Lake County Search and Rescue

Happy Holidays from Lake County SAR! ❄️

December Training Update: our team has been busy with multiple avalanche focused trainings this month. Our main focus this past Sunday included practicing on-snow companion rescue, including beacon search, probing, and shoveling techniques. Thank you to and Graham for the invaluable tips and counseling.

Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation and Leadville Race Series recently awarded Legacy Foundation Funds to LCSAR and Lake County Community for 5 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to use during all Leadville Race Series events.

AEDs are essential tools in ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, crews, spectators, and event personnel during these events. They can be life-saving devices in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.

In addition to the race series, LCSAR will deploy a no-cost loan program for local organizations to ensure our community has the necessary tools for public health and safety during various programs and events where people gather.

This investment in life-saving equipment is a testament to the commitment to public safety and the well-being of all.

Thank you to the Legacy Foundation and the Leadville Race Series for their generous support, which will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the safety of these events and the broader community.

During last weeks training, we discussed and practiced avalanche resuscitation, hypothermia and cold care.

As best practices may evolve over time, regular training and practice sessions are essential to maintaining proficiency in these critical life-saving skills.

If you’d like to learn more about safety and efficacy in the mountains, we will be hosting a free Avalanche Aware event with next week Thursday at 6:30pm! Click the link in our bio to sign up.

Join us at on Thursday, December 14 at 6:30PM.

Our friends at will be presenting on how to stay safe from avalanches in the mountains.

With the recent snowfall, ❄️ don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills in avalanche safety.

This is an all ages, free event.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/avalanche-awareness-in-lake-county-tickets-755631713797?aff=oddtdtcreator
(You are welcome to simply show up day of, no tickets are necessary!)

FRS Radio Use for Backcountry SAR Position Paper : 04/10/23 - Colorado Search & Rescue Association By Bruce Beckmann, Colorado Search and Rescue Association state coordinator and Alpine Rescue Team member EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIf someone becomes lost or injured in the Colorado backcountry and is using family radio services or general mobile radio service radios (both types referred to herein as “FRS...

Happy November!

With the recent snowfall, our team had a perfectly timed training this past Monday dusting off our avalanche transceiver skills.

While we’re waiting for more snow to pile up, now is a great time to get those transceivers out and practice your searching skills.

Tag your ski buddy to start making a plan to get out and train before the season kicks into full gear!

Lake County “SARBecue” and awards yesterday evening was a great success!

We shared wins from the year, recognizing many of our members who shone brightly not only on missions, but administrative duties, aligning with the Race Series and overall team camaraderie.

Cheers to another year, stay safe!

On Saturday October 14 at approximately 17:30, Lake County SAR responded to a call of a missing hiker on Mount Elbert.

We are happy to report the outcome was positive. As the hiker was descending, they lost the trail at approximately 12,400 feet.

Reach Air deployed quickly to aid in this search.
Due to conditions and inadequate landing zones, they were unable to land. However, the hiker had a source of light creating visibility for Reach to conduct a light guiding rescue, visually showing the subject the direction back towards the trailhead. A hasty team hiked up from the North Elbert trailhead, made contact and guided the subject down safely.

As it is getting darker earlier, it is imperative that routes are researched thoroughly. When traveling in the backcountry, never rely on one form of navigation. Carrying the 10 essentials is a must; in this scenario the hikers headlamp aided in a swift and successful recovery.

Thank you to for the support and assistance!

Hannah Gallagher, Vice President and team member of Lake County SAR was interviewed on the podcast, a notable publication for adventurers featuring stories, news and interviews about climbing, mountaineering and the outdoors.

The episode covers how to pack for your next adventure, how parents can prepare their kids for survival, and safe hiking tactics every family should follow.

Give it a listen by clicking the link below!
https://www.colesclimb.com/p/how-parents-can-prepare-their-kids

How Parents Can Prepare their Kids for Survival, and Safe Summer Hiking with Hannah Gallagher — Ep. 21 Listen now (43 mins) | Getting yourself ready for adventure is one thing. But how can you be sure your group, and your children are up for the challenge too? Today's guest has some great tips for parents and crew leaders:

If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed below on September 27, please contact Rocky Mountain National Park: CALL or TEXT the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form www.nps.gov/ISB or EMAIL [email protected]

Today, September 29, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers continued search efforts for Chad Pallansch, 49, of Fort Collins, Colorado. He was reported overdue yesterday, September 28, and park rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Pallansch was last heard from around noon on Wednesday, September 27.

Pallansch started from the East Inlet Trailhead near Grand Lake on Wednesday, September 27. His reported itinerary was an expansive 28-mile route which included crossing the Continental Divide and traveling on established trails as well as off trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake, and Flattop Mountain.

Pallansch is described as 5’7,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is described as a fit runner with both trail running and marathon experience. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey f***y pack.

Search efforts yesterday afternoon included air reconnaissance as well as ground crews on the North Inlet and East Inlet Trails and east of the divide near Mount Alice. Search efforts today include air recon and ground teams searching the Black Lake and Upper Glacier Gorge area, Thunder Lake as well as the North Inlet Trail to Solitude Lake. Park rangers are also continuing investigations.

If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Chad Pallansch, or if you were in the areas listed above on September 27, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE form go.NPS.gov/SubmitATip or EMAIL [email protected]

Image Credit: Photo of Chad Pallansch

Six Lake County SAR members attended SARCon this past weekend.

Not only did the team learn valuable skills via demonstrations and panels, our very own President had the opportunity to lead a training on Team Culture toolkits and long time LCSAR member Jim co-led a session on drones.

Thank you to the Hoist Team for a fantastic demonstration and the many SAR teams and presenters who made the weekend one to remember.

And that’s a wrap for the LT100 and this season’s entire race series! Congratulations to all the athletes this summer.

Day through night our teams were busy providing aid to those in need.

Thank you for your support to Lake County Search and Rescue.

Happy Boom Days from your local Lake County Search and Rescue team!

Incredible job to all of the athletes who participated in the Stage Race this weekend. We are so thankful to aid in medical support for a truly magical weekend in Leadville. Less than two weeks until the 100 MTB!

This past Saturday, Lake County Search and Rescue had back-to-back Mt. Elbert missions, both of which were to assist hikers facing challenges related to dehydration and altitude-related symptoms. We want to thank Flight For Life, as they allowed us to insert members quickly on our first call to stabilize the situation and hike the subject out. We also want to shout-out the bystander who provided electrolytes before our arrival on the scene - it is always heartwarming to see hikers helping fellow hikers!

The second call came in late at night, with the team making contact with the subject at 3AM and carrying the patient out till 7AM.

The combination of altitude and dry conditions can rapidly accelerate dehydration and hunger, making it crucial for individuals to carry sufficient water and food supplies. A few extra gels and electrolyte mix can go a long way!

Big weekend for LCSAR! Between the Leadville 50-Mile Run, 50-Mile Bike, and three mission callouts, we still managed to sneak in a few hours of sleep! It was once again a pleasure to help out at Leadville's renowned Race Series on Saturday and Sunday, with a huge assist by Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, Inc. We cannot thank them enough for their work alongside us. Also, we would be remiss to not congratulate our treasurer, April, for a great 50-mile bike race.

Happy 4th of July from everyone at Lake County SAR!🇺🇸

Training update! Here's a sneak peak at some of this past month's LCSAR trainings. As we gear up for the summer season, our team has been busy refining skills in the water, on rock, and on ATVs. These sessions allow for the team to continue providing timely and safe responses to the wide array of backcountry scenarios that may arise.

This weekend, Lake County SAR started off our medical support for the Leadville (summer?) Race Series, an annual event that draws athletes from across the globe. Great job to all of the racers out there in the Marathon, as they braved a classic Leadville June wintery storm!

Following the race, we made a quick turnaround (just like the weather) and headed over to the Leadville Pride Parade for a great local event that celebrates inclusivity and community, and it is a first of its kind in Lake County.

It is our pleasure to serve and support the Lake County community in various capacities, whether it be local parades, race support, or helping in the case of an unplanned backcountry emergency!

Go check out this wonderful award-piece piece written by our very own Hannah Gallagher! Exploring how her experience as a mother has shaped her time on Alpine Rescue Team and LCSAR, Hannah offers a heartfelt account on the importance of empathy and dedication. We are grateful to have you spreading these virtues on our team, Hannah!

This beautiful piece by Hannah Gallagher of County Search and Rescue (and formerly of Rescue Team) could have been in the rescue story category of our blog contest, but the judges chose to move it to the member education category and awarded it first place. It explores the double-edged sword of rescuer empathy, and how we can use our own life experience to turn that empathy into a useful tool rather than a dangerous emotion that might lead to stress injury and burnout.

https://coloradosar.org/granola-bars-and-warm-jackets-lessons-in-motherhood-and-mountain-rescue/

Great write-up by our friends at Routt County Search and Rescue about an important update from CSAR on FRS/GMRS radios (Rocky Talkie, Motorola, BCA, etc...)

Thank you to Zoe Nance and Brian Passenti, two Uphill Athlete coaches who have generously chosen Lake County Search and Rescue as their organization of choice for optional donations for their upcoming informal training run for upcoming Leadville summer trail races. Your support means the world to us, and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our organization.

Below is the information from the run organizers:
“Group Run: Hope Pass to Sheep Gulch
July 15th, 2023 8 AM
Willis Gulch Trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/GcmGyoqHj8QeDqm38?coh=178572&entry=tt
Please consider donating to Lake County Search and Rescue: http://www.lakecountysar.org/ OR using the QR Code
'Lake County Search and Rescue is entirely composed of volunteers from Leadville, Colorado. We are passionate skiers, snowboarders, hikers, rafters, runners, bikers, guides, and explorers. We are also paramedics, EMTs, mechanics, police officers, librarians, writers, engineers, and utility providers. Our love for the outdoors extends to helping other backcountry adventurers.'
Participation is AT YOUR OWN RISK. PLEASE support our local Search and Rescue."

Remember, participation in this run is at your own risk, and please note that Lake County Search and Rescue is not affiliated with the event. Once again, we extend our appreciation to the coaches for their generosity and to participants for their support and donations.

Lake County Search and Rescue – Saving Lives Above 10,000 feet Saving Lives Above 10,000 feet

Lake County Search and Rescue is delighted to announce the addition of 16 exceptional individuals to our team this spring! We warmly welcome these talented and dedicated members as we gear up for an eventful summer ahead. They recently completed an intensive training program, culminating in a self-driven mock rescue that showcased their skills and determination after more than a month of preparation. The new class of members showcased exceptional teamwork, quick thinking, and unwavering determination as they successfully executed their mission.

PS: Don't be fooled by the photo, folks! While it may seem like we only managed to capture a fraction of our incredible new class in this picture, rest assured that all 16 members are ready to rock and roll! We're just waiting for a wider lens to fit everyone in! 😄 Stay tuned for more group shots in the future.

Happy Search and Rescue Awareness Week!

Did you know that in 2010, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing a Search and Rescue Awareness Week? This year, that week started May 21 and runs through May 26. In Colorado we have approximately 50 volunteer backcountry search and rescue teams with about 2500 hardworking members total, and they need your support. Please consider donating to your local team.

Photo by Dale Atkins of Alpine Rescue Team.

Next up on our Member Spotlight is Amy Smallwood, a member who has served our team across the board, from technical rescue to snow science!

How long have you been on LCSAR and what is your current role on the team?
I have been on LCSAR since 2019. I serve in whatever capacity is needed. I am part of the technical rope rescue team. I previously served on the SAR team in Shasta County, CA as part of the Mountain Rescue Team, and I was a rope technician, water rescue technician, and avalanche technician for that team where I also served as the medical trainer.

What do you do for work?
I am the Program Director for Outdoor Studies, Avalanche Science, and Wellness at Colorado Mountain College. This is a college-wide position; I oversee the outdoor programs across the 11 campuses of CMC.

What drew you to volunteer for a SAR organization?
I have always had a strong belief in using whatever skills and abilities I possess to serve others. I have spent many years training and building medical and technical rescue skills, and I have always had the ability to maintain composure during an emergency. My desire is simply to be of service to my fellow humans who find themselves in sticky situations.

Do you have a favorite or most rewarding mission?
All of the missions I participate in are rewarding. One that stands out to me is a mission on Mount Sherman involving a severly injured hiker. She had multiple traumatic injuries, and our team worked well to provide her with excellent care and we extricated her from the environment in record time. As a result, she survived these injuries.

What's your favorite outdoor activity and why?
There's no way I can pick a favorite. I love all outdoor activities, and my favorite is usually based on the season. As the snow melts, I will likely spend my summer mountain biking, rock climbing, and ridge scrambling. Hopefully I'll get out in my whitewater canoe this summer as well.

Any top trails or peaks in Lake County?
I've always loved Mount Massive. The peak dominates the Leadville skyline, and there are so many places on the mountain to explore.

What's one SAR-related thing you're looking forward to in 2023?
I'm looking forward to supporting the Leadville Race Series and being more involved on the team as I near completion of my PhD.

Favorite Preventative SAR advice?
Do your research before you head out, especially if you are in a new area. Learn all you can about the route, trail and road conditions, weather, typical weather patterns, etc. Don't be afraid to turn back if things get dicey! And when climbing mountains, make sure to save energy for the trip down, which is often just as hard as the climb up.

Earlier today Lake County Search and Rescue responded to a call from a hiker who was stuck on the North Mount Elbert Trail. The hiker was able to summit and descend to about 11,800 feet, but as temperatures warmed throughout the day, they encountered spring snow conditions that impeded their progress.

Springtime snowpacks present a variety of challenges, and one of the most significant hazards is the shift from supportable to unsupportable snow as temperatures warm. Because of this, we strongly recommend that anyone who plans to hike in snowy conditions should come prepared with snowshoes or touring skis.

And don't forget your snowshoes or backcountry skis! Our friends over at Summit County Rescue Group have had a good handful of mission call-outs for lost shoes recently!

It may look like spring where you are, but THIS is Spring in Leadville 😁🥶❄️Still powder days and big adventures to be had up in the high country. Thanks for the awesome photo 👏

Next up on our member spotlight is Matt Koch! He's a great example of a young and energetic member who's successfully balancing school and Search and Rescue!

How long have you been on LCSAR and what is your current role on the team?
I have been on the team for three years, and my positions include gear manager and mission coordinator.

What do you do for work?
I am currently going to school for culinary arts and doing internships at restaurants for school. I also work at High Mountain Pies for my parents.

What drew you to volunteer for a SAR organization?
My love of the outdoors and my knowledge of the local area drew me to volunteer.

Do you have a favorite or most rewarding mission?
My favorite mission is working with the races over the summer. I get to meet some cool people from all around the world who come to my home town to race.

What's your favorite outdoor activity and why?
My favorite activities are hiking or biking with friends or family because they're a great way to get out, enjoy nature, and see some real cool places.

Any top trails or peaks in Lake County?
My favorite trail is the trail circumnavigating Turquoise Lake. It is beautiful and easy to navigate.

What's one SAR-related thing you're looking forward to in 2023?
I’m looking forward to all the fun and informational trainings over the summer.

Favorite Preventative SAR advice?
Bring plenty of food, water, and appropriate clothing, take some courses on first aid, and bring a map and learn and practice how to read it.

Overnight temperatures above freezing mean the avalanche danger has risen to CONSIDERABLE (Level 3 of 5) across the state today. Any light surface freeze you may find will deteriorate as the morning progresses.

Katie Konigsberg submitted this image of an avalanche near Homestake Peak in the Sawatch Range. It illustrates the most dangerous slopes to travel near today: You can see large cornices along the ridgeline, a Wet Slab avalanche likely triggered by a smaller Loose Wet avalanche, and most of the slopes appear brown and dirty. To keep it simple and stay safer today, start early and end early, be ready to turn around if you begin sinking into wet snow, and avoid traveling on or underneath areas steeper than about 30 degrees that look like the slopes in this image.

Visit our website: colorado.gov/avalanche, for current conditions in your area.

See everyone tomorrow for our 2023 New Member Info Session at 6:30 at the Cache (700 E. 10th St.)!

Interested in joining our awesome team?! We will be having our 2023 New Member Info Session on Thursday, March 30th at 6:30 at the Cache (700 E. 10th St.)!

Heads up! The Black Diamond Recon LT Avalanche Transceiver is being recalled. Learn more at the Black Diamond website: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/content/recon-lt-recall/

Friendly reminder that LCSAR does not sell merchandise, and any comments by someone posing to sell LCSAR T-shirts and apparel are spam!

A large storm is barreling down on Colorado. Light valley rain and dense mountain snow start Friday, extending into Saturday night. By Sunday, storm totals could exceed two feet in many places. The warm storm will bring rain and high freezing levels to start. This will impact many mountain towns. Roofs may shed their deep snow (like this picture in Crested Butte). Rain on low-elevation snow will cause wet avalanches in places that rarely see avalanches.

At higher elevations, dense wind-driven snow will dramatically raise the danger Friday night into Saturday. We expect very dangerous avalanche conditions to develop with High (Level 4 of 5) danger by Saturday. This storm looks different than others this winter and it could produce avalanches in unusual places. Although instability peaks Saturday, expect dangerous conditions through the weekend.

Please get the forecast before making backcountry travel plans. colorado.gov/avalanche

Interested in joining our awesome team?! We will be having our 2023 New Member Info Session on Thursday, March 30th at 6:30 at the Cache (700 E. 10th St.)!

2022 was a busy year for Lake County Search and Rescue, and we look forward to another year of keeping Lake County's backcountry safe! Please consider donating to help our all-volunteer organization continue providing the best possible support and services. You can donate at lakecountysar.org or follow the QR code in the 2022 Impact Report Below!

We are deeply saddened to hear of this weekend's accident across the state. Although the CAIC's avalanche danger rating in Lake County is moderate, it is extremely important to keep making safe decisions in the backcountry.

Yesterday there were two confirmed accidents in the Southern Mountains. Two backcountry skiers were caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche near Vallecito Reservoir (8500 feet, northwest aspect)—you can read the preliminary report here https://classic.avalanche.state.co.us/caic/acc/acc_report.php?acc_id=831&accfm=rep&view=public. Additionally, a snowmobiler was caught, carried, and injured in the Hourglass Path near Wolf Creek Pass (~11,000 feet, north aspect). There is an ongoing search and rescue effort for a snowmobiler in a third area of the Southern Mountains.
Heavy snowfall and very strong winds battered the Colorado Mountains last week. The weather briefly eased this weekend and the avalanche danger is slowly decreasing. The key word is slowly. The avalanche danger is Moderate (level 2 of 5) across the state, which means you can trigger a dangerous avalanche on specific slopes. Check the forecast for the area where you intend to travel, get the details, and make a plan that keeps you out of those dangerous areas. In the Southern Mountains, there was more snow and much stronger winds in low-elevation areas than we typically see. These areas may be more dangerous than you’d expect. Please use extra caution today. This picture is from a fatal accident in Wyoming on February 23, 2023.

Next up on our member spotlight is Meagan O'Shaughnessy! Take a read on our awesome Secretary!

How long have you been on LCSAR and what is your current role on the team?

I have been on LCSAR since June of 2020 - so about 2.5 years. I am a Mission Coordinator, Training Lead, and have been elected Secretary for 2023.

What do you do for work?

I am Operations Manager and Wilderness Medical Instructor for Desert Mountain Medicine. I also serve as a Deputy Coroner here in Lake County.

What drew you to volunteer for a SAR organization?

As an avid recreator, it's always in the back of my mind that no matter how prepared I am, something could go wrong. And knowing that there were people out there who would drop everything to come help, gave me incredible peace of mind. I wanted to give back to both my local community as well as the outdoor community on a whole.

Do you have a favorite or most rewarding mission?

It's hard to say “favorite”, but in my rookie season we had a mission on the backside of West Dyer that turned into a 13+ hour rescue. It was the first time I felt like I 1) sort of knew what I was doing and 2) was contributing to the crew in a pretty awful situation. It was observing the leadership that day that inspired me to pursue becoming a mission coordinator myself.

What's your favorite outdoor activity and why?

I'm an avid rock and ice climber. I dabble in other CO sports, but I love the freedom of being on rock and ice!

Any top trails or peaks in Lake County?

Anything but Mt. Elbert! We spend enough time there in a rescue capacity.

What's one SAR-related thing you're looking forward to in 2023?

The Leadville Race Series! Last season our crew stepped up and worked with the race series to provide medical support along with our other duties. I personally worked 6 out of 6 races, and I am looking forward to another season of supporting at aid stations.

Favorite Preventative SAR advice?

Never leave the house without a headlamp! Pack enough food for yourself and others. And if you can, take a WFA or WFR course to know how to help yourself, but mostly others that might be having a bad day.

Huge shoutout to Leadville Outdoors and Mountain Market for hooking us up with some new avalanche safety equipment to keep our team safe in the winter backcountry!