On 12-27-23, Crook County 911 Dispatch was notified of two stranded motorists on the FS 2735 road deep in the Ochoco Mountains. The area has limited cell coverage and the subject had already walked three miles in bad weather to get to a location with coverage. After checking the coordinates and the weather, SAR elected to go with a small team and move rapidly. This was due to the weather at the location, the subjects not being dressed for the conditions and them likely having no shelter where they were.
Three SAR members were contacted and two set up command and communication while one SAR member and a SAR coordinator went to the location. Using GPS and Ham Radio, Crook County SAR was able to get to the subjects. This drive took over an hour to reach them. The conditions in the mountains had deteriorated. The roads were slick with ice and snow in the high points and muddy and wet in the low points.
The subjects had been stranded over night in a disabled vehicle. They were wet, cold and dehydrated. Crook County SAR brought them back to Prineville so that they could make arrangements for recovery of their vehicle.
Crook County SAR would like to remind everyone that winter is upon us. When traveling please have clothing for winter and supplies. Please let someone know here you are going and stick to your plan. Drive safe and have a safe New Year.
