Iron County Search and Rescue helps stranded motorists near Cedar Breaks
By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
Blowing snow and high winds recently created dangerous conditions near Cedar Breaks, prompting Iron County Search and Rescue to respond to a stranded vehicle and safely evacuate four motorists.
The call came in at 6:10 a.m. reporting a blue Jeep stuck in a snow drift on Highway 148 near Cedar Breaks. Responders traveled up Cedar Canyon on Highway 14 and encountered difficult conditions including drifting snow, high winds, icy roads and fallen rocks, according to a Facebook post.
Search and rescue crews gathered at the junction of highways 14 and 148, with the stranded vehicle located about three miles south of that point. Crews deployed snowmobiles and a tracked side-by-side ATV to reach the group, who were found to be in good health and transported to Cedar City.
Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter said wind and elevation can turn a typical storm into a dangerous situation quickly.
“They don’t even have to get too much snow with the winds, because the winds will drift the snow,” he said. “Even if there isn’t much snow, with the drifting, it will pile up quick.”
The stranded motorists were on the main road, Carpenter said, highlighting how quickly mountain conditions can worsen, especially for travelers unfamiliar with winter driving.
“A lot of people…are coming from Nevada or California and aren’t familiar with how treacherous the mountains can be in the winter,” he said.
In this case, search and rescue officials said three of the motorists were from Florida and one from Brazil, with all four native to Brazil.
During winter storms, drivers sometimes continue into hazardous mountain conditions without proper equipment, Carpenter said. When vehicles slide off the road, they can create bottlenecks that prevent snowplows from reaching the area and make conditions worse for everyone.
“A lot of times people completely ignore [the signs],” he said. “They’re headed to Brian Head for a ski weekend, and they are thinking ‘we’re going to get to Brian Head no matter what.’ They don’t have chains, they don’t have four-wheel drive, they get stuck and then we end up closing down the canyon.”
Search and rescue officials also used the incident to remind travelers that weather patterns can vary greatly due to elevation changes and urged motorists to monitor forecasts and be prepared in case they become stranded.
“People need to understand the role of search and rescue isn’t to rescue their vehicle, it’s to preserve lives,” Carpenter said.
Iron County Search and Rescue completed the mission using snowmobiles, a tracked ATV and trucks, along with members of the winter rescue team and an Iron County Sheriff’s deputy, according to the post.
WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY: WHAT SAR SAYS TO DO BEFORE YOU HIT THE MOUNTAINS
Sheriff Ken Carpenter said mountain weather can change quickly, especially with wind-driven drifting snow, and travelers should prepare for the possibility of getting stuck for hours.
Before heading up:
● Dress for winter conditions. Don’t rely on the idea you’ll “just be in the car.”
● Fuel up. “Make sure that you have a full tank of gas before you start up the canyon,” Carpenter said.
● Carry food and water. You may not be rescued quickly if roads become impassable.
● Bring chains or 4WD and obey chain-up signs. Ignoring warnings can lead to crashes, closures and delays for everyone.
If you’re stranded:
● Run the vehicle intermittently for heat but don’t leave it running. Preserve fuel and reduce risk.
● Keep your exhaust area clear to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
● Pack a shovel. It can help you self-rescue or, in emergencies, build shelter.
● In deep snow, a snow cave can help in a worst-case scenario. Carpenter said a properly ventilated snow cave can provide a safer temperature than exposed wind chill.
