JSAR was requested to respond with JCSO on the afternoon of January 3rd to three subjects trapped with their vehicle at the Lower Big Quilcene trailhead. Sunday’s storm system dropped 14″+ of fresh, heavy snow, leaving the vehicle stuck. The subjects had become mildly hypothermic hiking during the deteriorating weather and sheltered in the vehicle overnight.
JCSO used ATVs to ferry JSAR personnel up the road with skis. They also brought medical gear, snowshoes and additional clothing for the subjects. A hasty JSAR team on skis made contact and evaluated the subjects, who were determined to be in relatively good health and spirits.
A snowmobile, a tracked ATV, and a tow truck with tire chains followed and helped to clear a dozen or more trees across the road.
JSAR and the subjects traveled on foot up the trailhead’s spur road and rendezvoused with the tow truck and the ATVs, which brought them back to plowed roads.