Skagit County, Washington — Amazing work by the Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team and Snohomish County Volunteer Search & Rescue who executed a picture perfect rescue hoist operation after a pair of backcountry skiers got stuck in steep terrain.
The incident happened back in March but the footage was recently released. Search & Rescue was notified via several SOS messages of an incident in Skagit County near the Ptarmigan Traverse requiring a helicopter rescue at about 4:45pm. The subjects were a pair of 25-year-old skiers who had become stranded in steep terrain and were at risk of falling.
The pair, a male and female, were approximately 6,000 feet elevation just above Cascade Pass on a north-facing slope along the Ptarmigan Traverse. The skiers were in a dire situation having stranded themselves in steep terrain and unable to safely move. As time wore on they were becoming increasingly cold, fatigued, and distressed.
A Snohawk 10 helicopter was launched and flew directly to their reported position. Both subjects were successfully located, extracted, and transported to safety. Hats off to the rescue team whose swift response, skill and professionalism brought these skiers back to safety.
Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team:
The Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR) Helicopter Rescue Team (HRT) is an “all hazard” response team conducting more than 80 missions per year throughout Washington.
Missions per year: 80+
Helicopters on standby: 3
Washington counties served: 13
About SnoHawk 10:
SnoHawk 10 is a heavily modified Bell UH-1H designed for high altitude rescue work in the Cascade Mountains. A more powerful turbine engine provides 1800 shaft horsepower. Upgraded tail rotor system and tailboom provide additional tail rotor authority at high-density altitudes.
Crew of five includes two pilots, one Crewchief/hoist operator, one Rescue Technician/EMT, and one Flight Medic/Paramedic. Advanced Life Saving capability brought to every rescue mission. Night Vision Goggle equipped for night rescues.
External rescue hoist capable of lifting 600 pounds. Equipped with 250 feet of steel cable. Short haul and sling load capability. Airborne Tactical Extraction Platform used for high rise building rescues, personnel, and equipment external transport.
