At midday on January 18th, 2021, Taos Search and Rescue was activated to rescue a stranded motorist on Forest Road 114 to Picuris Peak. The subject had called 911 after their vehicle had gotten stuck. The subject said they had been stranded for 9 days.
At approximately 3:00pm, an incident base was established at US Hill. TSAR members Chris, Gary, Nate and Roy drove up FR 114 in 2 personally-owned 4×4 vehicles. About a mile uptrail, the teams decided to consolidate to 1 vehicle as road conditions worsened.
Approximately 3.5 miles uptrail, the team located the subject, who was alive and well. The subject was returned to incident base at 5:30PM, just 2.5 hours after the team had left IB. Darkness fell and a snowstorm was rolling in, making this rescue “just-in-time”.
Many factors contributed to make this a successful rescue:
1. The subject followed the instructions of emergency dispatchers to shelter in place, allowing rescuers to locate them easily.
2. The subject had supplies of food and water, and the ability to make a fire to stay warm.
3. Conditions allowed a relatively easy and fast rescue using wheeled vehicles.
When you are driving in northern New Mexico:
1. Carry adequate supplies in the event that you become stranded.
2. Understand your GPS or navigation system and it’s limitations.
3. If you become stranded off-highway and you are lost, stay where you are and call 911.
TSAR member David was Incident Commander for this mission. TSAR member Marcia worked at Incident Base.