Recently, North Valley Search and Rescue held their annual winter training at the Wilson and Ogle cabins. This year, more than 40 members took part in the Saturday training, and “sleep-overs” were held at Wilsons, Ogles, Hoilands and Braunigs. In addition, local residents help out as role players, and we invite others to just visit and learn a little about what we do.

Wide-area mock searches have been more that a little limited in recent years due to Forest Service closure of most public land in the area. This is the result of a behind-closed-doors agreement between the Forest Service, Montana Snowmobilers Association and the Montana Wilderness Association. I guess each of those three got all or part of what they wanted and were willing to give the old raspberry to anyone or everyone else.

Nevertheless, the training was valuable, covering fire building and shelter building as well as map, compass, GPS introduction. Big event was a mock search involving vehicles, ATV and snowmachines. Purpose is to practice actual procedures used in a real search.

Two ladies, Naomi Hoiland and Bonny Ogle, played the part of distraught (hysterical) reporting parties, while Justin and Brittany Ogle were the lost/overdue snowmobilers.

They led searchers on a merry chase — up Tepee Lake Road as well as Frozen Lake Road and Trail Creek Road before being found at the Tuchuck Campground. In addition, supervisors threw in a bag of tricks that sometimes come into play in real searches. Things like communication problems and personality quirks. All in all, it was good training for new members, old members and team leader training.

Big discussion item was the current avalanche danger. My Feb. 1 column talked about the value of Pieps avalanche transceivers when going into the backcountry in winter. Everyone agreed the column was good but did not mention one vital point. In addition to everyone having a Pieps, they must also practice with it so they can effectively use it in an emergency.

If you are caught in an avalanche, you really have only about 15 minutes to get out before you suffocate. That means members of your party have to do the rescuing, since other help is almost always more than an hour away.

On search missions, no sled leaves the parking lot until the rider is checked for a Pieps (on with fully charged battery) shovel, probe pole and helmet.

In addition, check avalanche warnings, and if you are frequently in the backcountry, take a class on reading snow conditions.

Already this winter, North Valley Search and Rescue has recovered three dead bodies. We hope you won’t be next. Good equipment and training will not guarantee your safety, but it will sure improve your odds of survival. What do you think?