On Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11:36 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 regarding a snowmobiler who had suffered a shoulder injury in a snowmobile crash. The location information gained from the 911 call indicated that the crash had taken place near 8889 Smoots west of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department (HBRF), and Gallatin Custer National Forest Service responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers located the injured snowmobiler on the Denny Creek Trail. Due to the steep terrain and extremely rough trail conditions present in the crash location a toboggan-style sled was used to transport the injured snowmobiler to an area accessible by ambulance. HBFD EMS personnel took over patient care at the trailhead and the patient ultimately chose to seek additional medical care on their own.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind snowmobilers that due to the unseasonably warm temperatures the trail conditions warrant extra care. Slow down, stay with your group and, as always, carry a reliable means of communication to call for help if necessary.