Josh, Rob, Garrett, Bob

ALPINE MEADOWS AVALANCHE RESCUE PLAN
[updated 12/2006 by RMorrey for NSP website]

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Avalanche Alert – If avalanche is reported to you
Avalanche Rescue – Instructions for Communications
Instructions for 1st Column Leader (Hasty Search Team)
Avalanche Rescue Instructions for Rescue Leader
Check List for Mountain Dispatch
Avalanche Rescue Instructions for Accident Site Commander
Avalanche Rescue Instructions for Additional Column Leaders
Avalanche Rescue Instructions for Mountain Dispatch
Avalanche Rescue Instructions for Logistics Manager
Avalanche Rescue Instructions for Control Partner caught
Avalanche Rescue Equipment Inventory
Rescue Stages I-III Descriptions and Checklist
Probing Dimensions for Stage Columns
Amnsp Members With Advanced Avalanche Training

AVALANCHE ALERT
If an avalanche is reported to you:
1) Hold the Witness.
2) Ask Where - the avalanche is.
3) How Many - people involved?
4) Notify Mountain Dispatch - 223
Standby Stations
- Summit -284
- Lakeview -385
- Scott -248
- Sherwood -269.
5) Await -Instructions from Mountain Dispatch.
6) Remember -Do not let the witness ski away.

IF AN AVALANCHE IS REPORTED TO COMMUNICATIONS
1) Hold -Tell person giving alarm to hold witness and stand by.
2) Call -One of the following. Start at the top and work down the
list until someone is reached. Person receiving this call
will assume immediate leadership of rescue.
A) Mountain Dispatch -223
B) Jeff Goldstone
– Patrol Manager -230
C) Brian Slusser
-Asst. Patrol Manager -230
D) Ken Bokelund
-Asst. Patrol Manager -230
E) Gary Murphy
-Avalanche Forecaster -230
F) Scott Sweitanski
-Mountain Manager -299
3 )WRITE DOWN -The time and date and location of reported avalanche.
Note! Weather Conditions. Fill out any information on
dispatch checklist. Continue to log time and information
throughout the procedures until a scribe is on duty at
Mountain Dispatch.
4) AWAIT -Further instructions from Patrol.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR (HASTY SEARCH TEAM) 1ST COLUMN
1st Column Leader is in command of accident site until relieved by Accident Site
Commander
I. INITIAL RESPONSE
A) Hold witness.
B) Stay calm. THINK SAFETY.
C) Wait for direction from Rescue Leader.
D) Take Hasty Search Pack (Probes - one for each rescuer).
E) Screen available volunteers (2 minimum/6 maximum) in Hasty Search Team -
RECORD NAMES.
F) Evaluate - safe route to accident site. Flag if necessary.
G) Evaluate - Avalanche hazard on the way to site. Advise Rescue Leader.
H) Close access to avalanche site.
I) When dispatched, take dog on Hasty Search, if immediately available. Deployment
of dogs in an actual rescue shall be at the discretion of the Rescue Leader. Dog
Handlers are not to dispatch themselves.
II. AT ACCIDENT SITE
A) Evaluate - hazard and escape route, inform all members.
B) Post avalanche guard when situation warrants.(if sufficient manpower is
available).
C) Search the slide area visually and with transceiver.
D) Utilize every available clue -
1) Entry tracks, Exit tracks
2) Last seen point
3) Clothing/Equipment
4) Trajectory
-Remember Description of Victim(s).
E) Flag articles of clothing/equipment found.
Flag perimeters of deposition (different color flags).
F) Spot probe likely burial areas - around discovered articles of the victim(s), above
trees, benches, bends in gullies, deposition areas. Scuff while probing.
G) Continue probing until additional help arrives. Consider formal course probe.
H) Direct incoming personnel until relieved by Accident Site Commander.
I) Communicate progress to Rescue Leader.

AVALANCHE RESCUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESCUE LEADER
A. GENERAL
1. Your responsibility is to organize and ensure efficient logistical support for the
rescue, to assist the Accident Site Commander in making strategy decisions, and to
communicate with Administration and outside agencies. Direct media to Marketing
Department (219, 328). Do not become personally involved in the rescue operations.
Your function is to analyze, organize, delegate, communicate, and supervise.
B. ORGANIZATION
1. Get complete briefing on the avalanche accident.
2. Appoint Accident Site Commander, decide with him on rescue strategy and alternatives.
3. Appoint logistics manager (refer to Avalanche Equipment Inventory)
4. Proceed to Mountain Dispatch and set up for rescue operation.
C. RESCUE
1. Assess avalanche hazard, control if necessary.
2. Close lifts and affected areas, if necessary.
3. Dispatch hasty search team.
4. Dispatch dogs to accident site.
5. Logistic manager will pass out contents of Main Rescue Cache located in basement of
Employee Building, and organize staging area at location determined by Rescue Leader.
6. Dispatch Stage I columns as needed and as available from both the base area and
the top standby station that is affected by the rescue. 11 (eleven) persons per column
with a qualified leader (= 10 probers and 1 shoveler). Manpower sources are Ski
School, Lift Operations, Public.
7. Have Mountain Dispatch call the following as needed:
Ambulance
Careflight
Sheriff
Nordic Search & Rescue.
8. Have Logistics Manager ready Stage II.
Needed: Oxygen, rescue sled, doctor, First Aid Room.
Dispatch Stage II when ready.
9. Call out additional manpower as necessary:
Nordic Search & Rescue 911
Squaw Valley Ski Patrol 581-0726
Squaw Valley Fire Department 583-6111 (36 probes)
Alpine Springs Water District 583-2342
10. Organize additional transportation as needed. Use groomers and lift maintenance
as drivers; Sprytes and grooming machines as necessary.
11. Plan a search strategy taking into account dogs, additional columns, etc.
12. Consider the need for Stage III (extended rescue support) and arrange for hot
beverages, food, warm clothing, lights, additional manpower, etc. Dispatch when ready.
13. Keep management, Sheriffs Department, etc. informed of any rescue operation
developments.
D. CONCLUDING RESCUE OPERATIONS
1. Arrange for evacuation and medical treatment for victims if you have not done so
already.
2. Accident Site Commander will make sure all members of rescue teams are
accounted for before leaving rescue area.
3. Make sure all rescuers have returned and have signed in at end of operation.
4. Notify Sheriff, management, and Forest Service that rescue operations have ceased.
5. Have all rescue equipment returned to a central location, organized by Logistics
Manager.
6. Make arrangements for the return of borrowed equipment.

CHECKLIST FOR MOUNTAIN DISPATCH
Dispatcher: ________________________________________________
Scribe: ___________________________________________________
Keep accurate record of time and events:
1. Time Accident Reported:___________________________________
2. Reported by:______________________________________________
3. Location of Accident:_____________________________________
4. Name(s) of Witness(es)____________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. People Caught: Number______ Names:_______________________
__________________________________________________________
6. Control Measures Taken:___________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7. Lifts Closed:_____________________________________________
8. Hasty Search and Dogs Dispatched:
Numbers:________________________ Names:___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
___________________
9. Accident Site Commander:__________________________
10. Logistics Manager:_______________________________________
11. Dispatch additional Columns:
Time:__________________ Names of Column Leaders:
__________________ _______________________
__________________ _______________________
__________________ _______________________
__________________ _______________________
12. Contact U.S.F.S.: 587-3558
Person contacted. ________________________________________________
13. Contact the following as needed (dial 911):
a. Ambulance
b. Careflight
c. Sheriff
d. Nordic Search & Rescue
14. Dispatch Stage II: Time:__________________________________
15. Additional manpower called:_______________________________
Squaw Valley Ski Patrol 581-0726
Squaw Valley Fire Department 583-6111 (36 probes)
Alpine Springs Water District 583-2342
Off Duty Pro Patrol (See attached list)
16. Arrange equipment for Stage III:__________________________
17. Dispatch Stage III - Time:________________________________
18. Victims evacuated - Time:_________________________________
Names:_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
19. Rescue Terminated - Time:_________________________________
20. Personnel Accounted For:__________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

AVALANCHE RESCUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCIDENT SITE COMMANDER
A. GENERAL
1. You are responsible for rescue operations at the site. Your first priority is the safety
of the rescuers. Rescue of the victim is second.
2. Do not become personally involved in the rescue operations. Your function is to
analyze, organize, delegate, communicate, and supervise.
3. Communicate to Rescue Leader all significant events and on-going needs.
B. ORGANIZATION
1. Get complete briefing of avalanche accident. Interview witness or reporting person
if possible.
2. In cooperation with rescue leader, decide on rescue strategy and alternatives.
3. Proceed to accident site and take command.
C. RESCUE
1. Assess avalanche hazard to rescuers. If necessary, evacuate rescuers and control
hazard. Implement closures (ski and lift access) as determined necessary.
2. Interview witnesses and recovered victims at the scene.
3. Talk to 1st Column leader and get review of rescue efforts to date.
4. Mark location of last-seen point and of any personal items found.
5. Determine likely burial areas and concentrate columns in those areas.
6. Designate accident site staging area, near, but not on, avalanche debris.
7. Do not foul the avalanche with urine, cigarettes, food, food containers, personal
items, etc., as they will reduce the effectiveness of the search dogs.
8. Designate an area for eating, urinating, etc., well away from debris, preferably
downwind.
9. Mark boundaries of avalanche if they are not clear or might cause confusion.
10. Communicate rescue requirements to rescue leader.
11. Plan a search strategy taking into account dogs, additional columns, etc.
12. Direct arriving additional rescue columns.
13. Communicate progress of rescue to rescue leader.
14. Get manpower lists and account for all personnel.
15. In consultation with Rescue Leader, consider the need for additional Stage II and
Stage III (extended rescue support), food, warm clothing, lights, additional
manpower, etc.
D. CONCLUDING RESCUE OPERATIONS
1. Evacuate victims as appropriate under the circumstances.
2. Account for all rescue members before leaving accident site.
3. Designate "sweep" person with radio to make sure all personnel make it back to the
staging area. Stay together.
4. Return all rescue equipment to a central location, organized by logistics manager.
AVALANCHE RESCUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL COLUMN LEADERS
1. Assemble needed equipment from main cache.
2. Record names of all personnel on avalanche rescue record.
3. When dispatched, report to Accident Site Commander for instructions.
4. When instructed, begin coarse probe. Implement proper flagging as necessary.
5. Follow probe line with shovel crew.
6. Prepare for revival and evacuation.
7. Dimensions of coarse probe: 30" x 24".
8. Be firm with your group, no talking, stay in line.
9. Non-cooperative column members should be put on shovel detail or dismissed
from service.
(Do not send them away unaccompanied).

AVALANCHE RESCUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOUNTAIN DISPATCH
If avalanche is reported to Mountain Dispatch:
1) Tell reporting party to hold witness.
2) Notify Mt. Operations Director , Patrol Managers, Hazard Forecaster, or patrol
supervisors
3) Record all relevant information:
A) Avalanche Rescue Checklist for Mountain Dispatch (see pages in plan)
B) Dispatch log.
4) Appoint Scribe to assist with recording information.
Sources for finding a Scribe:
A) Communications – 259
B) Lift Operations –288
C) Ski School -221
5) Assist Rescue Leader

AVALANCHE RESCUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOGISTICS MANAGER
The Logistics Manager’s role is to locate, collect, organize, and distribute necessary
rescue equipment. The extent of the Logistics Manager’s role will depend on the scope
and duration of the rescue operation. In most situations, this position will only be
assigned in extended rescue operations. Concluding a rescue operation, the Logistics
Manager will see that all used equipment in the rescue operation is returned to its proper
storage locations, mission ready.
Location and sources for equipment include the employee building rescue cache, the
patrol room, and the first aid room. As necessary, distribute the following equipment and
supplies:
Stage I
Probes (standbys and rescue cache)
Shovels (standbys and rescue cache)
Flagging (hasty pack and rescue cache)
The above items can be found at the standbys and rescue cache.
Stage II
Sleds (standbys)
Oxygen packs (first aid and standbys)
Additional medical equipment (first aid and ALS caregiver)
Stage III
Lighting equipment (patrol room)
Tents (patrol room, race department)
Sleeping bags (patrol room)
Water
Food (Ogden, Chalet)
Hot beverages (Ogden, Chalet)

AVALANCHE RESCUE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTROL PARTNER CAUGHT
1. Observe -last seen point.
2. Verify -your partner is caught. Attempt radio communication to ascertain your
partner's condition; caught-buried-injured.
3. Communicate -your situation to Mountain Dispatch
Identify your location, situation, existing avalanche hazard, and possible safe route to
accident site.
4. Evaluate -existing avalanche hazard. Determine safest route to enter slide area.
5. Communicate -to Mountain Dispatch your route into slide area. Inform Mountain
Dispatch when you turn off your radio to begin beacon search.
6. Search -the slide area visually and with rescue beacon utilizing every available clue:
entry tracks, point where victim was last seen, clothing/equipment of victim.
7. Locate -likely burial site.
8. Communicate -progress to Mountain Dispatch, request assistance if necessary.
9. Probe -likely burial site until victim is found.
10. Extricate -victim and evaluate condition of victim.
11. Communicate -status of victim to rescue leader.
12. Administer -necessary first aid and transport.
13. Communicate -status of rescue operation to rescue leader.
STAY CALM! Your avalanche partner's survival may depend on your actions.
Although a speedy recovery is your main objective, your safety and the safety of
other rescuers should not be jeopardized.

AVALANCHE RESCUE EQUIPMENT INVENTORY
MAIN CACHE (located downstairs in Employee Building)
200 probes
30 large shovels

TOP OF SUMMIT (284) TOP OF LAKEVIEW(385) TOP OF SCOTT (248)
100 probes 10 probes 20 probes
10 shovels 1 shovel 2 shovels
2 hasty search packs 1 hasty search pack 1 hasty search pack

TOP OF ROUNDHOUSE (358) TOP OF SHERWOOD (269) PATROL ROOM (230)
10 probes 20 probes 2 hasty search packs
1 shovel 2 shovels
1 hasty search pack 1 hasty search pack

DESCRIPTION OF THREE STAGE RESCUE PLAN
Stage I – Immediate action groups.
This first stage involves the speedy dispatch of a number of columns equipped with a
dual-frequency transceiver, probes, shovels, light first aid equipment, an oxygen pack,
and personal gear. Their objective is to locate the victim by a fast surface search or a
vigorous coarse probe. They are not equipped for a long, drawn out rescue. They travel
fast and light to the accident site. Column 1 of Stage 1 (hasty search team) leaves as soon
as possible. Subsequent columns of up to 10 members each leave as soon as they are
equipped.
Stage II – Medical and evacuation team.
Although patrollers in stage 1 columns will have standard first aid kits to deal with
immediate problems, they cannot be slowed down in order to transport bulkier equipment
needed for continued resuscitation and evacuation. Thus, a special team of 3 to 5
patrollers (plus one ALS caregiver), is organized to transport toboggans, blankets,
sleeping bags, ALS medical equipment, tent, stove, and other equipment needed to
revive, stabilize, and evacuate the victim(s). As soon as the alarm is received, the Rescue
Leader should appoint an experienced patroller to organize Stage II, collect the necessary
equipment, and depart for the accident site. In a well organized rescue, the Stage II team
is a few minutes behind the Stage I columns.
Stage III – Support and follow up.
The first two stages are dispatched with utmost speed. This hardly leaves enough time for
a prolonged rescue. The support stage is organized to transport hot beverages, food, warm
clothing, illumination equipment, and extra manpower. The extent to which
Stage III is activated will vary widely according to the size of the accident, weather
conditions, terrain problems, and the success of Stages I and II. In some cases, Stage III
may be the major time and manpower component of the operation. This is usually a
prolonged search in a major avalanche aimed more at body recovery than saving lives.

THREE STAGE RESCUE PLAN
Stage I – Immediate Action Groups
- Hold witness(es).
- Sound alarm (contact patrol supervisor).
- Dispatch column 1 (hasty search team) with the following:
1) Hasty search pack (6 probes, 2 sets of different colored flagging).
2) Dual frequency transceiver.
3) Basic first aid supplies.
4) Rescue dog, if available, and advised by Rescue Leader.
- Dispatch additional columns, as available.
- Advise Rescue Leader of current situation.
- Close access to accident site from all possible directions.
Please refer to instructions for hasty search leader and instructions for accident site
commander.
All of the above should be accomplished within 10 minutes.
Stage II – Medical and Evacuation Team
- Special team consisting of:
1) 3 to 5 patrollers.
2) One ALS caregiver (i.e. physician, or paramedic).
- Transport the following, if required:
1) Resuscitation equipment.
2) ALS medical equipment.
3) Toboggans.
4) Blankets.
5) Tent and stove.
Rescue Leader should appoint a Logistics Manager to organize Stages II and III, collect
the necessary people and equipment, and depart for the accident site.
All of the above should be accomplished within 20 minutes.
Stage III – Additional Support
- If necessary, transport the following to the accident site:
1) Food and hot beverages.
2) Warm clothing.
3) Illumination equipment.
4) Extra persons to relieve tired rescuers.
Stage III is aimed more at body recoveries than saving lives.
All of the above should be accomplished within one hour.

DIMENSIONS FOR PROBE COLUMNS
Coarse Probe – Close Order (space between probers is one elbow’s distance or 10" (25cm))
Feet are 20" (50cm) apart and advance 24" (62cm).
Probe holes are 30" (75cm) by 24"(62cm) apart
[NSP materials indicate a 28" or 70cm advance]
Probers probe once directly between their toes and then advance on command.
Coarse Probe – Open Order (space between probers is two straight arm lengths apart
– 40" (100cm))
Feet are 20" (50cm) apart and advance 24" (62cm).
Probe holes are still 30" (75cm) by 24"(62cm) apart, but each prober probes once to the left
of the left foot and once to the right of the right foot before moving forward on command.
Fine Probe – Close Order
Feet are 20" (50cm) apart and advance 12" (30m).
Probe holes are 10" (25cm) by 12"(30cm) apart, so each prober probes once at the toe of
the left foot, once directly between the feet and once at the toe of the right foot – all in a
straight line, and then advances.

AMNSP MEMBERS WITH ADVANCED AVALANCHE TRAINING
Advanced courses or training:
Old Avalanche Patch course
Level II Avalanche course
National Avalanche School (NAS)
International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW)
AM People with advanced training:
(The year listed is the date of the Old Patch or LII course)
J. Barnes 1964,NAS97
G. Dunwoody 2004, NAS05 - Level I instructor
D. Kavanagh Level 2 1998
K. High Jr. 1963,NAS97
K. High III 1991
E. Housten 1973
R. Irvine 1972
R. Morrey 1972, NAS97 - Level II instructor
R. Morrow NAS 1995 & 2005 - Level II instructor. Level I - 1985; Level II 1993; ISSW - 2002 @ Big Sky, MT
A. Mortensen 1985
S. Rosen NAS91
K. Sachtler 2001
M. Stromfeld 1981
J. Waite NAS72, NAS75
stu campbell md – old avalanche patch course