Summit County Search and Rescue is having a busy winter season so far.
The volunteer team responded to 13 events in January, including avalanches, overdue hikers and stuck motorists. Alan Siddoway, the Search and Rescue liaison for the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, said that’s double the number of incidents in January of last year. Combined with 18 calls in February, the Search and Rescue team has responded to a total of 31 incidents this year.
“Comparatively, our high winter month last year, we had 12 SAR (search and rescue) events. This month, we’re at 18, and the month’s not over, ” Siddoway said.
Only six of the 31 events were for training exercises, which are included in the Search and Rescue team’s annual statistics.
Siddoway said the Smith and Morehouse Reservoir has been a problematic area this year because the low snowpack makes snowmobile trails easier to access. Of the 18 incidents in February, Siddoway said at least three or four have been calls to help a stuck motorist who tried to drive a vehicle up a snowmobile trail.
“One night in January at Smith Morehouse, we were called on a vehicle that was at the dam at Smith Morehouse, so a good way up the trail. On our way up to assist those persons, we came across another truck that was stuck,” Siddoway said. “Basically, there were two vehicles that had done the exact same thing. … They’re more accessible, there aren’t the higher banks of snow, so they’re driving up the trails.”
Siddoway said preparation is of the utmost importance when exploring the outdoors whether on a snowmobile, skis or simply driving around. A third party should also always know where someone is going and when they’re expected to return home.
“Just take an extra moment and look at the situation and say, ‘Should I really drive up there? Should I really ski into or snowmobile into this little valley or this ravine?’ It’s about situational awareness paired with taking an extra moment to think about it,” he added.
Siddoway emphasized no one should go backcountry skiing, snowmobiling or partake in any other outdoor recreational activities alone. He also encouraged people to be aware of the weather and any avalanche risks, which have generally been high this season.
“Have enough fuel, have water, snack bars, so if you do have a problem, you’re able to take care of yourself until we get there,” Siddoway said. “There are parts of the county that we may be two hours away or three hours away at best.”
In the age of cell phones and GPS satellites, locating lost recreators has become easier, but Siddoway said to always have an idea of your location just in case and to never venture outdoors without a fully-charged battery if possible.
“I stand in awe, even after 40 years, of the men and women of Search and Rescue that are so dedicated and donate their time,” he said. “The members left their families on Valentine’s Day to rescue a man who had gone snowmobiling by himself and gone off trail and became so stuck that he couldn’t extricate himself. The team members that responded left their own families on Valentine’s Day to assist another, so I’m always in awe of the heart of a Search and Rescue member.”
Summit County voters supported a new sales tax earmarked for emergency services, including Search and Rescue, in November. The 0.5% tax, which is equivalent to one penny for every two dollars spent, is intended to reduce the financial impact of tourism on local residents and help the County Courthouse balance the budget.
Chief Financial Officer Matt Leavitt estimated the tax will generate around $7 million in 2025 and between $15 million to $17 million beginning in 2026.
Siddoway said the Search and Rescue team anticipates using the first year of tax revenue to equip members with appropriate gear, fund specialized training, implement more community outreach and educational opportunities and to keep pace with the increased number of service calls.
There are currently 35 volunteer members in the Search and Rescue unit.