery-powered warmers as the only way to keep your feet warm. In cold weather, it's too easy for batteries to fail, if you have to stay out overnight or even longer.
I also always have a way to start a fire. I carry two or three of Al Gardner's famous wax and sawdust fire starters plus some birch bark. I also have waterproof matches and a Zippo lighter. If it's really cold, the small butane lighters are not reliable. Also, if you're stuck with a snowmobile, you can always soak a rag with gasoline. NVSR member Chris Cheff once sacrificed a pair of brand new, never worn, wool socks to start a fire for folks he rescued and were in danger of freezing.
Finally, even if you insist on going alone into the backcountry, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll return. Then if you get in trouble, someone will know where to look.
In this recent case, 12 NVSR members spent from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the mission. We don't mind the time, we're concerned with the outcome. In this case, the outcome was positive. Victim was unhurt, no searchers were hurt and no equipment was lost - just a little sleep. It doesn't always end that way.