On February 19, 2024, at 6:00 pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a text to 911 from a snowmobiler who advised two people were stuck and unable to provide an exact location. Triangulation of the caller’s cell phone showed it to be in the Sunlight Basin area south of Big Sky.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section gathered and responded to the Taylor Fork area. One team of four experienced snowmobilers responded to the caller’s location, while another team was positioned to be able to relay emergency responder communications.

Volunteers were finally able to locate the two snowmobilers well after dark. One snowmobiler was found to have had a minor injury to the hand, but they were otherwise in good health. Rescuers attempted to lead the two snowmobilers out to the trailhead, however the conditions were unsafe to continue. Due to poor snow conditions and elevated avalanche danger, the decision was made to bivouac overnight and reassess the situation during daylight hours.

The following morning, after confirming the poor snow conditions avalanche danger, it was determined that a helicopter extraction of all personnel and snowmobiles would be the safest, most expedient course of action. Central Copters was able to insert rescuers into the area and all personnel were transported to a landing zone on Taylor’s Fork Road.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind backcountry enthusiasts to be prepared for changing conditions and have the gear to stay overnight. As always please check the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center for the current Avalanche Forecast for the area you will be recreating in.