Search & Rescue Has a Busy Weekend

Friday night (August 21), the Gallatin County Sheriff's Search & Rescue unit was called out to help with an injured mountain biker. It was a 39-year-old man who was riding along with his wife when he crashed and dislocated his ankle near Mount Blackmore. The accident occurred more than five miles from the trailhead.

Luckily, he was able to get cell coverage and call 911 dispatch.

A Search and Rescue ground team was sent out along with a helicopter. Life Flight also responded, but could not land due to the warm weather and high elevation. The Search and Rescue team was able to land their helicopter team. They picked up the injured biker and transported him to a waiting ambulance.

If the helicopters were not able to land, the next option, according to the Sheriff's Office, would have been a drawn-out ground rescue with a one-wheeled litter. Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin said he would like to remind everyone that traveling in the backcountry is dangerous, and rescues may take a long time. He recommends always being prepared to be out longer than you expect, including overnight, when you head to the backcountry.

In another incident on Saturday (August 22), Gallatin County Search & Rescue was dispatched to help a dirt bike rider how had broken down in an unfamiliar area up Porcupine Creek Trail in Big Sky.

The man did not have food or supplies, and wasn't exactly sure where he was stranded.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue out of Big Sky responded  and located the rider near the main Porcupine Creek Trail. He was in good health and was able to walk to the trailhead on his own.