robk

Do you know anyone that has a load cell available? It would be very interesting to actually measure the forces and look at the failure modes. If I remember right, the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has some load cells available for member teams to use in testing. Not sure who has them now, but you could contact your local MRA team and see if you could work with them to create some new data points. It appears that your results are in line with the work that Fortini, et al have done in this area.

Now that another high profile SAR operation has concluded in NC for a missing scout it will be interesting to see if there is a cry to charge for that SAR incident....... Anyone want to make bets?

This is a GREAT idea! Think how much money could be saved in places like Colorado where significant portions of the state are above 7,000 feet. No law enforcement, EMS, fire, SAR, USFS, NPS.... Think of the taxpayer savings! dmuja - you 'da man!

Is this the Perfect Storm brewing? Two high profile incidents and the political sharks smell blood in the water that the media is chumming. The pols will be happy to single out the climbing user community even though it accounts for a small % of actual SAR costs across the country. The climbing community has a small voice and may get steamrolled. Write your local representative(s) and cite the info. from some of the recent cost recovery studies from around the country. Encourage them to ammend the legislation to include all the other user groups - hikers, hunters, fisherman, snowmobilers, off-roaders, etc. and require them to carry an appropriate ELD/PLB. Be sure that they are included in any cost recovery proposal. Adding these groups to the list will ensure that their ox gets gored. They will either scream about it or roll over and take it. Enlist their help in killing the legislation (or at least apply it equitably). This may blow over but don't be surprised if next winter you're showing the man your ELD or you're paying the fine.....

I agree that this will likely fade. With legislators around the country on vacation they won't have this high on their radar when they get back. The public policy soundness of something doesn't always protect you when there are political points to be scored! I've had the 20-something victim on the cliff screaming at me over the blasting Bell 412 rotorwash, "No helicopter. I can't pay for a helicopter rescue!" Charging is a bad idea all around.... BTW - Props to you Gator for all your work in trying to keep some sane perspective in this area

Cross posted from one of the other threads (mods - delete if it doesn't jive with how you are managing the threads).... While many have been following this story for its human drama, some have expressed interest in SAR and how to contribute or get involved. SAR and Mountain Rescue in particular have long histories and proud traditions. The teams (PMR, CMRU, Crag Rats, and EMRU) you've seen in action are outstanding examples of the units that exist in many areas. You may be surprised to find an MRA-qualified unit near you. MRA Regions and Units Contact your local team(s) to see how you can help. If you don't see a team in your area, contact the local Sheriff or emergency services agency and ask about SAR. Public support and dedicated volunteers keep these teams alive and ready when the call for help comes.

Many people have expressed interest in SAR and how to contribute or get involved. SAR and Mountain Rescue in particular have long histories and proud traditions. The teams you've seen in action are outstanding examples of the units that exist in many areas. You may be surprised to find an MRA-qualified unit near you. MRA Regions & Units Contact your local team(s) to see how you can help. If you don't see a team in your area, contact the local Sheriff or emergency services agency and ask about SAR. MRA teams are only a piece of the much larger SAR world - both paid (military, law enforcement, AMR) and volunteer (MRA and non-MRA). As noted in a post below - lots of groups came together to in a coordinated and well orchestrated response. Public support and dedicated volunteers keep these teams alive and ready when the call for help comes.

Not sure of your nav expertise (no disrespect is intended), but think of this as a good oppt'y to practice some map skills. Using your map, plot your own GPS coord (UTM, lat/long, etc. - pick your pref) of known, fixed locations (e.g., top of DC). Once you have those points - check them against a reliable source. You'll get your coords and get some practice. The coords can help but they won't do much to help w/routefinding.

I'm glad she is able to share this with the public. The article is also a credit to Gator and the approach that he took in leading the revamping of the climbing ranger program in the park.

Any info on current south side conditions? Particularly West Crater Rim? Will be @ Timberline on 5/20 with a small group.