Grand County (Utah) Search and Rescue: Silt Happens, Sept

SILT HAPPENS #00-1, 2 & 2.5

Incidents: 00-1 to 00-28 (January-April, 2000)
In these issues: Nathan grabs a pack and jumps; Our own Matt goes Splatt; Looking for High Water; who stole the confluence??; Mill Creek wall strike
****** "Silt Happens" Back Issues ******

Content by Bego Gerhart (1T836) --- HTML by Matt Moore and Frank Mendonca

GCSAR Home

"Silt Happens"

	1-1-99	Rescue by Short Haul
Joshua Tree NP (CA) - On January 1st, rangers were notified that 27-year-old Jeremy Maine had fallen in the Rattlesnake Canyon area of Indian Cove. Maine was found to have fallen 40 feet onto a rock ledge and suffered a shattered left ankle. Due to the ruggedness of the canyon, a county air rescue helicopter extricated Maine via a 110-foot short-haul. Rangers, members of the park's volunteer rescue team, sheriff's deputies, and local units responded.

	1- 11- 99	GCSAR meeting
Rex Daddy takes an incoming bow to a packed house. He has Ana Genda. New club jackets. With the appropriate emblems and stuff. Nice garments. Proposed By Laws changes: 2 levels of membership, better job descriptions, more. Appoint "specialty team" captains. For example: Sam could be Lt. ATV. Rock Rescue team to do 3 Saturdays per year. And much more. Let’s get ready to rumble. 2 new ATVs with trailer !! Brad is fixing up the trailer to perfection. Better mapping of GPS coordinates in the Gold Bar, Golden Spike, Poison Spider area so searchers can stay found with map and GPS. Now that’s handy. Most of the meeting was the debrief of 99- 85, the basejumper caper. See Silt 99-5, newsstands. Frank then showed an A&E video of the Las Vegas Search and Rescue Team. Helicopters galore. SWAT activities (really??) plus all the regular rescue stuff. Physical fitness testing. Heavy duty testing and interviews to get in and you can get in only after 4 years on the Las Vegas Police Force. And scenes from what it’s like to loose a comrade. We also know that Rex and Jeff will be riding their motorcycles to Florida, taking all of July. We should send along a film crew: Easy SAR Rider.

In New Zealand it isn’t football, baseball or basketball or any of those. It’s Rugby. Much better than football or baseball. It’s like whoeverhastheballgetstackled combined with soccer. And something causes a team to have to occasionally "scrum."

So, thru the years, the New Zealand All Blacks have done pretty well in the Rugby World Cup. They dig right in there and scoring ace Jomo Lungma does it better than most American running backs. No helmets. A score is called a try... I think. Lotta weird terms for Rugby.

This year, the All Blacks were looking pretty good. Down to the quarter finals. They were playing the French and were definitely favored. Well, the French won. It is known all over New Zealand as Black Monday. The French coach said, "The underdogs can be very dangerous and this was a good example." The All Blacks coach said, "I quit," cuz that’s how it goes in the sport, down under. National humiliation. Oh dear. Third place, at best. Lower than low. End o world.

Then the South Africans beat them into 4th place and no one talked about Rugby for awhile.

Kiwis root for two teams: The All Blacks and anyone playing Australia.

00-1	1-14-00	Roll Over Steel Bender
Two guys out geeking around and they rolled, almost too far. It was a cold, dark night and they almost decided to walk out in Birkenstocks and no light. Would have been a tough search. 1T12 and Loren went the 3.4 miles in from the Golf side and rescued. Comments: Responders: Rex, 1T12 and 13B61

00-2	1-17-00	The Sky is Falling Arches NP Assist
Two gals reported a thing up in the sky with a thing flailing below it and then the thing drops off and the other thing circles around. Arches had some hikers looking around and GCSAR sent 2 up Courthouse Wash to look around. Comments: S’bird... S’plane... Responders: Frank, Jeff, Sam, Matt Hop., Matt Moo., Kent

	1-27-00	GCSAR Meeting
Another Sierra Safety Litter was ordered. More new radios. A power booster to turn the handsets into 40 watters, for use on the ATVs, River Rescue boat and snowmobiles. New GCSAR membership application being worked on- quite a bit more comprehensive than the present one. Adding an equipment usage page to the Incident Reports. Document- Document- Document. Training 1- 27- 00 Incident Command System and Leadership Frank passed out a package of ICS and Leadership information from the NASAR Standards book. These NASAR standards of knowledge and skills are being widely accepted in the USA. As we have said before-- certification is on its way here. Study. Jim Webster (Arches Chief Ranger) spoke about Leadership- "Things That Help Get Things Done" Perhaps Birth Order does make a difference. First borns are typically more leaderey Book: "The Leadership Styles of Attila the Hun" [ Read this book- it is good- Ed ]. Leadership by Dictum- The autocrat, everything black and white, usually makes trouble. by Selection- Surround yourself with competent people. by Potential- Get people with the potential to do the right job. They may be more open open minded to new ideas. by Example- Be focused, involved, fit and the like. Communication is THE important. Important to know what not to do. Lust- You have to want to be the leader. Customs- Know your groups’s wah. Cunning in the Tribes- No whining (Dave Lyle’s "Good Followership") Picking Your Enemies- You decide. Essentials of Decisiveness- Make your decisions. Get opinions from respected peers. Art of Delegation- Be accurate. Turn ‘em loose, almost, and do not micro manage. There is Another Day (Way)- Maybe back off a bit and reassess. Safety of rescuers first. Bones of Caravans Past- Learn from the Past. Debrief, analyze, make good changes. Dave Lyle spoke about Good Followership (equally as hard, no whining), filling Leadership vacuums (just start leading and see...) and thinking outside the box for novel solutions to problems (two times two is five, for large values of two). [Another current reference: Outdoor Leadership by John Graham- The Mountaineers Press] 1T7: "Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly."

	2-1-00	Very Little Snow, from Steve Swanke
Below is peak flow by year for all high water episodes since 1979. A high water episode is defined as Cataract Canyon flows in excess of 55,000 cubic feet per second. Below that is comparative snow water equivalent percentages in the basins on the first day of the month by river, month and year. The snow water equivalents are from select SNOTEL sites managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Colorado River is currently approximately 68% of normal and the Green River is currently approximately 73% of normal. 1979 1980 1983 1984 1985 1986 1993 1995 1997 2000 73100 59100 104700 114900 68200 69500 70900 80700 70800 ????? COLORADO RIVER J100 J 76 J113 J198 J132 J145 J105 J 87 J154 J 48 F154 F113 F 91 F144 F111 F112 F113 F 91 F154 F 68 M 98 M118 M 95 M129 M102 M125 M133 M101 M138 M A106 A121 A117 A126 A113 A112 A130 A106 A113 A M101 M119 M133 M146 M113 M117 M137 M121 M137 M GREEN RIVER J 87 J 67 J128 J208 J140 J153 J105 J103 J173 J 46 F104 F135 F114 F158 F115 F130 F145 F117 F202 F 73 M103 M146 M113 M135 M 99 M160 M160 M110 M174 M A103 A147 A130 A133 A105 A139 A146 A126 A135 A M103 M146 M131 M171 M 82 M202 M162 M168 M159 M

Who’s On First- Abbot and Costello on the Kate Smith Hour 1938
What is on second. I don’t know is on third. I don’t care plays short stop. Why plays left field. Because plays center field. Tomorrow is pitching to today.
Certainly. Naturally. Every dollar of it. That’s right. 3rd base. One base at a time.

	2-8-00	GCSAR Meeting
The Ambulance Association has moved in to the old bus barn next door. Therefore, the road in front of the SAR Shed is now one way. IN is from 1st North, OUT goes toward the old Middle School. Steve Nash spoke about his cool fanny packs, the mobile medical rescue Harper packs. Alan West’s retirement party is tomorrow at the MARC. Vehicle Information Sheet- A new page has been added to the Incident Report folders so we can track vehicle usage: driver, mileage, hours, problems, etc. Training 2- 8- 00 Search Strategy and Tactics Guest speakers: The world famous dashing duo of Gary Haynes and Colin Smith. See the results, p 7 & 8.

It’s a tiresome burden to place on the natural, the obligation to keep coughing up "enlightenment."

00-3	2-10-00	Agency Assist - The Investigators [NC-17] - Directed by C. Brewer
Cruising the Interstate on ATVs looking for the needle along the haystack to solve a murder. Comments: Sam acted like it was a yard sale. Responders: Rex, Jeff, Sam, Swhite

2-12-00

Helicopter Crash

Department of Public Safety helicopter pilot Tom Rettburg and Classic Helicopters mechanic Tom M. crashed in SLC. Tom loved being a pilot and he loved being a cop. He has been down here several times for searches, rescues and stuff, especially during Jeep Weeks. We’ve all been in that very ship. Thanks. Bye. Rotor Madness.

4 Stages In The Development of Helicopter Pilots:

1) Pure chaos bordered by absolute panic. NO one can make an eggbeater hover.
2) Basic learning, marked by progress in all areas. Peaks out at about 100 hours. Pilot begins to believe he can do anything. Now he is truly dangerous.
3) Requires a military environment. Pilot is made aware of how stupid, ignorant and incompetent he is by the experienced pilots. Now- true learning begins.
4) After a thousand hours or so- One day... when he wants to aircraft to do something, it simply happens. No conscious link between pilot and chopper.

	2-15-00	GCSAR training on the SRBT with the Ambulance
Jex, Reff and Sam guided the 502 around all the color-coded ambulance routes on the SRBT

	2-19-00	GCSAR Rock Rescue Team Training
One fine day. A mob of us went over to the Morning Glory Arch area and whacked in some anchors for ropes to practice rappelling and ascending. Comments: Sarah Groff came along as part of a project she’s doing about "Physics and Rigging." Danglers: Rex, Matt Moo, Frank, Bego, Kent, Jeff, Jim, Michele, August Mardi Gras, Steve Young (who has used the old laborious Prussik knot way of ascending before but never had used mechanical ascenders. "Wow. These are cool."), Jennie, Michelle, Loren

00-4	2-20-00	Rollover on the Moab Rim Trail
Matt McCune was hoofing it up the Portal Trail when he heard a crash. He looked across the river canyon to the Moab Rim Trail and a rollover. So he radioed dispatch. We sent out the 6 wheeler Ranger and one of our new 4 wheelers. The gal was packaged by the time we arrived. We decided to put the wheel on the Stokes to roll her out instead of putting her on the Ranger. On that particular terrain a wheeled Stokes litter is safer, smoothert and faster. Comments: Mark says the new 4 wheelers might feel a bit top heavy but they’re good machines Responders: Rex, Jeff ambulance, Frank, Sam, Jim, Lee, Dave L. (who expected to beat Sam to the shed- ho ho), Bego, Officer Pierce, Matt Mc, Mark

Editorial		In Search of the Proper Good Ol' Boy
This first opinion will remain anonymous for now: "The term ‘Good ol boy syndrome’ comes from the politically incorrect good ol days. I will attempt to explain what it means. An organization or even a business or company has the officers or rolls of leadership that runs its organization. If or when a person gets elected or appointed to a position of power, sometimes these people like to bring along on their shirt tails, some of their good ol boy buddies. Or people get appointed to positions by means of popularity or being a good ol boy instead of being elected by a majority or actually having the skills to back up this position. This tends to make the organization a group of clicks or popular groups if you will, where the people in the clicks, or the good ol boys, get all the perks and the ones that are not the good ol boys, get left out of everything. Or another explanation is where people get places by sucking up or trying to be popular instead of by means of hard work or training. I guess like politics. Second opinion by this Ed: A Chapter from The Sagas of the Overly Sensitive (SOS) "GOOD OL BOYS" -- Why do the ‘good ol boys’ detest being called the good ol boys? You should be proud of being one. The Good ol boys of now grew up in an era of inventiveness and freedom. Of winging it and getting away with it all. A much freer life than now. They had the freedoms of the first 6 decades of the century in the west. Some of them generated Good Ol Boy stuff if I've ever seen it. Taking off for the Confluence of the San Juan and the Colorado with a coat and a 22 rifle. That’s pretty big to me. Makes skiing up Mt. Peale look rather picnicky. The good ol boys started out, like all of us, a bunch of kids in a sandbox without much adult supervision. Somehow, a bit more than the rest of their buddies, they went on to contribute to the community. Some good ol boys were definitely politically appointed and / or someone's underqualified buddy. They fell thru the cracks. Real good ol boys became the first rule makers and certifiers for the age of certifications. As any group gains power, the politicalness and eliteness index automatically goes up. Sometimes one has to be well above the minimum standards. You cannot completely level the playing field. They are recognizable: Cowboys, truck drivers, adventure travel guides, jeepers, EMS workers, miners, assorted geeks and rednecks can be counted as good ol boys. The best of the conservationists and publishers are good ol boys. They're always telling "Well, back when we..........." stories. Outlandish adventures with only self-rescue available. Outlandish rescues with no standards available. I can fix that, let me get my tools. That's the best deal for us pups who need real role models. It used to be heroes. Now it's mentors. Same things. Early in your apprenticeship if you find a journeyman fun hog it can make a big difference. Our instantaneous culture is generating precious few non-sport heroes these days. We don't have time for them. That's why, at the local level of community, the good ol boys are so important. For apprenticeships and mentoring. Gives us kids in the sandbox something to glomb on to. Did you ever climb in Levi's with gold line rope and soft European pitons? Larry is a good ol boys. Did you ever fly exactly by the seat of your pants? Chuck's a good ol boys. Were you ever Sheriff in a vast not-quite-empty land? Verl is a good ol boys. They had fun... without all the adults around. They "got it done." Nyland has a good chance at good ol boys status here in a while... if he behaves. That GCSAR has gone from the "good ol boys to a higher level of professionalism" is one of several legit assessments of our history and should not be taking as derisive. Folks from the good ol boys group be proud. Professionals of today be proud. Hope you learned some stuff from the good ol boys and, beware, you could be a future good ol boy. If you've been around long enuff to be both, be extra proud. History and the larger picture are essential parts. To the good ol boys who think that this label is derisive: You have no sense of humor and are, therefore, too grumpy to be one of the good ol boys. No whining. If someone calls you a good ol boy, you might want to grin. This whole same thing applies to the women, gals, ladies, chicks, females, blondes, skirts too.

		Search Probability Theory...from a lecture by Gary Haynes, NPS
Do Things Right And Make Sure You Are Doing The Right Things Search Management- The crucials: 1) Search is an emergency- The subject may need medical care, time and weather destroy clues & subjects, a fast response can minimize travel time & area covered by subject 2) Search is a classic mystery- Sherlock says, "The clues are always here." 3) Search for clues, not subjects- There are many more clues than subjects. 4) Concentrate on the aspects important to success and under your control- Simply accomplish your assigned task, don’t over think or second guess management. 5) Know if the subject leaves the search area- Duh. Unless the subject is confined early, search difficulty increases rapidly. 6) Grid Search as a last resort- It is more time, money, labor and management intensive. -- Planning, Organization will get you going. Missing Person Questionnaire (description and habits). -- Search Urgency Chart, Initial Response (use what you have), Prep for Extended Response. -- Check High Probability Areas, Confinement, Attraction, Clue Consciousness & Preservation. LKP- Last Known Point- can change as clues are found. PLS- Point Last Seen- more stable than LKP. IPP- Initial Planning Point- from which you draw the "radius of travel." POS = POA x POD. -Used as a planning tool by the search manager to distribute resources, decide when to search or research an area and to increase or decrease the search area segment, decide when to suspend ops, explain actions to family and media, mitigate litigation. POA- Probability of Area- the chances that a subject or clues are IN the search area. Split search area into segments, decide which segments more likely. Past experience of searchers is a clue. POA can shift. Check likely places. Establish where subject is not. POD- Probability of Detection- the chances of finding the subject or clues in the search area. Can be both estimated and affected by what goes on. POD increases when area searched multiple times. Repeated sweeps of the same area with wide spacing is more efficient than a single sweep with close spacing. Easy way to convey POD estimate to management: "If there were 10 clues of varying size in the area you were assigned to search, how many would you have found?" This takes into account terrain, vegetation, spacing, searcher consciousness, fatigue, visibility and more. When a team goes into the field, they should have an idea of the POD expected of them. This will indicate how thorough and how long to search their segment. Teams usually overestimate their POD. Field team POD estimation also influenced by Research, Training and History of the area. POS- Probability of Success- the chances of being successful with a search in a given area. Such that: A searcher must be able to recognize when limits have been reached, whether they be physical, mental or both. Quitting or changing one’s involvement in the search is much preferred to continuing in a useless mode. Attention to detail is important and just looking isn’t always enuff when you want to see. Searching requires a positive attitude. Lack of clues is as good as a pile of clues- they both have meaning. Dig it. from lecture by Gary Haynes 2- 8- 00

Search Tactics...Look for buzzards

The techniques employed to find the subject. Applied by the search manager starting at first notice, concurrent with establishing POA. Tactics usually follow a definite progression.

Time -------------> • Confinement / Attraction
• Type I search- Hasty •suspension
• Type II search- Efficient or •debrief
•Preplan •Type III search- Thorough • evac / rescue
•Planning ------------------------------------------------->

I. Passive
A. Fact Finding- by the search managers, any info to help focus the search. The Lost Person Questionnaire for physical description and habits.
B. Attraction- make noise, lights, smoke, aircraft- make the mobile subject travel to you.
C. Confinement-surround the subject’s easy exits to minimize the size of the search area.

II. Active Search Types
A. Type I- Hasty team. Fast initial response by well trained, self sufficient searchers to check areas most likely to produce clues or subject soonest. Speed is it.
An immediate show of effort. Can help define the search area. Clue consciousness is critical, must be track and sign aware. Usually 3-6 searchers, dogs, aircraft.
B. Type II- Efficient team. Relatively fast but more efficient. Rapid search of a large area. Usually follows a hasty team that found clues. Open grid, wide spacing.
Usually a 3 person team with center person guiding by compass or landmark.
C. Type III- Thorough team. Slow, highly systematic to provide highest POD.
Extremely destructive of clues. Last resort. Closed grid. Usually evidence searches.

Guidelines for Field Searchers- Safety of the searcher first.
1) Stay alert, good attitude. It is hard work, fatiguing, often boring. It is a meditation.
2) Use all of your senses including your head. Have the proper equipment to stay well.
3) Look behind you often. Always check the obvious. Check "attraction" sites.
4) Mix silence with noise attraction as you travel.
5) At night, keep lights pointed at ground. The use of really bright lights is discouraged.
6) Talk to anyone you see while searching. But, refer the media and family to IC.
7) Search for clues, not just the subject. There are many more clues.

PERIMETER CUT VS HASTY SEARCH
-Search primarily for tracks -Search primarily for subject
-Cut at right angles to route of travel -Follow route of travel
-Weave around to pick best tracking ground -Take path of least resistance
-Make continuous cut around area -Check specific locations and routes
-Concentrate on ground at your feet -Look all around
Searcher Operational Period might be 4 to 6 hours or 6 to 8 hours, depends.
from lecture by Colin Smith 2- 8- 00 and earlier notes Silt 00- 1, p 8

Anything For Science As Long As It Gets You On The River
How much wood DOES a woodchuck chuck... by Professor Nels Niemi, explorer
16 folks went on a Grand Canyon private boating trip for 32 days.
They generated 207 grams ( 7.3 oz ) per day per person of the solid waste known as poop.

		Jeep Safari Stuff
Joke : The National Transportation Safety Board recently divulged they had covertly funded a project with U.S. auto makers for the past five years, whereby the auto makers were installing black boxes in four-wheel drive pick-up trucks in an effort to determine, in fatal accidents, the circumstances in the last 15 seconds before the crash. They were surprised to find in 49 of the 50 states the last words of drivers in 61.2 percent of fatal crashes were, "Oh, S___!" Only Moab,Utah was different, where 89.3 percent of the final words were: "Hold my beer and watch this!" (please don’t get overly sensitive) Serious: "READY PACK" of the Jeep Safari- in the Jeep Safari newspaper "We know you can’t carry everything you could possibly need- and the perversity of nature says you won’t have the item you need most- but here are some thots:" - Bring a lunch. Include alot of beverages. Drink more than you might expect to. - Bring ‘spring’ clothing for spring weather. The range of temperatures during the day may have you changing outerwear again and again. There have been HOT days and Snowy-Blowy days. - A CB radio is not essential but desirable. - Bring all the emergency gear you can carry, including personal items like sun lotion. You know the rest... first aid, tow strap, fire extinguisher, jack, spare tire, etc. - Tow straps should be loop ended. Hooks should be bolted to the chassis - Bring your ‘most likely’ spare part. - Bring a suitable 4 wheel drive vehicle. - Newer, larger SUV’s should choose the easier trails. - Be wary if you have installed ‘rock magnets’ like driving lights or running boards. - "Everybody hates rules. We hate to make them and we hate to enforce them but safety is essential to keeping the fun in the Jeep Safari." - Beyond the rules, we have some common-sense recommendations that we hope you will heed: -Integral Metal Top or Roll Bar and be Street Legal and Seat Belts - Seat belt everyone. "Anyone who says he ‘wants to be able to jump if it rolls’ is whistling in the dark." - "Remember that these trails are not very convenient to the emergency services of the county."

Rex’s SAR Remedy: Aunt Lena’s Mayo
2 egg yolks, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp dry mustard, 1/4 cup vinegar, 8 green M&Ms, 1/2 cup veg oil.
Add sweetener if desired. Use edge protection.
Store in covered jar in your ready pack. Particularly good on camming units.

	2-22-00	GCSAR Meeting
Mr. Guzman, attorney and the County liability guy spoke. Sound bites: "generally," so many situations are fact specific, personal auto insurance is the primary insurance, if called out you are employed by the County for liability, don’t do anything stupid, overanxious responding is a no-no cuz you are not an emergency vehicle, if you DO harm you are liable, don’t fall below the "duty of care," document, document, document, important that you go to trainings and show you’ve been there, can’t take friends cuz they aren’t insured, stick with the chain of command, don’t go beyond your training, personal and scene safety is the most important. Connie spoke about the necessity to document and we got a cool handout about Legal and Ethical Responsibilities.

00-5	2-23-00	BASE Jumper Crash......Mineral Canyon........1T10
OK, I’m bragging. The Short Haul Team finally accomplished their first LIVE MEDICAL short haul. That’s what the program is all about. Frank’s account: We were paged at about 1:30 pm to the report of a BASE jumper who had fallen about 400 feet in the Mineral Canyon area. Initial radio traffic stated that the jumper was at the top of the talus... later radio traffic had him 200 feet off the ground. SAR mobilized at the shed and headed for the accident site with all the technical rescue gear. ISKY and Arches NPS rangers were also requested to respond. The Short Haul team was called out with all members responding to the hangar but only three (Corky, Kent, Frank) flying to the site with pilot John Ruhl. One quick pass over the victim’s location revealed that this was the definitive short haul operation. Nathan, a 21 year old who told Frank a few days later that he was a helicopter pilot for the Army, was located near the top of a long, steep, loose, rocky talus. Doing a technical scree evac would have taken a long time and exposed rescuers to possible injury... and Nathan’s apparent condition necessitated evacuating him as quickly as possible. He appeared to have serious head injuries and a broken leg. The Short Haul team landed near the road below and rigged while SAR members prepared for a possible technical scree evac just in case. Corky and Frank, with Kent as spotter in the helo, were short hauled in to the victim’s location with the litter. He was packaged and short hauled to the Air Life helicopter which arrived a few minutes earlier. A few days later, he was limping around the Tombstone Challenge... face bandaged, smiling...with no broken bones. Like the earlier Mineral Canyon BASE jumping incident, this one has also generated some comment on the BASE jumper’s website... www.baselogic.com/forum/board/722shtml... including the following account: "The canopy came out of the container slowly and 2-3 cells were partially inflated. By partially inflated, I mean that approx. 50% of the 2 to 3 cells were inflated. A portion of the trailing edge was used to lock off the daisy chain. He was feet to earth and was wrestling with the risers as the canopy streamered and spun clockwise until impact. Nathan impacted on a very steep slope that was littered with sharp boulders- approx 80% of the slope was boulders while the other 20% was very loose sand/dirt. It appeared as if he initially hit a soft spot and then began to tumble/cartwheel down the slope hitting several boulders in the process." According to Earl Redfern, who assisted in packaging the patient at the site, "The victim apparently grabbed the wrong parachute container which had been jumped by someone else in another location and had been field packed. This means that whoever jumped it last simply chain-coiled the lines, tied them in a knot and shoved the whole mess back in the container. It was not packed to be jumped, just crammed in the container for the convenience in transport." Comments: There is a definite need to have 2 non-repeater channels available on everyone’s radios for when the repeaters are not available. Pretty nifty operation, eh? Responders: Mandy Robinson, Rex, Jeff, Frank, Brad, Kent, Sam, Nancy, Lee, Jennie, Bego, Curt Brewer, (S White), J Webster, C. Smith, L Van Slyke, G Haynes, S Swanke, Mike Hill & more.

"A venturesome minority will always be eager to get off on their own... let them take risks, for Godsake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches-- that is the right and privilege of any free American."

00-6	2-26-00	Man with Foot on Brake, Lion's Back
While driving up the steep standstone fin of Lion’s Back a jeep became broken in such a way that the driver felt he had to keep his foot on the brake until...... GCSAR was called out to do something. So we drilled a bunch of bolts and tied the jeep off. The jeep guys were to come back in the morning with parts to fix their problem. Comments: We must get 10" long drill bits, 3/8" & 1/2". We did. Please overdrill 1" every time. Responders: Jex, Reff, Brad, Kent, Dave M., Mark, Sam, Nancy, Josh, Shawn, Dave M., Kurt, Jennie, Dean, Aug, Bego. 1 T 3, 1 T 11, Tom N, Mike W., 1 T 502

Rough Posting of Silt at Bego's request

SILT HAPPENS

March- April 2000 Incidents: 00-7 to 00- 16 # 00- 2

Steve Swanke looking for 50,000 cfs
The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (www.cbrfc.gov) has recently issued their second (April) peak flow forecast for the upcoming runoff. The forecasted peak flow has increased from the first (March) forecast.
There is a 90% probability Cataract Canyon will exceed 28,000 cfs.
There is a 75% probability Cataract Canyon will exceed 38,000 cfs.
There is a 50% probability Cataract Canyon will exceed 49,000 cfs.
There is a 25% probability Cataract Canyon will exceed 60,000 cfs.
There is a 10% probability Cataract Canyon will exceed 70,000 cfs.

1979 1980 1983 1984 1985 1986 1993 1995 1997 2000
73100 59100 104700 114900 68200 69500 70900 80700 70800 ?????
COLORADO RIVER
J100 J 76 J113 J198 J132 J145 J105 J 87 J154 J 48
F154 F113 F 91 F144 F111 F112 F113 F 91 F154 F 68
M 98 M118 M 95 M129 M102 M125 M133 M101 M138 M 75
A106 A121 A117 A126 A113 A112 A130 A106 A113 A
M101 M119 M133 M146 M113 M117 M137 M121 M137 M
GREEN RIVER
J 87 J 67 J128 J208 J140 J153 J105 J103 J173 J 46
F104 F135 F114 F158 F115 F130 F145 F117 F202 F 73
M103 M146 M113 M135 M 99 M160 M160 M110 M174 M 87
A103 A147 A130 A133 A105 A139 A146 A126 A135 A
M103 M146 M131 M171 M 82 M202 M162 M168 M159 M

00- 7 3- 6- 00 Overdue bikers Gemini - Gold Bar
The shuttle driver dropped them off at the Gemini Bridges trailhead advising them not to do this ride as it is too difficult. At 10 pm, Chili Pepper bike shop reported the subjects’ vehicle was still at the store. Zane-11 left a note on the vehicle and went to the trailtail.
In the middle of "a late, dark night," Sam and Lee took 4 wheelers around the Gemini routes while Rexq and Jeff drove around looking, looking...
The party had spent the night out on the Poison Spider somewhere and biked home in the AM.
Comments:
Responders: Rexm, Jeff, Sam Lee

00- 8 3- 8- 00 Woman yelling for help SRBT
Four bikers reported a woman up on Swiss Cheese Ridge apparently yelling for help. 32 person hours later, nothing was found.
In the parking lot, the very woman appeared. It was revealed that she was yelling for her dog.
Comments: Oh
Responders: Rexx, Jeff, Frank, Kent, Matt Mc, Lee, Kurt, Dave L, George, Jennie

00- 9 3- 9- 00 Two people on a Ledge
From the report: "Mother and daughter hike on Poison Spider Trail approx 16:30 hrs. Mother fell and cut the back of her head, also multiple bruises. Daughter bandaged the wound and looked for a quicker way down to the river road [Potash Road] for help. She found what she thot to be a trail. Both mother and daughter took the trail. Approx 30’ to 40’ above the river road, the couple got stuck on a ledge. They could not go up or down.
The two prepared [and they were well prepared] for the long wait for help. They built a fire and told stories.
In the meantime, The Son called the Sheriff’s Office and reported them missing. Zane, traveling on the south side of the river at Kane Creek spotted the girl’s fire. At the same time, the girls spotted the "Car" and flashed SOS with flashlight.
The call went out to Search and Rescue and Grand County Ambulance. Matt Moore, the trusting one, executed a relatively simple but potentially dangerous to himself upclimb.
The mother and daughter were taken by ambulance to AMH. Treated and released.
Comments: It’s so nice when people are prepared to stay calm and warm. They had food, water, flashlight, fire, blanket, clothing... everything. And they were nice and appreciative.
Responders: Mandy, Rexd, Jeff, Frank, Brad, Sam, Matt Moo, Russel, Nancy, Shawn, Dave M, Lee

00- 10 3- 9- 00 Bomb Threat
A larger story than fits here. GCSAR split into 3 teams and managed the Helicopter LZ’s for the Salt Lake County helos that brought in the bomb squads.
Comments: We received a cool letter from Kim Schappert of the County Council saying Thanks.
Responders: Mandy, Rexl, Jeff, Brad, Kent, Sam, Russel, Nancy Shawn, Kenny, Dave M, Lee, Jennie, Kurt, Dean, Jimmy N, Dave L, Mark, Aug, Frank L

The weather was bad that evening so the Salt Lake Co helicopters couldn’t go back home. In the morning, the helos took off for a photo op on The Rectory when .......

00- 11 3- 10- 00 Overdue Hiker Negro Bill Canyon
Paged out as a search cuz the RPs hadn’t found their pal. 20 minutes later they found him fallen and in bad shape.
One of the mentioned helicopters landed right near the subject with some EMT types. He was taken to AMH and immediately Air Life’d on to Grand Junction where he was in critical condition for a few days.
Comments: Rescuers agree that without the SLC helicopter, the subject may not have survived.
Responders: Rexk, Jeff, Kent, Sam, Shawn, Lee, Kurt, Aug Dave L., Frank, C120, A224, C520, C523, C525, 601, 13B61

00- 12 3- 11- 00 Broken Leg and Teeth SRBT
The one with broken leg and teeth out hitched a ride out with a passing Jeeper and got to AMH. By that time we were mobilized. Then everyone went home.
Comments:
Responders: Rexu, Frank on Foot, Sam, Dave M, Lee, Aug

World Famous Arches Rock Rescue Course March 13 – 16
Frank’s account: To paraphrase an old California climbing slogan, "Go Hang from a Rock" could have been the slogan at the World Famous Arches Tech Rescue Course in March. Near perfect weather greeted several people from GCSAR, Utah State Parks and the NPS during the four-day course, which offered both an intermediate and basic agenda this year. The basic course covered the usual rappelling, ascending, anchor rigging, lowering and raising systems, litter rigging and low angle scree evacs. Before merging with the basic students on the scenic ledge overlooking the Moab Valley, Arches Entrance Station, and Highway 191 accidents, the intermediate group spent two days in the Devil's Garden campground area doing some fun offsets and directionals...running the litter through various slalom courses on the way down the face...aiming for a target on the ground...lots of ropes, pulleys and brainwork. One new and questionable aspect of the basic course was the requirement of a separate belay in rappelling and ascending...no more SRT. It's my feeling that GCSAR should not utilize separate belays unless the situation calls for it or the person on the rope requests it. There is definitely a place for single rope technique, and it's not in the past. Special thanks to all of those who took four days away from their jobs to hone their tech rescue skills.
Instructors: Colin Smith, Gary Haynes, Lisa Hendy, Dan Habig (all NPS), Frank M. (GCSAR)
GCSAR rope monkeys: Jeff Davis, Steve T-Berry Young, Kevin Chase.

GCSAR meeting 3- 14- 00
What can be said about Bylaws night. EEK. Which brings up the issue of the business part of the meeting taking up all the time at the expense of training. Solution: meetings are 7- 9:30pm.

One Half Marathon 3- 18- 00
3,200 runners. Perfect Day.
Responders: Sam, Aug, Nancy, Dave L., Jimmy N., Dave M., Michele, Steve Young, many more.

00- 13 3- 19- 00 Matt Splatt "I was just goofing off and I guess I paid the price."
Matt Moore, novice base jumper, decided to do one more turn before landing. Not enuff room.
Jumpers on the scene stabilized him and used his radio to call the SO. We arrived to find him quite jovial considering. He was transported out to AMH and on to St. Mary’s.
Comments: Earl Redfern, Matt’s mentor, has repeatedly said that novice jumpers should skip Canyonlands until they get more experience elsewhere. So, how come he "lets" Matt jump here so early in his career? Cuz the first to jump a new site gets to name it. Strange that this accident didn’t show up on the Basejumpers web page. The others did.
Overheard: "If they’d let us jump in the Park, it’d be safer." Twisted.
Responders: Mandy, Rexal, Frank, Brad, Frank L., Sam, Dave M, Kurt, Shawn, Bego, Michele and Mike Hill, 13B61, Gary H, Heather

GCSAR meeting 3- 23- 00 Meetings are now 7 to 9:30 pm
Hot dawg- we got new fleece lined wind parkas. We got light sticks and BSI gloves too. And there is a huge in-house battery stash but you have to turn in your old ones to get new ones.
Red Rock Road Runners donated a bunch o money for our help at the Half Marathon. Thanks !!
Training: Maps, coordinate systems by Matt McCune (of Imagis). See later pages.
Welcome new members: Steve T-Berry Young, Mandy Lopez, Frank Lopez

00- 14 3- 26- 00 Dislocated Ankle SRBT
Seems like there were some GCSAR folks lying in the weeds and thrashing their tails. Before the page came, there were 5 of us at the shed. 13Loren61 beat us all to the subject.
The initial report came as a sprained ankle, 3/4 mile in on the SRBT. The subject didn’t want an ambulance, just a ride out. Sorry, chap. You get us both.
Sam and Jeff descended upon him in the 6 wheeler and hauled his dislocated ankle out. He went to AMH for an X-ray.
Comments: Rex, in full Harley leather, went into Thompson Texaco and said, "I’m from the Sheriff’s Office, can I use your phone." The guy gave him that extra look, hesitating...I tell ya-- "Easy SAR Rider" could be a TV series. Any screen writers out there???
Respoonders: Sam, Dave Mason and Mrs. Detail, Lee, Kurt, Jeff, Mark, Bego, Loren, Steve Brownell
Overheard: "Nothing Is Ever Off The Record."

HISTORY project: Thank you ahead of time...........
We should start gathering some of our history. For anyone who has EVER been in Search and Rescue please do this: Write down the years you were doing Search and Rescue. Then, write some notes about each year and list the other members around at the time. That’s all. Please send to me. I’ll make an outline. Then, we’ll fill it in.

1 T 7: "Science is a differential equation. Religion is a boundary condition." (Good one Arch)

00- 15 3- 22- 00 TOGA= Teens Out Geeking Around Rescue by River Canoe
Paged out as 2 people stranded across the Colorado River from Gold Bar. Turns out, there were 4 teens who had biked up onto Amasa Back. They got lost and started hiking about 2pm. Perhaps they hiked down the Jackson Hole hike-a-bike and all the way up river to Gold Bar. They didn’t know where they were or where they’d been. At all. They had used the flash of their camera to attract attention.
We responded with the River Rescue boat and one of our members "borrowed" some canoes. Michele the TL, Jim G., Frank L., Mandy and Jeff were the canoeists. They ferried upstream and over to the subjects (it was here that they discovered there were 4, not 2). One was sick. He’d been sick since before the ride started. The teen boys were big h u n g r y.
Comments: The canoes were the simplest answer. The River Rescue boat was put in at Potash and made it, with a million candlepower light, up to Day Canyon by the time the rescue was over.
When I got there, the subjects yelled, "We’re cold, out of food and we’re out of water." Sitting on a river bank they announce there is no water. Hmmm. Reminds me of a day in the Grand Canyon years ago when we came upon 2 hikers. One was alive, one was dead from dehydration. They’d been sitting on the river bank for 2 days... waiting for ???. The live one said they’d been told not to drink the river water.
Responders: Rexp, Jeff, Michele, Jim G., Mandy & Frank L., Nancy, Sam, Bego

Older TOGA Heavy Metal on Gold Bar- Golden Spike- Poison Spider 4- 1- 00
Check this out- 1T1, 1T2, 1T3, 1T801, 13B61 and a small retinue of ambulance chasers all took off on ATV’s to "do training" (read: have fun). The project was to GPS all the roads up there. These waypoints will be downloaded on to our maps so we can do more thorough searches, especially at night. The one "embarrassing moment" goes to....................
Meanwhile, the Jeep Club was painting stripes along the route, starting from the Poi Spi trail.
Comments: For Doug and George it was their first ATV experience. Jumping into hot coals I’d say. Maybe your first rappel should be Dead Horse Point.
Riders of the Purple Sage: Jim Nyland, Doug "coke" Squire, Steve Brownell, Rexw Tanner, Sam Lewis, Jennie Massie, Loren Good, George Dehn

00- 16 4- 6- 00 Search for Streaker at Gemini Bridges
Paged out as a naked drunk who ran off from camp at 4am. Well, that sounds bad.
At noon, his buddies told the SO about it. We mobilized. Brian12 and Frank were out front. Nancy and Shalla woofing along next and a mob of ATVs following. Jeff started in from the bottom. One biker told Jeff he had seen someone in Bull Canyon running around with a blanket. Later, the guy said he was never down in there.
We were about to pounce on the problem when the dud (dude) was found... in his tent. Not particularly apologetic.
Comments: An odd call at an odd time. I think we were expecting something worser.
Responders: Nancy and Shalla, Frank, Sam, Jeff, Rexv, T-Berry, Bego

Canyonlands NP (UT) - Search and Recovery; Possible Suicide

On Monday, March 20th, ranger Colin Smith noticed a vehicle that had been parked overnight at the Green River overlook in the Island in the Sky District. While Smith was obtaining vehicle registration information from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office later that evening, the sheriff's office received a report of a missing 40-year-old male from Colorado who was planning to commit suicide at that overlook. On Tuesday, rangers conducted a helicopter and ground search, but called it off near the end of the day due to significant snow cover. Ranger Alyssa Van Schmus investigated further and discovered that the man left a journal and a sequence of photographs ending with what he called his "final resting place." The journal was faxed and the photographs were digitally scanned and sent via email toVan Schmus. On the afternoon of March 22nd, ranger Marc Yeston used the journal and photos to find the man's body. It was transported to the medical examiner in Salt Lake City for positive identification and an autopsy. The investigation continues. [Steve Swanke, IC, CANY, 3/23]

Boating Accident Briefing From: Steve Swanke Canyonlands April 6, 2000

William and Mary Muth of Wenatchee, Washington, were involved in a boating accident at Brown Betty Rapid in Cataract Canyon on the Morning of April 6. The Muths were on a multiple day flatwater trip on the Green River in an aluminum canoe. The Muths failed to recognize the Confluence of the Green River with the Colorado River, which is a significant geographical feature. Several miles downstream of the Confluence the party encountered a large sign which warns of the "dangerous rapids" of Cataract Canyon which lie 2 1/2 miles ahead. The Muths, utilizing their river map, incorrectly determined their location to be at Bonita Bend, 31 miles above the Confluence. They assumed the warning sign had been vandalized and assumed that a 3 was intended to precede the 2 1/2 miles on the warning sign, making them 32 1/2 miles above the rapids. Two minutes before entering Brown Betty Rapid they heard the sound of whitewater and saw the rapid but were unable to maneuver the canoe to shore. They quickly donned their lifejackets which was a life saving decision as they ended up in the 54 degree water in Brown Betty, a Class III rapid, and floated through two additional rapids before being able to swim to shore on opposite sides of the river. Their canoe, food, water and equipment floated away. They hiked 3 1/2 miles upstream looking for assistance and encountered a motor boat operated by Tex's Riverways, a park concessionaire. Tex's reunited the Muth's and evacuated them, uninjured, from the canyon.
Comments: Distance = Velocity X Time. YOU do the math. The Confluence is a significant feature only if you want it to be.

Political Science 101 - Nothing will happen fastly or efficiently. Thanks T2each.

Thank You big to Mike Hill who saved our River Rescue Boat motor from certain death. After many hours and batterings in low rivers he fixed us up good. Each year now.

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00- 17 4- 10- 99 Person Running Down the Road, Hysterically
Three locals stopped in Moab Canyon (MP133) for no good reason, they just did. And they saw a person running down the old hiway, waving frantically. The guy went to investigate while the gals called 911. Initially, it was thot to be in Arches so Jim and Gary were first to figure it out.
A whole bunch of Emergency Services responded responded. Turns out: Girl got mad at boy friend and, most likely, took it out on the accelerator of her car. That was up in the flats south of Bar M on the old hiway. She rolled without seat belt or major injury. Then maybe she drank a bunch of Tequila. And starts hiking down the old road into Moab Canyon.
Comments: Mood drugs and alcohol don’t mix. Thanks you to the passerby folks. You did good.
Responders: Recks, Jeff, Nancy, Sam, Dave M., Dean, Aug, Bego, Matt Mc, Jennie, Michele, TBerry,Webster, Haynes, Fire Rescue

3 Map Coordinate Systems

Object: To know the 3 common systems of geographic coordinates: Lat/Long, UTM, TRS.

Distinguish map scales (eg: 1:24,000) and scales to measure distance (miles, km).

Be able to orient a map and take bearings from true N, understand magnetic N.

Read a REASONABLE set of coordinates from the type of map you have.

To be able to follow an instruction given to you by IC, using map, compass and GPS.

Latitude and Longitude- Ancient mariners got Lat from the pole star. It takes TIME for Long.

- Lat measured north & south from the equator; Long is east & west from the Greenwich Meridian.

- 7 1/2 minute topographic maps cover 7 1/2 minutes of lat (~8.6 mi) and long (~6.85 mi)

That makes 1sec long ~ 77 feet and 1 sec of lat ~ 101 feet. Your GPS about that accurate.

- On 7 1/2 min maps the lat and long have tick marks every 2 1/2 min making it difficult to read lat and long down to the 3 or 4 seconds (2 to 4 hundred feet) needed for useful accuracy.

- On the East and West Bike maps, the margin gives you 4 second ticks. At 1:75,000 this is good.

- On the Slickrock Bike Tr aerial photo/map, you get 4 second ticks. At 1:8580 this is very good.

- When giving coords, numbers should have this form:

Dms (Degrees� minutes’ seconds") = 38� 34’ 28" N x 109� 32’ 51" W (1)

Dm.m (Degrees� decimal.minutes’ )= 38� 34.4’ N x 109� 32.8’ W (2)

UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator)- read coords first to the right (easting), then up (northing)

- Measured "easting" from the International Date Line, each 6� of long is a numbered zone, from 1.

- Measured "northing" from 80� south lat, each 8� or 12� of lat is a lettered zone, from A.

- We are in zone 12 S which is12 x 6� east (right) and 19 x 8� north (up) from the 0-0 point.

- On 7 1/2 min maps, the 1,000 meter grid is usually printed. Some maps give only tick marks along the edge of the map. Not a problem to pencil in grid lines in search area.

- UTM grids are marked as 10,000 or 1,000 meter grid. Accuracy here depends on map scale.

- On 7 1/2 minute maps with the UTM 1,000 meter grid printed thru-out, it is easy to read coords down to 50 meters (165 feet) or so. Good as your GPS. This is our preferred reference.

- Coords given should have this form: 0626550 x 4270325 (right, up). Zone 12S assumed. (3)

Township, Range and Section- From the United States Land Survey of 1785.

- Measured from the Baseline and Meridian chosen by your State of Utah: SLC B&M is ours.

- Townships are measured north (T1N...) and south (T1S...) from the baseline and ranges are measured east (R1E...) and west (R1W...) from the meridian. Townships = 6 mile squares.

- Townships are divided into square miles called Sections- learn how these are numbered.

- Each Section is divided into quarters and quarters of quarters. Eg: The SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4.

This can get an accuracy down to about 2/10 a of a mile (1,056 ft), which is OK sometimes.

- When giving coords, numbers should have this form: T26S, R21E, Sec 1, SW 1/4 of NW 1/4 (4)

GPS hand units-

- Very cool things if 1) your batteries work 2) you have practiced with it 3) so has everyone else.

- Signal scramble (SA) can result in 50 - 120 meter errors if you don’t average over some minutes.

- Setup menu: Coordinate system, map datum (horizontal control), true or mag north, distance and speed units must match your map and your objectives. It is a compass only if moving.

- Marking or entering, labeling and storing waypoints, GO TO, Speed, Bearing, Track, Backtrack....

- GO TO 12 S 0626550 x 4270325, N38�34.28’ x W109�32.8 (5)

Bearing and Distance- It is OK to describe your position as so many miles in what direction from an "obvious" place. Good accuracy. "I am 5.2 miles, N62�E from Dave’s Corner Mkt."

San Diego MRT: Take a ruler and measure from map margins. "6 inches up, 4" from left margin"

Dead Reckoning- Develop that 6th sense about where you are and where everyone else is.

Sources of error: Trust your maps and instruments, learn their limitations and yours. Practice.

- "Journey over all the universe in a map, without the expense and fatigue of traveling, without suffering the inconveniences of heat, cold, hunger and thirst." Don Quixote

- Books: GPS- Land Navigation by Michael Ferguson. Field Manual 21-26, US Army. Boy Scout Field Book. 3-00

Coordinates 1 thru 4 were measured from a 7 1/2 min map. #5 is from a Garmin 12XL Where is it?. Silt 00- 2, p 7

Coming Attraction: This is the test from NASAR Standards for SAR Tech III and II.

Read Chapter 13 in Search and Rescue Fundamentals.

3 types of maps used in SAR: Their answer: Topographic, planimetric, aerial photograph.

Our answer:

-7 1/2 minute USGS topographic maps. Scale- 1:24,000

-Moab East and West Bike Maps. Scale 1:75,000

-BLM Land Status Maps. Scale- 1:100,000

-Slickrock Bike Trail aerial photo/map. Scale- 1:8580

5 Map Symbols- Identify, define and know the color of each. You should know 40 of them.

5 Types of topographical border information. Identify and define use.

-Lat/Long- for plotting waypoints

-UTM grid - for plotting waypoints

-Horizontal datum- for setting "datum" in your GPS. Our 7 1/2’ maps use NAD27.

-Scale for measuring distance - In feet, miles, meters and kilometers.

-Magnetic declination - For setting magnetic north on compass and in GPS unit.

-Contour Interval- For steepness / ruggedness / aspect of terrain

Identify, define and demonstrate use:

-Contour Lines: Lines connecting points of same elevation. Must know contour interval.

-True north: Straight up on all our maps but not necessarily on all maps in general.

-Magnetic North: In this area, about 13� east of north and changing all the time.

-Determine distances: Use the miles, kilometers or feet scale at bottom of map.

Grid systems: Plot a point given to you and give the coordinates of a point you select.

You should be able to go where IC tells you and tell IC where you are.

-Latitude and Longitude: Given in Degrees, minutes, seconds or Degrees, decimal minutes.

-UTM: We are in zone 12S. Written like 0562325 easting 4178620 northing. Remember that all the digits are real meters. 0562325 and 056245 are 20 meters apart.

-Township, Range and Section: BLM’s main method. On the 1:100,000 and 7 1/2 maps.

-San Diego MRTS: Carry a ruler and measure from the map margins. 6" over and 4" up.

Describe 5 parts of a compass: North Sign, Index Line, 360� Dial, Direction of Travel Arrow, Base Plate, Magnetic Needle, Orienting Lines

Describe the following navigational functions.

-Orienting a map and compass to terrain. Field exercise

-Obtain and follow a simple compass bearing. Field exercise/

-Measure distance by pacing: For long legs, use a yard. For short legs use 2.5 feet. Field ex.

-Obtain a back azimuth: What direction are you going? Subtract or add 180�

Demonstrate the ability to navigate during daylight hours while wearing a 24 hour pack. Field ex.

Note: Chapter 13 has a rather antiquated view of GPS and favors LORAN which we don’t have.

List 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of using a personal GPS unit during search operations.

Pro: Everyone can know exactly where everyone is.

Adjustible to any map horizontal control and coordinate system.

No guess work

Con: Needs to "see" satellites so it won’t work in narrow canyons or heavy jungle.

Needs batteries. If you are out for more than 1/2 a day, it needs more batteries.

Not enuff of them in common useage.

On the Sanpete County Sheriff’s Office Home Page--->Possie Pete says: "Always be where you are, then you wont be lost."

"A" wych way do we go ????? by Sgt Kent Green, GCSO

As a Search and Rescue member of the Grand County team, I see some things that we need to look at. Our overall goal in my mind is to provide the best search and rescue available throughout the state of Utah. The focus of our efforts is to do everything possible for the victims of search and rescue incidents. The victim is our highest priority.

To me, that makes alot of sense, wouldn’t you think?? I know each one of us knows this with out any question at all in our minds.

I was thinking about the meeting we had Tuesday night. We need to bring our level of responses up to take a load off of those who respond the most. Somehow. The question is how??

Enough of that, OK?

Now, the good oh boy thing was a great article.

Professionalism is a good oh boy in my eyes. Yes, it’s true that cowboys and ruff necks and the laddies and all sorts of people have shown the way. Can you imagine the hard work they had to do and learn as they lived back in the old days. Wow. What a treat that would have been. Some day when you get a chance, go to a coffee shop or a place that gathers older folks... older than us... and listen to what they have to say on their events of life. You may learn a great deal more than you realize just by listening. I have found that if you don’t mind listening to the stories of what they had to go through with life, it makes it easier on ours.

As you all know, my dad is one of the best story tellers this side of the border... well, in Moab. I sit and listen to him tell the events of life, on what they had to do to help folks in need. They didn’t have the gear we have now. They didn’t have the specialized training we have these days. So, they did it by the seat of their pants and guess what? Who do you think has taught us as people that do the same thing now as they did bck then? The older ones did. That’s who. So when ever you get a chance to listen to the old ones, do it. It will bring you great pleasure to have learned the ways of their duties when they were in at our age.

Oh, by the way. I asked one guy one time, "Do you ever miss the good old days?" He looked at me and said, "Son, these are the good ol days. Enjoy them now. Enjoy your life now. Besides, back then they didn’t have microwaves, helicopters, raingear or ropes like they do now... and cars and 4 X 4 trucks with heaters and things like that. So, son, these are the good ol days for me." Then, he went on to say, "Oh by the way, they didn’t have TV’s for you to come home to and watch yourself being praised on what you are doing to help people in need."

So a lesson is learned here that we, as search and rescue members, need to enjoy the good ol days as they are, right now in front of us. Like I’ve always said... dig life and next time you are on a 4 wheeler or hanging on a rope or even driving down the road in your 4 wheel drive outfit, take your hands and just GRIP and GRIN because we are doing something that some people only dream about. Thanks for your time. Kent

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Rex’s Recipe: Green Chile Wine
1 lb. green chiles, peeled, no seeds. 3 lbs sugar. 1 gal water. 1 bisulfate tablet. 3 yeast nutrient tablets. 1/4 tsp grape tanin. 1 oz acid blend (?). 24 dried apricot halves. 1/2 C raisins, coarsely chopped. 1 packet all-purpose wine yeast. Chop the green chiles into 1/4" squares. Dissolve the sugar in very warm water. Crush the bisulfate and yeast nutrient into a powder. Mix together all ingredients except the wine yeast into a 5 gal poly bucket. Cover w/ plastic wrap. This mixture is called the must. When the must has cooled to 75�, sprinkle the yeast on top. Cover the bucket. Stir the must daily. Ferment 5 days. Strain out the solids and press the leftover pulp, discard the pulp. Syphon the must into a narrow-necked 1 gallon jug. Cover with double layer of plastic wrap secured w/ rubber band or attach a fermentation lock. Be sure the liquid is ‘topped’ by adding water to bring the level to 1" from top of jug. Place the jug away from extreme temp changes. After 3 weeks, syphon the wine into a 5 gal bucket, leaving as much of the yeast deposit behind as possible. Carefully rinse the jug and syphon the wine back into the jug. Top the liquid again. Replace the cover. This process is called racking. After 3 months repeat the racking process. When the wine is clear and bubbles can no longer be seen rising in the liquid, bottle the wine. If corks are used, store the bottles on their sides. If screw caps, store upright. Age 1 year, or until the Sheriff’s Christmas Party, before drinking. Makes 5- 5ths of dry like the desert wine with a distinctive green chile flavor. Served exclusively at La Hacienda.

Silt 00- 2, p 9

SILT HAPPENS Issue #002.5

4-11 GCSAR Tracking- classroom Kurt Groff
4- 13 Archie Mock DUI- for the Junior Class GCHS Emergency Services
4-14 - 23 RR4W Jeep Safari eek Sheriff Nyland
4-17 - 21 NPS World Famous ISKY Rock Rescue Ken Phillips
4- 26 Secretaries Day Roxie, Eve, Nanc
4-27 GCSAR Land Navigation and Orienteering Frank, Matt Mc, Bego
4- 28 to 30 Car Show- GCSAR booth and Car Drawing Rodbenders
5- 9 GCSAR Tracking in the wilderness Kurt Groff
5- 13 Joint Op Saturday. With SJSAR in Indian Creek. Kyle Isenhart, Frank
5- 14 Mother’s Day Pay Attention
5- 19 NPS Searching for Ground ISKY / Arches
5- 25 GCSAR Rock Rescue- Support, Staging, Organization
6- 10 GCSAR Saturday. River Rescue- On the Daily
6- 13 GCSAR River Rescue- On the River
6- 19 NPS Tracking a Basic ISKY / Arches
6-22 GCSAR Rock Rescue- Equip fam and ATV assist
7- 8 GCSAR Saturday. Rock Rescue- Mill Creek cave place
7-11 GCSAR Mock Thingy Disaster Bros.
7- 27 GCSAR Summer Picnic... Details galore Steve Why

Internet: Basejumpers forum discussions at www.baselogic.com- go to The Base Board.

Policy and Procedure, p 2 Book Reviews, p 3 Navigator, p 3 Fund Raiser, p 4

No more scramble in the GPS system

_________________________________________________________________________________________

2000- J-2 F-4 M- 9 A-13 [28]

1999- J-1 F-1 M-15 A- 4 [19] M- 11 J- 8 [40] J- 6 A-9 S-9 O-13 N- 7 D- 2 [86]

1998- J-0 F-1 M- 5 A-18 [24] M- 15 J- 3 [42] J-10 A-2 S-4 O- 9 N-3 D-1 [71]

1997- J-4 F-6 M-10 A- 8 [28] M- 16 J- 9 [53] J- 4 A-6 S-5 O- 9 N-8 D-0 [85]

1996- J-4 F-5 M- 2 A-12 [23] M- 14 J- 7 [44] J- 5 A-5 S-5 O- 6 N-9 D-4 [78]

Silt is published bimonthly by Bego 1 T 836. Contributions please. Silt 00-2 1/2, p 1

GCSAR Meeting 4- 11- 00 Featuring the Sheriff (as himself)

After discussions between the Sheriff and GCSAR Officers, it was decided to make our By-Laws become part of the Sheriff’s Office Personnel Management Policy and Procedure Manual. This was done for a number of reasons, mostly having to do with attorneys and liability (duh). It is still OK for any member of the organization to suggest changing the Policy and Procedures. The final say on any change is still The Sheriff. Him what’s in charge.

Training: Kurt Groff on TRACKING

4- 13- 00 Happy Birthday 1 T 1

00- 18 4- 13- 00 Ambulance Assist Rollover Kane Creek

We were paged out to bring a Stokes and help carry a bunch of injured people up to the waiting ambulances. Turns out, alot of various folks showed up to do just that.

Comments: It would have been better to have been paged out much earlier in the game.

Responders: Brad, Russel, Dave M., Sam, Aug, Bego, Mark, Lee, Steve Yo, Josh, Jennie

00- 19 4- 15- 00 Mtn Biker Biff "Lunar" Canyon off Blue Hills Rd.

A biker party had an accident in Lunar Canyon which is 4 miles out the Blue Hills Road and in the low hills to the south. Along came an ATV party that had a cell phone. 911

At first it was thot that the bikers were 1 1/2 miles from any vehicle access but it turned out we could drive right to the subject. We packaged him up and carted him off on the 6 wheeler Ranger until the road became smoother, whence he was put in 502.

Comments: One of the ATVers came out to the main road to guide Rex in. Rex yellow ribboned the intersections for those who followed.

Responders: Rex, Sam, Shawn, Lee, Steve L, Mandy, Frankie, Bego

Brad, Frank and Nancy started to respond but stayed in town in case another call.

And, sure enuff, while we were out, another call did come in.

00- 20 4- 15- 00 Biker too tired or injured ? Onion Creek

Reported to be 4 miles from the top (?). We responded with ATVs toward Onion Creek and were 10-22d when the RP decided they could handle it themselves.

Comments: Wuzup.

Responders: Frank, Brad, Mandy, Frank L., Rex, Nancy, Jennie

00- 21 4- 16- 00 YTD: 1 per month ave- 4th Basejumper biff Left Hand Mill Creek

A 56 yr old basejumper with 350-odd jumps had an "off heading opening." He was unable to correct before he hit the wall. Bystanders stated they thot his major injuries happened when he hit the wall. But then he free-fell about 100 feet to the ground.

GCSAR and others accessed the subject, packaged him up and carried him to Air Life who, surprisingly, landed deep in the canyon. At one point Steve Young set up anchors to belay the litter down a 150’ stretch of angled slickrock.

Comments: Bad shape, he was. We hear he’s going to be all right.

Responders: xeR, Jeff, Frank, Brad, Sam, Russell, Nancy, Matt Mc, Steve Y, Jennie, Dean,

Steve L., Frank L., 13B61, 13B15, Aaron Woodard, TJ Brewer

00- 22 4- 19- 00 Go find a hurt person 3 miles out the easy way- SRBT

10-22’d as we arrived at the SRBT parking lot. Subject made it to AMH some other way.

Comments: So Sam, Jim G., and Nancy did a bit of ATV training.

Responders: Rexi, Sam, Jim G., Bego, Nancy, MandyFrank

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Book Reviews: by the Editor

Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

"Personal Responsibility- What do you want in life? Well then deal with it and no whining."

Charlie Wells new jeeping guide book-

"Well done, informative, accurate review of most jeep trails w/ maps, GPS waypoints.

This is rapidly becoming our main reference, along with the East and West Bike maps."

Lee Bridgers new biking book-

"Trash read about all the rotten Moab people. Not a guide at all. No useful information."

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4- 20 to 23- 00 Steve 419 Rugg flew the UHP helo N8UT in to Arches Helicopters airport. In 3 days, 7 patrols were flown with a Deputy and a GCSAR member on each. Brownell got 2 DUI’s from the helo. Steve White, only son of Gizmo, got the front seat. Drat and fang.

Comments: It has never been difined in print what the function of the GCSAR ride-along is supposed to be. So--Next year you must be a "Navigator" to ride on the UHP helo. Required abilities: Be able to take a GPS reading from the pilot and figure out where you are on a map AND be able to give the pilot GPS coordinates from a map so he can GO TO any specific place.

In your lap,as Navigator, you have these aids: 1) Jeep Safari newspaper, for the Jeeper’s names of the routes; 2) The East and West Bike Maps for easy Lat / Long readings and the biker’s names for most stuff; 3) Wells’ book "Moab, UT Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails for jeep trail descriptions with waypoints tabulated in Lat/Long and UTM and a killer index; 4) the Slickrock Bike Trail photo-map for it’s detail; 5) A GPS hand held unit that you can switch back and forth between Degrees and minutes and the UTM coordinate systems.

In a sentence: Know where you are and be able to point the pilot exactly to anywhere else.

Rotor Madness: Steve W & Bego, Louis & Jennie, Archie & Frankie, Kim & Jim,

Steve B & Sam, Brian & Lee

00- 23 4- 21- 00 Hurt Biker Srbt

The ambulance and our 6 wheeler responded to The Abyss area. So packaged and transported.

Comments:

Responders: Rexup, Jeff, Sam, Brad, Russell, Dave M, Lee, Kurt, Jim G, Dean, Steve L,

MandyFrankie, 13B61, 1T11

Jeepers Creepers: Boy Scout BBQ Parking at The Arena

The parking detail went better than ever cuz there were enuff folks this time. It was a good idea to keep 2 people in the upper lot to keep it stuffed full. The Exodus was easier cuz the bottom gate was open also.

XXX: 836 kilt a signpost in a brazen hit and run affair. Details at the X-mas party.

Valet Parkers: Brent Psycho Pace, Bego, Rex8, Frank, Mandy has Frankie pretty well tuned in, Dean, Steve Y., Michele, Kurt, Dave M, Steve L, Lee, George, Sam S

Saturday Line Up- Rexif, Dave M, Lee, Lloyd, Kurt, George, Dean, Steve Y, Frank, Bego

Silt 00- 2 1/2, p 3

00- 24 4- 25- 00 Dehydrated Biker way out Behind der Rocks

A cell phone call reached us about a young biker gal down from the heat while riding the Behind the Rocks county road. Brad and Jeff responded with 4 wheelers and reached the subject moments before the ambulance. That gal and another young male, who was actually in worse shape, came out with the ambulance.

Comments:

Responders: Brad, RexeR, Jeff, Sam, Shawn, Lee, Steve Y, Aug, Dave L, Bego, Steve Smith

00- 25 4- 25- 00 Broken Wrist Pritchett Canyon

Before the previous event was complete, another page came for a broken wrist up Pritchett Canyon. Initial reports had the subject walking out and he just wanted a ride.

Again, sorry there cowboy, we are not a taxi service. So an ambulance was called and Sam went on down with the Ranger. He found the subject had hiked out and gotten a ride to AMH in a private car. 10- 22.

Comments:

Responders: Rexn, Jeff, Brad, Kent, Sam, Shawn, Matt Mc, Steve Y, Michele, Aug, Bego, Kevin

00- 26 4- 25- 00 Overdue Biker Klondike Bluffs
The Dad waited out there until after dark and then reported to us that his son was overdue.

We responded with our arsenal of ATV’s out to the trailhead for a briefing by Rex. We also inspected his bike tire track and a probable shoe print. Some went up Little Valley, some drove in the Dalton Well road and some went up the bike/jeep route.

After a while voice contact was made with the teen. We were on the marked jeep route, he was on the road that is on the 7 1/2 min map. But he was stopped by darkness. He did have matches and he had built a fire earlier. He had put the fire out and gone to sleep. Our ATV noise woke him up. And he had a little red blinking light which helped us.

Comments:

Responders: Reks, Jeff, Frank maptech, Lee, Sam, Nancy, Dave M, Bego, Sam Smith, Michele

GCSAR Training; 4- 27- 00 Training- Land Navigation and Orienteering-

To NASAR SAR tech II standards. Three stations: 1) Do any of the three compass courses that Frank and Bego laid out earlier in the day. 2) Apply given coordinates to a map and get coordinates from a map. Orient a map to terrain. Orient a map to north with a compass. Take a compass bearing to some object. 3) Read coordinates in UTM and Lat/Long from a GPS.

Rod Benders Car Show and Fund Raiser

We displayed the 91 Mustang that the Moab City Police gave us (with "speed" chip) amongst the crowd and set up a table. At $1.00 per chance, 931 chances were bought. Sam Smith, in complete SAR uniform, went strolling thru the crowd selling chances by the dozen.

Temple of Money Changers: Mandy, Frankie, Brad, Bego, Frank, Lee, Jim, Sam, Sam, Shawn,

Matt Mc, Steve Y, Matt Moo and Alicia Cooper

Lip Sync: Jason Parriott takes the Gold, Teri Ann 2nd, Grand County Alumni third.

Silt 00- 2 1/2, p 4

00- 27 4- 29- 00 Moab Rim Trail, 1st hard spot ATV Rollover

Two were injured, one not much, the other more so. We transported on our 6 wheeler.

Comments:

Responders: Heff, Frank, Sam, Josh, Jim, Mark, Sam S

00- 28 4- 29- 00 Sand Flats ATV Rollover

Zane requested some help to carry a litter full of hip and back injuries over to the ambulance.

Comments:

Responders: Frank, Sam, Josh, Jennie, Bego

STOP PRESS- NO MORE GPS SCRAMBLE

The Clinton Administration has taken "Selective Availability" (the scramble in the signal) out of the GPS system. Now your position fix is stable to within a meter or 5 instead of 30 to 100 meters. Track speed is more accurate and altitude is much better. Your hand-held GPS unit now follows you around to within a step or three.

For example: Frank has always had trouble with his front porch moving around on him (see Flashbacks, op.cit.). Up to 30 April, his porch would wander 51 m easting and 63 m northing in 10 minutes. (Fast porch). On 1 May, his porch settled down to moving 3 m easting and 5 m northing. And his altitude varied less- from 425’ to 41.’ Cool. Hot. Wow. Zonkers.

"Silt Happens" Back Issues

#99-5 (Sept-Dec99) -- The "Mari" incident, Westwater drowning, Jeeping off Gemini, Stuck on Fine Jade
#99-4 (July - August 99) -- NPS Whitewater Rescues; Prepare Fair; Tracking by Sgt.Green; Credit for responding, finishing the job; Air Life's preferred radio freq; The Puke Frog returns; Lightning
#99-3 (May-June 99) -- Cataract High; Web rescue; Disaster Brothers; Search Training; Short Haul at altitude; Leadership; Rescue: Who pays
#99-2 (Mar-Apr 99) -- River Peak Flow Forecast; Arches Rock Rescue; Lift Evacuation Team; Huge Fund Raiser; Thanks Brad; Knotcraft
#99-1 (Jan-Feb 99) -- Adventure; "Too Short"; Gary Haynes; Evac Team Paid Now

#98-6 (Nov-Dec 98) -- Thanks Yous; Tramway and rescue plans; Cellular Phonefinder; Practice Safe Response; Pipeline Go BOOM
#98-5 (Sept-Oct 98) -- Credit for Responding; Colin Smith @ NPS SAR; Response Statistics; Old Men Do Cliff ResQ; Documentation; SLTrib: $ for SAR
#98-4 (July-Aug 98)
#98-3 (May-June 98)
#98-2 (Mar-Apr 98)
#98-1 (Jan-Feb 98)

#97-6 (Nov-Dec 97)
#97-5 (Sept-Oct 97)
#97-4 (July-Aug 97)
#97-3 (May-June 97)
#97-2 (Mar-Apr 97)
#97-1 (Jan-Feb 97)