Four snowmobilers found after cold night

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 12, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.

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Photo by George Kochaniec Jr. © The Rocky

Nancy Jeffery embraces her husband, Andrew Jeffery, after he and three friends were rescued today.

Photo by George Kochaniec Jr. © The Rocky

Joy Morris and her husband, Bill Hill, hug after he was rescued along with three other snowmobilers today in Clear Creek County.

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tired, cold, but safe - Monday morning after a night stranded in the woods.

The four, including two teenagers, had gone snowmobiling Sunday in the Jones Pass recreation area, about eight miles west of Empire at the foot of Berthoud Pass near U.S. 40.

Relatives identified the rescued teens as Chad and Cody Morris. They identified the other two as the boys' stepfather, Bill Hill, and a family friend, Andrew Jeffery.

"They love snowmobiling," said Hill's wife, Joy Morris. "They went for a boys' day out. And it turned into a boys' night out."

Rescuers said the group did the right thing by staying put overnight once they became bogged down in heavy snow.

"They just got turned around and lost," said Bill Barwick, spokesman for the Evergreen- based Alpine Rescue Team. "They decided to hunker down for the night and stay warm and dry, just like we were hoping they would do."

After emerging from the woods, Jeffery described their survival strategy.

"We didn't build a snow cave," he said. "We just put branches on the snow and kept a fire going all night."

Search-and-rescue teams from six counties helped in the effort, reaching the men before the worst of a snowstorm reached Clear Creek County.

After a cursory search for the group late Sunday, the searchers were out again in force about 8 a.m. Monday, and found them about two hours later.

Both families expressed their gratitude to the rescuers.

"This is a great crew," Nancy Jeffery said of the search teams.

"If you're going to get lost in the mountains, let it be in Clear Creek County."

Jeffery said her husband and Hill love the outdoors and were careful to bring the right equipment.

"I think they took every precaution necessary to be safe," she said.

Even before the snowmobilers were found, Nancy Jeffery was confident they would return safe.

After sending her daughter off to school Monday, she told her, "You know dad. He's just camping up there and saying, 'My wife is mad at me.' "

The snow that slowed the snowmobilers will continue falling in the mountains this week.

The high country just west of Denver, including Clear Creek County, could get 7 to 8 inches of new snow by this morning, the National Weather Service said.

The high country could see snow every day for the next seven days, continuing a monthlong pattern, National Weather Service meteorologist Kyle Fredin said.

scanlon@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2897 John C. Ensslin, George Kochaniec Jr. and CBS4 contributed to this story

Tips

If you're heading into the mountain backcountry, here are some tips to follow:

Foremost:Tell friends where you're headed, and be specific.

Bring:

* First-aid kit

* Map and compass

* Pocket knife

* Matches/firestarter

* Flashlight

* Warm/rain clothing

* Emergency food and water

* Sunglasses

* A companion!

If you get lost, S.T.O.P:

* Sit: Regain your composure and remain calm. Use cell phone or GPS device if they're working.

* Think: Where was the trail last seen? How likely is it to retrace steps? What is the weather forecast? What are immediate priorities, finding your way back or being safe in the short run?

* Observe: Am I in danger? How much light do I have? What can I use for shelter? Is there any fuel?

* Plan: Attract searchers by blowing a whistle or hanging something colorful on a tree limb; bandage injuries; gather firewood; start a warming fire.

By the numbers

67 groups of snowmobilers get lost in Colorado in an average winter, according to the Colorado Search and Rescue Board. That includes about 200 different people because a search is counted as one event.

1,300 official searches are conducted each year. Hikers are the biggest category, making up 27 percent of all searches.

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Comments

February 11, 2008

7:04 a.m.

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forwhatitis writes:

It looks like S&R was at least notified timely enough to perhaps make a difference in the outcome here. I called RMN on Friday AM to alert to a snowmobiler missing on Cottonwood pass overnight, he was out riding alone. They obviously didn't give a hoot since it was only one rider and these multiple rider stories keep coming in. Anyway, that guy spent the night in a snow cave with another rider whom he met and was found early in the morning with no consequences. Hope these riders are as prepared and lucky.
February 11, 2008

9:31 a.m.

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snowbelly writes:

Thank you jesus for search and rescue and their expertise.
February 11, 2008

9:50 a.m.

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Kslayer writes:

We wouldn't need to use the search and rescue if people weren't so stupid. Stay out of the high country during the winter. You can die up there people! If you want to risk you own life thats up to you. When you go up and get stuck, you also put in danger those who have to come get your a$$. Who pays the bills for these search and rescues? I sure hope the idiots who get lost get a huge bill in the mail when they get home.
February 11, 2008

10:12 a.m.

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Marshdale writes:

kslayer: You mentioned the cost of rescue. I'm not sure if you know this but you can buy a search and rescue stamp on your fishing or hunting lisence. I think it is a dollar. This helps to defray some of those costs. Just thought you would like to know.
February 11, 2008

10:21 a.m.

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Eric writes:

Kslayer...you are a turd of a human. I picture you as being over weight and under educated. People live in CO to use the mountains in the winter. People get lost during every season, in every state, in every environment. I will gladly pay $1 on my fishing license if that means we can find people in distress. I hope we find these snowmobilers soon.
February 11, 2008

10:31 a.m.

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tmk50 writes:

From what I understand it is simple: if you buy the yearly sticker and register your snowmobile in Colorado, you are 'covered'. Part of the registration fee goes to S&R (just like for hunting & fishing licenses). I also believe that Colorado now requires snowmobilers from other states to buy the stickers now too. That way everyone that snowmobiles pays their fair share, no matter where their home address is. Makes sense to me.

I hope they find this group before the weather gets too nasty up there.
February 11, 2008

10:34 a.m.

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psu96 writes:

The stamp, SAR,and COSAR cards etc... help the VOLUNTEER TEAMS get some reimbursement. This money goes to maintenance of gear etc...
There is much debate about if the person being rescued is negligent that could be billed. If the local Fire Dept is called I believe they can bill you for their services.
February 11, 2008

10:37 a.m.

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Kslayer writes:

Im actually an Avid outdorsman and far from over weight and under educated. And by the way ERIC....DO you know me to assume such things? Is it mature to call names? Why? because I posted an opinion? Isn't that what we do here? I respect yours. Your post suggests alot about you.

Yes I do know about the search and rescue stamp one can purchase. I also have no problem with people using the outdoors in the winter. Going deep into the backcountry during the winter I have a problem with. Most of the people that do have to be rescued are tottaly unprepared. It just makes no sense to venture out in extreme conditions. The dollar stamp defrays the cost only. These are expensive resuces, and what if one of the rescue personal gets hurt or killed? is it worth the cost? I think we should use our heads and stay where it's reasonable.
February 11, 2008

10:44 a.m.

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Eric writes:

Kslayer.....how do you know these snowmobilers are stupid? You made assumtions as well. What if there was an accident and they are aiding a frind/family member. Not everybody that gets into a bad situation in "stupid".
February 11, 2008

10:59 a.m.

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NotYours writes:

Many people get lost and need SAR during the non-winter months. You can always "die up there", no matter what the season. Kslayer's comment saying otherwise is what's "stupid". That aside, you're more likely to die commuting to work, but you're welcome to stay home on your sofa.

As Marshdale said, the support fees for SAR come from hunting and fishing licenses, and the COSAR 'hiking' passes. But that money only goes for equipment. Searchers' time is almost always volunteered. Cheers to those brave and helpful people!!!!!
February 11, 2008

11:31 a.m.

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Kslayer writes:

I gess pick your poison. I have a job to do everyday, therfore I HAVE to drive to work. I pay taxes so that if I do get into a wreck on my way to work, the proper medical and rescue personel will aid me. I don't have snowmobile in the backcountry in extreme conditions.

I'm just asking for a little common sense. You can die anytime anywhere. I guess what you all are saying is that it's ok to get stuck because you paid one dollar to risk the lives of other so that they can come and pull your a$$ out of the situation you chose to be in. Situation meaning snowmobiling in extreme conditions. I understand no one chooses to be stuck.

I do hope they find those guys, and I am thankful for the search and rescue teams. We just shouldn't have to use them as much as we have this winter.
February 11, 2008

12:43 p.m.

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Kslayer writes:

No, I try not to be a hypocrite although I probably am sometimes. I never said I was perfect. Let me clarify myself. I ment to refer to their action/choice, not who they are as a person. Unlike my friend Eric, who decided to personally bash me for my comment.

I don't have anything against skiers/snowborders or snowmobiliers. I just think it's about using your head, and doing those kinds of things where help is available. A ski resort has staff on hand. Snowmobiling close to civilization where help is available readily that's ok with me. The backcountry? The cost is to great for a few peoples selfish adventure. 60 plus people, with helecopters, and God knows what else to find you? thats stupidity. My whole point to this argument was that I felt the people being rescued should have to pay for the rescue. Whatever extra the $1 stamp doesn't cover. I'm sure there is a lot of extra to that.
February 11, 2008

12:56 p.m.

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BadgerAC writes:

It's seems so many of you are so concerned about how "stupid" these snowmobilers were for getting lost or having a machine break down or whatever before the facts are even known. Perhaps someone had a medical concern...could happen anywhere.

How can you criticize someone else for exploring our state's backcountry on a snowmobile because it might be dangerous? Oops, how could I forget, all of you are PhD meteorologists, and can easily discern when the weather forecast is correct or incorrect. Oh, yeah, and you are all former Green Berets trained in survival. You know so much more than everyone else when it comes to the great outdoors. Perhaps you could start a company that shares your wisdom with the rest of us plebeians so we know when it's safe to venture outside.

Going snowmobiling doesn't make them any more or less smart than you or I. I'd be willing to bet, there are more driving accidents requiring medical assistance on a daily basis on Colorado than snowmobiling accidents the entire winter. With your rationale anyone who drives is stupid. Look at any big sporting event, NFL, NASCAR, NBA, NHL, etc. there's always an ambulance and medical personal standing by at the event. Obviously our sports players get hurt and are partaking in a dangerous activity, hmmm, they all must be stupid too.

You've obviously signed an affidavit declining the help of the local volunteer fire department, because you're the safest person in the world and your house will never burn down. If your house ever burns down for whatever reason...of course it wouldn't have anything to do with you because you're really smart...you wouldn't be upset if the fire department didn't show up or billed you when they did.

Oh, and those police, who needs them? You never get in trouble, so why should you have to pay taxes to support such a social service? Again, you've obviously signed another affidavit stating you don't need any police help...ever.

And the environment, how dare the snowmobilers ask for help because a few dozen searchers, most of them on foot, are bound to wreak environmental havoc on the fragile mountain ecosystem. I'd be willing to bet that your lawnmower creates more damage to the environment than the searchers snowmobile or footprints. Oh, yeah, I'm so stupid, you use an electric mower with power provided by solar energy. In that case, what's the damage to the environment created by your household...the land impact, non-native shrubbery, garbage production, water usage, sewage? Oh, and those pleasure drives you never take to the movie theater, amusement park, clothing stores, ski hills, to see relatives, etc. I must be really stupid you walk everywhere and never get in a car. Just because your pleasure has nothing to do with a snowmobile...doesn't mean you don't pollute.

It must be hard to be humble when you are so perfect. God bless our SAR teams and thank you for their work.
February 11, 2008

1 p.m.

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mytwosense writes:

It's always nice to hear a happy ending!

We take a risk every time we get on the highways, and that's why we have rescue organizations in place. The same with snowsports.

I'm glad we have volunteer and other organizations there to help folks when they run into some trouble. It's another reason why Colorado is such a great state to live in and visit.
February 11, 2008

1:43 p.m.

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Kslayer writes:

Good thing for a happy ending. For all of our ranting on this post I'm glade the best thing possible happened and that is the people were found. It's been a pleasure posting with you all.
February 11, 2008

3:51 p.m.

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hikingartist writes:

You're right kslayer. I go into the wilderness. I take a map. I tell my wife where I am going & what time I will be home. I stick to my plan. I don't think it is asking too much to be responsible for your behavior in the backcountry.
And kudos to freethought; Snowmobiles are a drag. Not only are they noisy and smelly, it is just one more piece of machinery that instills a false sense of security and then fails to perform in the backcountry. Go human powered and discover your true ability levels.
February 11, 2008

4:22 p.m.

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Francesca writes:

Kslayer: surely in your comment about staying out the high country in winter, you refer to those you feel aren't educated or experienced enough to do so. Well that is a valid statement, but there have also been a few very experienced mountaineers that have run into trouble as well. Sh!t happens, so they say.

True, there are other people that take risks to go out and help those that get turned around, but they do it because they want to help others. Why would they offer their time otherwise? The S&R fees and COSAR cards are covered by someone else already.
February 11, 2008

4:27 p.m.

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sunshine5280 writes:

Maybe a map and compass, or GPS unit, along with the knowledge to use them, would be helpful to the growing number of folks getting lost.
February 11, 2008

4:39 p.m.

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MacFrank writes:

I just love reading these comments...it's so much better than reading the newspaper or watching the news! Oh and I never go into the mountains, in acceptable weather or not, because I'm afraid of the sasqwatch (sasquash?).
February 11, 2008

6:43 p.m.

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Francesca writes:

ripcord: I'm not defending those people going out into a storm. And it can happen to people that are educated in back country survival just as people that are more casual at these winter sports. Just saying that stuff can happen at any time. It could have been a sunny day forecast and they could have let loose a bad headwall. Respected club member to me means a conscientious person, at least in respect to his sport. Or you think the other club members are just being complementary for the sake of the media?

lcdrijjxant: people knowingly engage in all sorts of reckless behavior every day. Like on I-25 for example. I don't have an interest in snowmobiling, but I don't have a problem with those who do either. It is their right to enjoy the back country as they like provided they are respectful of the terrain and stay where they belong on the trails. Environmental rapist by your definition is... curious about that.

This state started getting really crowded in the early 80s, it will only get worse...
February 11, 2008

8:28 p.m.

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Francesca writes:

GWM/ripcord: A headwall is layers of snow that blows over ridge crests from the windward side, piling up as unstable layers on the opposite side. They become unstable and can collapse, causing avalanches. Vibrations from skiers or the engines from those sleds can jar them loose. We have a ski patrol friend that gets to blow them up. I thought that was a common term. Guess not. LOL. Cajuns have hurricanes to worry about, not headwalls.

What do the snowmobilers do (besides get lost in the woods) that bother you so much Floyd? I guess I don't pay much attention to them.
February 12, 2008

6:17 a.m.

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forwhatitis writes:

I'm a member of a search and rescue team here in Colorado. Like most firemen and other S&R folks, I love the challenge and the risks involved in rescuing folks just like they love the challenge and the risks involved in their backcountry activities. Snowmobilers only account for 5% of the S&R's in the state of Colorado. And, everyone who buys a fishing license or hunting license automatically pays $.25 towards the Search and Rescue fund which is very seldomly depleted over the course of a year. When it is, it is likely that the next year's or prior year's surplus will cover it. So, why can't you folks let people live how they want to. Think of what a boring world this would be if everyone were alike. These guys were well prepared for their adventure. And just think about what this country wouldn't be if there were not poeple in this world without a sense of adventure.
February 12, 2008

6:18 a.m.

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sparkyisfourty writes:

ok enough is enough

we went down a trail that got deeper than I expected did I know whare I was yes exactly did my family know whare we were yes within 2 miles were we prepaid you bet it wasnt the hilton but we managed we were on are way out when I spoted the alpine search and resque I asked how fow down was the road? he replyed you know whare you are? ofcorse I do when asked if we wanted food? we replyed no thanks we've eaten already. I was ordered the drink the mans water and did, I told him if he wanted some of mine he was welcome. All and all we were comeded are are condition and preparedness what would I do next?? snow shoes and a whistel would have helped other than that I think we did pretty good

resting comfertubly

Bill J. Hill
February 12, 2008

6:18 a.m.

Suggest removal

forwhatitis writes:

I surprised some of these posts don't actually blame this on Bush instead of those rescued. It would make about as much sense, and seem to be right up their alley.
February 12, 2008

7:21 a.m.

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rkymntpdlr writes:

People that put themselves and others at risk because of stupid decsions should pay the price. The weather reports clearly state what conditions are like in the mountains, specifically when they relate to potentially hazardous conditions such as snow and blowing snow, with high avalance danger. Plus anyone that has driven a snowmobile (and yes I have) knows that you're taking a huge risk of being stuck when you enter fresh non-packed snow. So for those numbskulls that do that anyway and get stuck they should cover the costs of all search and rescue operations. Plus they should be made an example of. They are truly idiots just waiting to receive a darwin award.
February 12, 2008

8:46 a.m.

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JustSayin writes:

"So for those numbskulls that do that anyway and get stuck they should cover the costs of all search and rescue operations."

According to what I read, these people did it right. They registered their snowmobiles with the Colo State Parks, and by doing so they paid into the search and rescue fund (i.e., paid INSURANCE), so whether they be numbskulls or not, they don't owe a thing - except gratitude to those who found them.
February 12, 2008

9:33 a.m.

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Fred writes:

Bill,
Glad you and yours made it back in one piece. Good work with your preparation and survival skills. Don’t let the naysayer’s bother you. You were prepared with survival gear, food and water. Plus you made the correct decision not to try and walk out in the dark once your machines became bogged down.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon on Sunday. You couldn’t have chosen better weather had you tried.
I’ve personally spent many nights out in the back country in all sorts of bad weather. Had you been able to effectively communicate with your spouse none of this would be an issue.
Again, congratulations for being so well prepared. I understand your “no big deal comment”. I’d have been as comfortable in the woods as I’d have been at home!
It’s unfortunate that the rescue workers had to come out but as at least one has stated on this blog, they enjoy the challenge. I’m sure it is refreshing to them when they find the “victims” were prepared for the occasion.
February 12, 2008

9:52 a.m.

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Kslayer writes:

I guess registering your snow mobile, and paying for your search and rescue stamp is worth the price of your life and maybe someone elses. If thats really your thing, then have a good time! to bad for the people that are left behind in worry and sorrow.
February 12, 2008

11:43 a.m.

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frosty63 writes:

In Florida we have a warning flag system to let people know what conditions are in the water. They are IGNORED. Hundreds of people, mostly tourists, are rescued every year and like it or not
we taxpayers foot the bill for this. Suck it up Colorado, you live where people love to play, therefore, you will have to pay. Think of it as a small price to pay should one of your friends or loved ones need help.
February 12, 2008

12:09 p.m.

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MacFrank writes:

I think sparkyisforty is from the back hills of W. Virginia where they have never heard of snowmobiles (or automobiles for that matter).

Home › News › Local News

Four snowmobilers found after cold night

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 12, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.

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