Group trail run that almost ended in disaster

[mtwarden]

I almost always run solo, but went running with local ultra running group two weekends ago in the Elkhorns with about ten folks showing up; the route is one I had done before, but had been over a year since I've been on it and was looking forward to giving it another whirl

it's about a 19 mile loop that goes through some really nice country, but utilizes some very unused and unmaintained trails

headed up McClellan Ck

the group about half way in near Elk Park

on the backside of High Peak

Casey Meadows

as we worked away around the backside of High Peak, Steve- the organizer of the run, informed everyone that we would need to stick closer together as the trail got very tricky to follow the next 6-7 miles, having been on the trail previously he was spot on- it was very difficult to follow in places

At the next junction the lead runners stopped and waited for everyone to show up; at was at this point we discovered we were one short- it was a gal who had been at the very front- two of the quicker runners headed down the trail thinking maybe she had missed the junction- about 20 minutes later they came back and no sign of the missing runner. We then thought that she was probably still on the trail and simply ahead of us somewhere, another mile or so we got to an open ridge, still no sign of the missing runner we waited about a 1/2 hour calling out and whistling We still had a ways to go and thought she still might be ahead of us, so kept going. Everyone was hoping that maybe she made a wrong turn and then decided to head back the way we had come and be waiting for us at the trailhead- no such luck. There was a hunting camp near the trailhead and we informed them that there was a gal missing from the group and to get word out right away if she showed up as we were heading for town and were going to mobilize Search and Rescue. There was still a chance she came out to a different trailhead so a call was made to her home to see if she had called, she hadn't. The Sheriff's Office was notified and SAR was called out- it was dark at this point and was determined they would start the search at first daylight. I should mention that when we started our run that morning that any standing water was covered with ice and was likely the temps would fall to freezing again.

This reinforces what I've always preached, regardless of the trip, be prepared to spend a night out. At a minimum she should have been carrying a reliable means to start a fire, an emergency blanket or bivy, a shell to keep heat in and wind/precip out, a insulation layer of some sort (a light fleece, down or synthetic jacket or vest), hat and gloves and a little spare food. I know she was carrying water (and there were several water sources in the area), beyond that I don't know what else, if anything, she was carrying.

This ended happily (thank God!) and she was found at around 10:00 AM the next morning. I can't tell you how relieved everyone was to hear that she was found and OK. I visited with her later and said she veered off the trail at some point (not sure exactly where, but somewhere between those two stops). She never heard any of shouting/whistles. When she finally realized she had to settle in for the night, she told me she "burrowed" into a large Juniper. She had a little extra food which she ate. I don't think she had much for extra clothing (but guessing she wishes she had). She said she was cold, but never panicked and was confident she would be found the next day or able to get out on her own.

I've since been asked to put on a presentation on strategies on surviving a night out to the group, which I've agreed.

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Glad it all ended ok

Thanks for sharing

 

[Codger_64]

Changing the SOP for group runs after this?

 

[GrinderMcgee]

I'm guessing she exercised to stay warm? So many things to go wrong, this must have been a strong person. You must have been relieved she wasn't injured and was found.

 

[mtwarden]

Changing the SOP for group runs after this?

very good question; I'm not sure- I don't run with a group very often, so definitely not my call
the only thing I can think of is to have a buddy system, two folks (close to the same pace runners) have to stick together
they do a very good job waiting at intersections for the slower runners to show up (like me ), but this gal was in the lead (obviously too far) so it didn't do much good waiting

I'm guessing she exercised to stay warm? So many things to go wrong, this must have been a strong person. You must have been relieved she wasn't injured and was found.

she did in fact; I think the fact that she got under a very dense juniper probably helped a bit to block any wind, precip, etc

extremely relieved!

 

[knoefz]

Scary stuff. Glad she was ok. Big eye opener for the group I guess. Good thing they asked you to talk about preparedness in relation to trial running.

 

[Rotte]

I know I can become a bit lackadaisical when heading out into the woods. It's easy to think, "it's just a park". It just takes a few events and mistakes to have things go south. Happens every year, multiple times per year.

Glad y'all worked together to keep everyone OK.

 

[gadgetgeek]

Glad it all worked out, I think a large part of that was her confidence to know she didn't have to self rescue in the dark, that in the AM someone would be out there looking. I don't know how much that may have played, but I can imagine a person who didn't trust the group to start making bad choices believing themselves to be alone. In this case, I'm sure that asking everyone to add a couple of pounds of gear would be a non starter, or everyone would pay lip-service to it, and possibly be worse off. I think a few members will likely add a hot pack and extra couple of bars to the packs, hopefully a bivy, and learn to be more sure of the trail.

 

[mtwarden]

^ good point- I never really thought about the mindset of knowing that help would be coming in the morning- it would definitely make me feel better if stuck out

agreed- a couple of extra pounds probably isn't realistic for everyone, but I am going to advocate that as a minimum- a very simple kit of a AMK survival poncho (pack of cigarette size and 2.7 oz)- it's a newer product from them- same material as their Heat Sheets, but sealed around the arms and includes a hood which lends itself for use on the move if need be, also emergency raingear in a pinch. To that, two small beeswax candles (4 hour burn time each, size of a quarter in diameter & ~ 1/2" in depth; 0.9 oz each and a mini bic lighter (0.4 oz). with this very small kit they can create a self worn shelter and using the small candle as a heat source (a take from the old Scout fire technique) I'll also stress the importance of proper clothing and to carry a few light items- light beanie & gloves, light shell and if possible a light insulating layer)

I've also thought that maybe in addition to a "buddy system", having someone who is familiar with the trail to be in the lead?????

 

[gadgetgeek]

Yeah, if you are running as a group, might as well act like it and designate a trailblazer, navigator, and maybe even someone who wants the weight to carry a larger first aid. Is there any way for a runner to mark the trail, and have the flags be removable? I'm not a runner, but I feel it would be easy for someone in the zone to loose where and how far they have gone, especially if the trail is hard going, you don't really notice it getting worse. But I also don't see how someone could mark the trail and maintain a rhythm.

 

[sideways]

Probably worth buddying up and having a reliable person at both ends of the group. Someone who won't get lost, panic, or do something stupid. Having the first aid/survival gear at the back of the group means you might have to wait for it to show up but at least you won't have to run it down.

 

[mtwarden]

good ideas- having someone who knows the trail at the front and sweeping would definitely be worth considering, having the sweeper carry a few extra supplies is a good idea too

yeah it would be tough to mark the trails, they do it for longer races, but it usually takes days (putting up and taking down the flagging)

it probably wouldn't hurt calling the Forest Service on this particular trail though; it hasn't been maintained in years yet there are a couple of very man hour intensive bridges constructed that are probably no more than 15 years old, so obviously it was somewhat of a priority trail for awhile

 

[sideways]

One technique you can use to keep a sprawling group moving in the same direction is to do a directions hand off and count at turn offs.

Say you want to take the left fork in the road. The first person counts 1 and leaves the second person at the fork to give directions. When the third person shows up, the second person counts 2 and leaves the third person at the fork to notify the next person and so on. The sweeper will know to take the left fork and also if the count is off.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think you have the right idea with the bare essentials kit. Individuals can modify individual items to suit themselves or what they prefer, but adhering to the general concept. Obviously things would change relative to the seasons or weather. But generally if you can build a fire and stay dry, you're pretty safe for a over nighter. You can construct a wind break if you have to.

 

[gadgetgeek]

One thing snowmobilers do is keep the guy behind you in view. If you haven't seen him, go back, that starts a cascade of people coming back, and people catching up to the stopped machine. Ideally then there is no way to get lost, as you have two machines in view, and when something goes wrong, you have help. Not hard to get in trouble on trails, more often its breakdowns, but I've heard of stuck throttles, or worse. Very similar to your hand-off system. It halts the group earlier. Of course it doesn't work if the leader doesn't consider something to be a potential side trail, but someone in the middle does.

 

[baldtaco-II]

Mebe something of use to you Here Mike.

 

[mtwarden]

good ideas all! definitely part a major part of the problem on this outing was the gal that was lost was in the front

I've never heard of that buddy beacon app, will look into it further- looks like a way someone could keep track of a spouse

 

[tc556guy]

I've since been asked to put on a presentation on strategies on surviving a night out to the group, which I've agreed.

Might be worth re-posting that here when you have put it together for commentary

 

[neeman]

Here in our hiking group, if you do not turn up with the right gear, you do not go on the hike

 

[mtwarden]

Might be worth re-posting that here when you have put it together for commentary

included

Here in our hiking group, if you do not turn up with the right gear, you do not go on the hike

I don't run with the group very often, most of my runs are solo- hopefully I'll convince a few folks to be a little prepared

here's my outline

before heading out:

-****let someone(s) know a detailed plan of your route; write it/print it out; include the intended route, where you’ll be parked, what your driving, when you expect to be back, possible alternative routes***

this is likely the most important take away, if no one knows where you’re at, it will make for a very tough scenario if you get stuck out

also be sure and let this person(s) know when you do get back! you don’t want a search effort launched when you are fine and in bed sleeping

when to call in the cavalry?- this is a tough call, but I sometimes get home much later than expected, so my wife (or other designated person) understands to allow until noon the next day; but if they are in doubt have them call- a SAR person can often best determine when to launch a search- most often it is following morning

-check the weather forecast (remembering that predicting the weather in the mountains is iffy)- instead of relying totally on local weather (Helena)- look at zone forecasts- here’s an example of one for the area around Elkhorn
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-111.85408593750007&lat=46.36178621145987#.VjIVl7tXQeU

also look for nearby Snotel sites, these don’t predict weather, but do offer the last 7 days worth of data including temps, snow depth, etc

here’s an example for the Tizer Basin

http://www3.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/repor...lue,PREC::value,TOBS::value?fitToScreen=false

navigation:

-I like to print out a small topo map for the area I’m going to run/hike/ski- caltopo is a free site that lets you print out a custom map of your choosing and allows you to choose from numerous layers
http://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.8,-98.4&z=5&b=t

google earth is also a very useful tool to get a bird’s eye view of the area you’re going to visit before hand

when looking at the map(s) I like to make note of distances between trail junctions/major landmarks, possible tricky spots, but also paying attention to possible bail options, where major roads are, etc

I like to carry a small compass with, while a good compass/land navigation course is the best way to learn, there are many good online instructive sites and videos to get you started

-cell phones- while most of the backcountry of Montana lacks cell coverage, sometimes I get surprised where I do actually have coverage. Sometimes in poor coverage you will get a message- emergency call only- if it’s an emergency- dial 911. Also if you can’t get a voice message out, a text message can often go out when a voice call can’t be made, it will also automatically keep trying if it doesn’t get the message through

using your cell phone as a map and GPS: this is really a neat (and rather new) feature- there are a couple of apps that accomplish this, but the one I have experience with is Gaiagps. this gives you a full featured gps with your cellphone- tracking, locating, etc the best part is no cell signal is needed, and in fact it’s best to have the cell coverage turned off (airplane mode) as this really saves on battery life (airplane mode should be used if you carry a cell phone regardless to save battery life- when you need it- take it off airplane mode)

you choose the size and area of map you want downloaded- I always download to 24,000:1 as this give you the most detail (no different than a quad map)

so now you can pinpoint your location, see where you are in relation to trails, roads, etc, record a track, put a track on before you head out, but also glean from a track distance, time, pace, elevation gain/loss etc

pretty nifty little app for all of $20!

also while I always carry a small compass, most newer cell phones have a built in compass as well, most phones also have flashlights built in- not ideal, but in a pinch!

plus they take great pics and eliminates the need to carry a camera!

other electronics: if you spend a lot of time in the backcountry (especially solo) consider a emergency locator- there are a variety of PLBs (personal location beacons), but more recently devices that let a family member/friend track in real time your location, allow to send a SOS for Search and Rescue and even send a message- all via satellite- SPOT and In-Reach are two

clothing:

exposure is the biggest risk we face in the backcountry! your can normally go several days without water and often several weeks without food- exposure can get one in trouble in a matter of hours- and this isn’t confined to winter, this can happen in any season, particularly in the mountains, and at temperature as high as in the 60’s and 70’s

clothing is our first defense against exposure- wind, rain/snow rob of us quickly of body heat

this is particularly challenging for runners, as we tend to need/use far less clothing than someone walking their dog for example- that changes quickly when we’re forced to stop however- that’s where a few key layers can come in often handy

hat & gloves/mittens- a light beanie and gloves goes a long way in staying warm, weighs very little and takes up little room

Buff- you’ve all seen these, a do it all little garment- hat, balaclava, neck warmer, hand warmer, hanky, even things like straining water, first aid, etc- it’s a great 1 ounce piece of kit!

shell- a good windproof shell will protect from wind, keep precious body heat in and will resist light moisture and breathes so it can be used on the move, they are also light/compact; a hardshell doesn’t breathe near as well, but if it’s going to be prolonged rain/wet snow it is the shell to have- I very often carry both; hybrid shells- there are relatively new and act as both windshirt and hardshell, these are a viable option when the forecast looks good, but always that chance of the good old Montana fast rolling, mountain shower- they breathe much better than a hardshell and resist precip better than a windshell

Also consider bright colors, much easier to locate someone in bright orange or other bright colors

I like my shells to have a hood (mandatory on a hardshell), I’ve been caught out in some very nasty weather and can’t tell you how glad I was to have a hood- an extra ounce tops for adding a hood to a windshell

shell pants- as the temps start to dip, I will often throw in a pair of windpants- again light and low volume

insulating layer- regardless of weather, if heading to the mountains I like to carry a insulating of some sort- in warm weather this may be a light fleece vest, in cold weather this might be a down or synthetic jacket, or something in between- this layer can be vital if an unexpected night out occurs

shelter:

with exposure our number one risk, shelter is at the top of our priorities if spending an unexpected night out

when you have concluded you are spending the night out, choose a site that is out of the wind and will keep you dry if there is precipitation- often getting under a dense tree can accomplish both- you’ve probably noticed that even during a heavy rain, it can be bone dry under a large spruce or fir- in addition these trees will often have lots of dead, dry branches underneath that can help feed a fire; a cave or other similar formation can work as well

an emergency blanket- these are light and small and everyone venturing should carry one, I prefer the ones made by AMK/SOL as they are tougher, but still light and compact- they are also brightly colored which can aid in being found; their newest offering is a survival poncho which I think for a trail runner is a really good bet- you can use this poncho on the move in addition to a static situation- at 2.7 oz and the size of a pack of cigarettes it fits the bill for light/compact; it will also do in a pinch for emergency rain wear!

small emergency candle(s)- combined with an emergency blanket this makes for a very compact, but efficient shelter- the blanket/poncho contains the heat of the candle and can warm a small area nicely- use beeswax as these burn hotter, longer and less toxic than normal candles

you’ll be seated (have something insulating under your butt- duff, dry log, boughs, whatever to prevent conduction of heat away from your body) and will look something like this

this is a concept that dates back to pre-Revolutionary times or earlier, scouts in enemy territory couldn’t risk being detected by a large fire, so would instead build (and feed) a very small fire while wrapping up in a long coat/blanket to stay warm- this is just a modern take on it

fire starter- a fire can generate life saving heat and can also be used to signal searchers; a small fire kit weighs around an ounce and is small enough to fit in any pack- my choice for a ultralight fire kit is a mini Bic lighter, a Sparklite (on the off chance the lighter gives up the ghost) and a little tinder- I like Tindertabs which come with the Sparklite; lately I’ve added a small LiveFire Sport tin- it’s a tinder that is easily lit, but also burns a long time which can be vital if trying to start a fire under tough (wet/windy) conditions

another easily lit tinder that has good burn time can be made at home- take cotton balls (real cotton, not synthetic ones!) and work in a little petroleum jelly in the ball- it’s a little messy, but these work really well- fluff up well and then put a spark to them- carry them in a small container

fire making takes a little practice- you can even do it in your backyard; a few tips:
-before starting the fire have all of your materials on hand- a good tinder source (carried), a good amount of very fine dry kindling- roughly pencil lead size dry twigs, dry grass, dry pine needles, etc,; some just slightly larger kindling, slightly larger again and then larger stuff- you don’t want to be searching for fuel once you get a fire started -risking it going out while you’re searching, have everything ready to go
-use a teepee style fire (finer fuels closest to the center) to start, slowly add larger fuels as the fire grows
-keep your fuel dry (especially your small fuels), keep it under your rain gear if necessary if it’s raining/snowing
-do some research online fire starting and practice!

debris shelter- won’t go into much detail on this shelter, other than to say it’s very effective and makes use of natural materials- the more the materials (under and over) the more effective it is- there are several online instructions/videos on how to construct one

a small amount of cord can help erect the starting frame of this shelter, not a ton needed (maybe 15-25’) and additionally might be useful if you were to break a shoe lace, etc no need for big stuff, plenty of good dyneema or spectra cord that is small/light and still plenty strong- you can even make a small bracelet out of the stuff to have on hand (literally )

other essentials/misc:

hydration- everyone carries water on longer runs, but consider throwing in a few aquatabs or the like to treat water if you run low- being properly hydrated helps in a survival situation

food- again something we all carry on longer runs, consider carrying just a little extra- those additional calories on an unexpected night out can really help

headlamp- there are lots of good headlamps out there that are small/light, but still effective- if it’s getting dark and you know where you are going- this could be the difference between spending the night out or at home; additionally if you are caught out- a headlamp is going to be handy for looking for fuel, constructing a shelter, etc in the dark *use lithium batteries- they last longer, work better in cold and weigh less (35% less)*

whistle- everyone should carry a whistle- it carries farther than a voice with less effort; three long blasts are most often used to signal distress
I keep mine on a small lanyard w/ a small knife and little Photon light (two other handy little bits to have)

first aid kit- a big subject that I can’t go into much depth, but it’s well worth looking into a backcountry/wilderness first aid class- these spend a great deal of time using items that are on hand in first aid situations and how to best rectify them
I carry just a small kit- Luekotape for blisters/hot spots, gauze and steri-strips for smaller cuts/abrasions, single use triple antibiotic, tweezers and a few minor meds

sunscreen and anti-chaff- two items that can save you some pain on the trail just small tubes/containers needed for a day out

repair- just a few feet of duct tape and a few safety pins- also useful for treating blisters, making bandaids, etc- talking size of a matchbook

mindset:

this one doesn’t cost or weigh anything!

don’t panic, stay calm, think your situation through, know that you will survive!