Zion Search and Rescue
by Travis Tomlinson Your Safety is Your Responsibility! Enjoying the wilderness is usually the goal of the 2.5 million visitors who come to Zion National Park each year. Yet, every season some folks find themselves in trouble in the backcountry that requires a Search and Rescue operation. In the grimmest of outcomes, some never return home. Most rescue scenarios play out with a happy ending thanks to the Zion Search and Rescue Team. Last year there were over 30 SAR’s performed by the Zion Team. Ten required the use of ropes and technical climbing/rescue gear to raise or lower patients/victims. The Team performed nine non-technical rescues, evacuations by wheeled litter, raft, helicopter, and ambulance. Seven were search only operations, often the result of overdue parties who were lost, physically exhausted, or medically impaired. Six water related rescues occurred, most all occurring in the popular Virgin River Narrows. Four accidents related to rappelling, one a fatality. Nearly all of these situations were preventable. Yes, there are natural hazards that are out of one’s control, like falling rock or lightning strikes, but the majority of the rescues performed at Zion should never have taken place. Through the use of sound judgment and good decision making skills, visitors can avoid situations that lead to unnecessary risk and unwanted circumstances.
The following is an actual account of a SAR that took place in 2002. Two visitors received the required backcountry permit to hike the Subway. They elected to go from the top down. This requires at least 50 feet of webbing or rope to descend a few obstacles and drops. They took webbing but no harnesses or rappelling gear. Many parties choose to hand-line (hand over hand) in the Subway, a common and accepted practice for descending small non-vertical drops. Where these folks first ran into trouble was their inexperience in route finding and map reading skills. They ended up in the wrong drainage. When they came up to the first drop there was, indeed, an anchor already set up. Thinking that was a sign that they were on the right track, they fed their webbing through. Once over the edge, he soon realized that their 50-foot webbing was about 15 feet too short, but it was too late. There was no way to climb back up the slippery webbing and, several feet from the end when he could no longer hold, slid off and fell hard onto a ledge below, suffering a laceration to his head and 3rd degree burns on his hands. At this point, the other person should have rationally and calmly assessed the situation and made some much-needed decisions. But in her haste and panic, she descended down to the fallen man and suffered the same consequences. Now, with their cordage out of reach and ledged out with a long drop below, they were stuck. They found themselves in this precarious position on September 3rd. Still believing that they were in the right drainage, they thought that another party would soon come through. After September 4th came and went with no sign of help they started rationing their food and water. They were finally rescued the following day.  Be Cautious, be careful,be safe - p. M.Beeley In hindsight, the bad decisions that were made in this case may seem obvious. Emotions and lack of experience cloud good judgment and consequences quickly escalate with compounding severity. The first catastrophic event happened when the man hit the ground. At his point the woman should have hiked the four miles back to the road to get help. She neglected to weigh the risks, thus compounding the severity of consequences. They could now only hope that someone would find them.
This SAR could have been prevented had these folks been aware of their limitations, had good geographic data, route finding skills, and a better base of experience from which to draw sound judgment. Sure, we all stumble through adventures thereby gaining valuable experience. But, note that I use the word stumble, not fall. As our decisions push us toward a higher probability of severe injury or even death, we have to question their worth. This is where we must be honest with ourselves. How much experience do we have in similar situations? Are we novices doing our first backcountry adventure? What kind of physical shape are we in? Is hiking up 3000 feet in six miles to 8000 feet appropriate if when walking from the Lazy Boy to the fridge for ice cream at sea level leaves one gasping for air? What are the inherent risks of the environment in which we are entering? Does weather play a role? Does rain in a canyon potentially threaten your life? Can you say for certain the probabilities of a flash flood? Are you willing to put your life and the lives of others in jeopardy for a view that might be once in a lifetime only because a life might end? I assure you, the view will be there another day if you will be there too! | The two visitors in this case were rescued because they registered with the Zion Backcountry Office. Through the information that was required to obtain a permit, SAR staff were able to put together a timely search effort that otherwise would have taken much longer. The Zion National Park visitor center is a great place to stop in and talk to a Backcountry Ranger and pick up a Backcountry Planner. A Ranger can assist you in finding the necessary information to plan a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience. Your safety is your responsibility, but there are services and mentors to help guide you toward a successful encounter with the towering and wondrous world of Zion. |
Travis Tomlinson, climber, mountaineer, adventurer and Zion National Park Ranger. Travis also lends a hand at a local Springdale shop, Zion Rock & Mountain Guides, and is a member of the Zion Search & Rescue Team. |
