May 28, 2024

Missing Rafters on the Yampa River

RCSAR was paged to assist Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) with a possible rescue on the Yampa River within Steamboat Springs city limits. SSFR is responsible for swift water rescue operations with assistance from other agencies as needed. In this case, two rafters fell out of their raft and the unoccupied raft was spotted downstream by other parties. SSFR quickly coordinated searches along the river, with several RCSAR team members assisting. Luckily the rafters were able to self-rescue.

June 16-17, 2024



Recovery in the Flat Tops

RCSAR responded to a request for mutual aid from the Garfield County Coroner's Office. A fisherman in a small pontoon boat had been pushed over the Bear Lake spillway and was found deceased in a section of the Bear River. RCSAR assisted in recovering the fisherman alongside Garfield County, members of the Yampa Fire Protection District, Routt County Sheriff's Office, State and Local water districts, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

The locations of the fisherman and boat were difficult to access, requiring responders to first shut down the Stillwater dam outflow, and then install a guiding line with ropes, pulleys, and personnel on both sides of the river. Once responders brought the deceased fisherman to shore, they utilized another rope system to bring him up the steep river embankment.

The following day, RCSAR assisted members of Garfield County SAR and Yampa Fire Protection District with the recovery of the fisherman's pontoon boat and other personal effects from the river. Routt County Crisis Support and the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District also assisted with this call for service.

Thunderstorm Hazards

Now that we are in the midst of summer and the trails have dried out, it's easier to travel near and above tree line and across open spaces in the high country. It is even more important than usual to be aware of the daily weather forecast and keep an eye on changing conditions while recreating.

According to data published by the National Weather Service (NWS), there have been six lightning fatalities in 2024, with one fatality occurring east of Routt County in Walden, Colorado. Based on a 10-year average of the NWS's data, the majority of annual lightning fatalities occur during the month of July, with August having the second highest number of annual lightning fatalities.

As many of us spend time outdoors with family and friends, here are important things to remember:

• Plan ahead by checking the weather forecast.
• Cancel or postpone activities if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
• Monitor weather conditions during activities and take action to find a safe shelter if needed.
• Avoid open areas.
• Don't be the tallest object in an area. Don't be near the tallest object in an area.
• If traveling in a group, spread out to increase the chances of survivors being able to aid any lightning strike victims.

The following diagram shows the best and worst places to be should you get caught in a lightning storm.

Practice Makes Perfect - Scenario Training w/ PBS

This past month, Cormac McCrimmon from Rocky Mountain PBS, joined RCSAR members for a scenario training on Rabbit Ears Pass. Check out the full article and learn more about how our volunteers train for countless situations using real-life scenarios mixed with unique skills and creative thinking.