In Columbia Falls, it’s somewhat spring like — at least for February. On the North Fork, winter returned this week with almost a foot and a half of snow.

The wintry conditions created the perfect scenario for the annual North Valley Search and Rescue winter training weekend.

As technology has advanced, we now have access to tools that were unheard of in 1970 when NVSAR was organized.

Not only are snowmobiles more powerful and able to go further and higher into the backcountry, but they are also equipped with new safety equipment. Joining the old standby snowshoes, shovels and probes are modern transceivers for finding people caught in an avalanche. Of necessity, these only save lives if used quickly by people who are with folks buried in the snow.

Searchers have new equipment, too. GPS units can communicate with each other and spot each other on a map so that an area can be searched more efficiently, safely and quickly.

Transceivers and GPS units require a lot of practice and training to maximize their effectiveness. Same thing with the new, powerful snowmachines and the even newer motorcycle-like snowmachines, which instead of wheels have a ski in front and a power driven track in place of a back wheel.

In addition to training and practice with all of the new machines and electronic gadgets, it’s still vital that search and rescue members have basic survival skills in case of accident or unexpected weather.

The winter training on the North Fork combines training in three main areas.

1) Basic skills — most of Saturday morning was spent in a class taught by Al Gardner on fire building and shelter making. Al demonstrates multiple fire-starting methods, from flint and steel to use of materials that should be carried in everyone’s pack.

He also shows several options for building snow shelters. With fire, shelter and proper clothing, winter survival becomes fun — especially if you have food in your pack.

2) Ground search — although snowmobiles were used to transport searchers, this year’s focus was to search on foot for three overdue people also on foot. Two of the “lost” victims were together. One had fallen and “broken” her leg.

When found, searchers dealt with splinting, bringing the victim up a steep bank and transporting her to safety. The third person “panicked” and led searchers on a merry chase which involved tracking, GPS units and containment.

3) Leadership and support — a big part of the training was the use of team leaders who had never actually conducted a search acting with advice from experienced search leaders. Training also involved a base radio with trainee dispatchers.

A great training and a great benefit to Flathead County. What do you think?