Gallatin Media Center

PRESS RELEASE

Madison River Search

On June 30, 2022, at 9:00pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for two paddle boarders that were overdue from the Madison River near Greycliff Fishing Access.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the lower Madison River and deployed a water search team. The Drone Team was utilized to canvas the river, while deputies, searched the banks and roads along the river.  Montana Highway Patrol troopers and Fish Wildlife and Parks officers also assisted in the search.

Ultimately, the paddle boarders made their way off the river and toward Madison Road, where a passing motorist picked them up. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue members met the paddle boarders and determined no medical assistance was required.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even a nice afternoon float may not go as planned so take plenty of water, sun screen, and check in and out with someone when going on the river.  Lastly, please take a means of communication as it can resolve an undesirable situation quickly.

PRESS RELEASE

Bozeman Creek Trail Rescue

On June 30, 2022, at 10:59 am, Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a bicycle crash several miles up Bozeman Creek Trail. The patient had multiple injuries, difficulty breathing, and was in severe pain.

Hyalite Fire Department and Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded with ground teams to make contact with the patient. The joint team located the patient and conducted an assessment, after which the patient was packaged and transported to the trailhead.  At the trailhead, the patient was turned over to a Central Valley Fire Department Advanced Life Support Ambulance crew and transported to Bozeman Health where they received further treatment.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationists to equip properly for the activity, to bring a companion or let someone know your adventure plans, and to prepare for the unexpected.

PRESS RELEASE

M PARAGLIDER RESCUE

On June 29, 2022, at 9:16am, Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a paragliding accident at the M Trailhead.  The paraglider caught a gust of wind and lost control of one wing, resulting in a hard crash just below the “M.”  The patient had multiple injuries and was in severe pain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded with a ground team to make contact with the patient. Due to the nature of the injuries the Heli Team was utilized to conduct a “short haul” from the crash location to an AMR ambulance at the trailhead parking lot.  

The patient was successfully packaged and ultimately transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital where they received further treatment for their injuries.  

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind you to always have a safety plan in the case of an emergency.  In this incident, the paraglider was with other paragliders and friends who witnessed the accident and called 911 for help, leading to a swift and successful rescue.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Great One Skier Rescue

On June 26, 2022 at 12:55pm, Gallatin County 911 received a call for an injured skier on the Great One couloir in the Bridger Range. As a group of skiers made their way down the slope, one hit a hard, icy, patch of snow. The skier lost control and fell about 100ft down the slope and was eventually stopped by another member of the party. The individual sustained injuries to their head, neck, hands and legs.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section and Heli Team responded to the area, along with American Medical Response (AMR), and Bridger Canyon Fire Department. With coordinates from the 911 call, the Heli Team flew a shorthaul team to the area, while a ground team made their way to the patient from the Fairy Lake Trailhead.   The patient was shorthauled to the awaiting ambulance, where they were ultimately taken to Bozeman Health for further evaluation. Ground teams made contact with the other parties to ensure the person who helped stop the initial patient was ok.  After a patient evaluation, the teams walked the remaining group back to the trailhead and provided transportation to their vehicles.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind everyone recreating in the mountains to always travel in groups, in case someone is injured. It is also a good idea to have plenty of food, water, communication devices, and medical supplies in case of an emergency. If you are skiing during this time of year, be prepared to have changing snow conditions in different areas on the mountain.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Lone Peak Hiker

On June 23, 2022, at 4:08 pm. Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from Big Sky Ski Patrol requesting assistance for a stranded hiker on Lone Peak.

Big Sky Ski Patrol had communication with the hiker and were able to determine the hiker could not self-extricate. Big Sky Ski Patrol assessed the situation and immediately called for SAR due to the location of the hiker and the terrain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers responded from the Big Sky Section, Valley Section, and Heli Team. Big Sky Ski Patrol and SAR units staged on the mountain in support of the helicopter short haul mission. Big Sky Ski Patrol directed the helicopter to the hiker who was transported off the mountain by the Heli Team. The hiker was uninjured and required no further medical evaluation.

Sheriff Springer would like to commend the teamwork of Big Sky Ski Patrol working in conjunction with GCSSAR team members. Sheriff Springer recommends having a plan for unexpected events, having clothing appropriate for changing conditions, and bringing food and water when recreating in Gallatin County, even if only for a day hike in the mountains.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Big Sky Ski Patrol.

PRESS RELEASE

M Trail Hiker Rescue

On June 22, 2022 at 8:45pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a hiker located above the M on the College M Trail, who thought they might be having a heart attack.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley, Bridger Canyon Fire Department, and American Medical Response responded to the trailhead.  Search and Rescue sent a hasty team with an AED up the trail first and made contact with the patient.  After an initial patient evaluation, the patient felt stable enough to walk slowly down the hill with assistance from SAR and medical personnel.

Additional SAR teams met the group at the M, where the patient was again feeling nauseas and pain in their right arm.  Crews decided to package the patient and wheel them down in the one wheeled litter.  All crews and SAR members made it back to the trailhead where the patient was transferred to the care of AMR and transported to Bozeman Health for further evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind hikers that accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any time and on any trail.  With warmer temperatures and longer days, remember to take more water than you think is necessary, make sure you have a reliable communication device, try to hike with at least one other person, and always tell someone where you are going and when you should be back.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Gallatin River Rescue

On June 18, 2022, at 7:10 pm. Gallatin County Dispatch received multiple calls from several residents along the Gallatin River who had watched an empty 14 foot raft go by their homes. While investigating, a deputy came across two other individuals who were kayaking, but appeared to be stranded on the west side of the river near mile marker 59.  One member of the party had flipped their kayak and was able to get to shore, but was cliffed out and unable to get to the other side of the river.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley and Big Sky Sections responded to mile marker 59 where the kayakers were waiting for assistance. On the way to the second scenario, a SAR Command unit spotted the first party, out of the river and near their raft.  Search and Rescue made contact with this group of floaters and once it was determined all parties were safe and not in need of medical attention, the volunteer continued on to help with the second mission.

The kayakers were able to swim/paddle to the road side of the bank where deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers acted as downstream safety, and were waiting to assist with throw bags. Both kayakers were uninjured and ultimately they were given a courtesy ride to their vehicle.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even experienced individuals can have unexpected events. Thank you to the concerned citizens who reported this incident, it is always a rule of thumb that if you see something, say something.  Should you lose your vessel, please contact the non-emergency line (406-582-2100) as soon as possible so we do not send resources where they are not needed.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Triple Tree Mountain Biker Rescue

On June 17, 2022 Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for a mountain biker that crashed on the Triple Tree Trail south of Bozeman. The biker had an open fracture to their left arm after braking hard and falling from their bike.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section, Hyalite Fire Department, and American Medical Response responded to the Triple Tree Trailhead.  Hyalite Fire and AMR were able to stabilize the individual for transportation. A Search and Rescue Team then loaded the patient on the one wheeled liter for transport to the awaiting ambulance.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even a nice afternoon biking adventure may not go as planned; so take plenty of water, sun screen, a first aid kit, reliable communication, and be prepared for any terrain and weather that could unexpectedly change.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office

As of this time, the roads to Clarkston have not been closed. The Road and Bridge department are watching the area and will close them if needed.

If these roads close, residents of that area should be prepared with food and water for a couple of days until the water recedes and access is granted.

For immediate release: June 13, 2022

Due to hazardous flooding conditions, Yellowstone National Park has temporarily closed its entrances and is evacuating all visitors through the south and West Yellowstone gates due to flooding at the other entrances. Please stay away from the area if possible.

Before visitors or residents head north from the park to seek accommodations, we encourage you to check for availability. There is limited lodging in Bozeman, and there is no cellular service for 70 miles between West Yellowstone and Bozeman.

There will be erosion mitigation along the roadway in the Gallatin Canyon on U.S. Highway 191. Traffic will be delayed. If you are working in the Big Sky area and plan to return to Bozeman, we recommend leaving early.