Missing hiker at tram.

[Hikin_Jim]

Some of the PLB's do have the ability to send a message saying I'm ok, and if needed they can go off that to not initiate a rescure but no in a general area where it came from. And if things get worse they can then hit the "I'm up $hits creek" send the paddles button.

Yeah, this is one area where the Spot Messenger has a leg up on the PLB. A PLB is actually a specific locator beacon that communicates with the COSPAS-SARSAT satellites run by various governments. The other types of beacons in this category are EPIRPBs (for marine vessels) and ELTs for aircraft. In our case, we're using 406 MHz PLBs run by NOAA and the Air Force. These can only be turned on or off and they have a very serious warning about when you can turn them on

Actually, Tim, some of the ACR PLB's now have some text messaging capability. Not sure I'd want to run down my batteries sending "I'm OK" and then not have the juice to send an "oh $hi+" message, but ACR is now incorporating that feature on some of their high end models.

Generally, SPOT has more features but is more expensive and less reliable. A PLB has fewer features but is less expensive and more reliable. A PLB also has a much greater coverage area internationally.

HJ

[OtherHand]

So, say I'm out hiking/skiing/shoeing whatever like that guy who got marooned up on SJ this past weekend. It starts storming. I lose my way, and I'm in a whiteout or close to it. I make the decision to hunker down. I'm not injured; I have food, clothing, and shelter; and I have a winter capable stove. I believe I can reasonably wait things out.

QUESTION: Do I "pull the trigger" on my PLB?

If I'm overdue, people will be worrying. SAR may be dispatched, putting people in harm's way and tying up resources. Would it be better to broadcast my position via the beacon even though it's technically not within the "loss of life or serious injury" parameters or should I stick with the "letter of the law" and keep the thing stowed?

HJ

There is no good answer to your scenario with the parameters you've given. If you don't launch your PLB, because in fact you are OK and don't need help, SAR will be dispatched and looking all over the mountain for you, not knowing where you are. This puts them at risk. If you do launch your PLB, SAR will come right to you and minimize their risk. At that point the decent thing to do is at least ACT like you needed rescuing.

To start to address your scenario you would have to at least carry a SPOT, with "OK" or custom messaging capabilities. Odds are, unless you are in a deep drainage, it will work and you can avoid a SAR callout. It helps to know the quirks of a SPOT. But a SPOT is not as foolproof as a PLB, and a PLB remains the gold standard despite its limitations. I would never consider one of the 'I'm OK" PLB models, because as has been mentioned, it drains the batteries. On critical hikes, I carry both a PLB and a messaging SPOT. The newer SPOTs really don't weigh much and take up little space.

The release of the new SPOT Connect to send custom messages via a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone is probably the optimum gadget, when paired with a PLB. Message out with the SPOT if needed and use the PLB if things really turn to crap.

[Tim Le]

Actually, Tim, some of the ACR PLB's now have some text messaging capability. Not sure I'd want to run down my batteries sending "I'm OK" and then not have the juice to send an "oh $hi+" message, but ACR is now incorporating that feature on some of their high end models.

Cool! I didn't know that. I see now that they're using that PLB testing service to relay an SMS message, but you have to sign up for a subscription.

[bluerail]

...man, I hope nobody picks up the bread crumbs.

[lilbitmo]

...man, I hope nobody picks up the bread crumbs.

Go back in your cave Hansel - Gretel's calling your name

[Carl F]

Another happy ending. Thank you SAR you guys rock!!

[Carl F]

PS Confession time!! there were two days I decided I wanted to go up the tram, just because i could get the time off. The first time, i believe it was 2 years ago, was the first time they ever closed the tram because of the snow in the parking lot. I had driven 2 hrs from SD and as we walked on to the tram they said, sorry , we have to close. Since all other roads to Mtn High and SG were closed, I had no choice but to drive back. I remember snow in Banning on the 10 on the way back. Later the same year I made it on a whiteout day. The only two other idiots out that day were US Marines. That should have been a warning. They were on snowshoes. I tried to lead the way for them but they were WAY too slow, being on snowshoes in deep powder. (I, of course, on telemark skis) So on I went, got close to the base before the ascent to the saddle between Miller and San J. Got a little chilly. Decided I needed another layer, in whiteout conditions. It didn't work. My hands started to freeze in the transition. i panicked. Managed to change and switched gloves, tried to rewqarm. Decided "I need to make it back alive" Without the compass i don't think I would have made it. Kept wanting to head right. Stupidest thing I ever did. Compass showed me the way home. That compass saved my ass. I checked in at the Ranger Station, told them of my ordeal. They thanked me for not being too much of a dumbass. And by the way, the Marines went back way before me. Much smarter!! I hope I have learned my lesson. My goal, never invoke SAR!!!

PS Expert hiker? what is that???

[93ludegirl]

I like this guy /\ CarlF! got a compass and never wants
to have to call SAR! my kind of guy

[Hikin_Jim]

PS Confession time!! there were two days I decided I wanted to go up the tram, just because i could get the time off. The first time, i believe it was 2 years ago, was the first time they ever closed the tram because of the snow in the parking lot. I had driven 2 hrs from SD and as we walked on to the tram they said, sorry , we have to close. Since all other roads to Mtn High and SG were closed, I had no choice but to drive back. I remember snow in Banning on the 10 on the way back. Later the same year I made it on a whiteout day. The only two other idiots out that day were US Marines. That should have been a warning. They were on snowshoes. I tried to lead the way for them but they were WAY too slow, being on snowshoes in deep powder. (I, of course, on telemark skis) So on I went, got close to the base before the ascent to the saddle between Miller and San J. Got a little chilly. Decided I needed another layer, in whiteout conditions. It didn't work. My hands started to freeze in the transition. i panicked. Managed to change and switched gloves, tried to rewqarm. Decided "I need to make it back alive" Without the compass i don't think I would have made it. Kept wanting to head right. Stupidest thing I ever did. Compass showed me the way home. That compass saved my ass. I checked in at the Ranger Station, told them of my ordeal. They thanked me for not being too much of a dumbass. And by the way, the Marines went back way before me. Much smarter!! I hope I have learned my lesson. My goal, never invoke SAR!!!

Yeah, when the Marines are turning back, it's time to think twice.

PS Expert hiker? what is that???

Please allow me to share the technique I've worked out over the years:
1. Place left foot approximately 2.5 to 3 feet in front of right foot.
2. Place right foot approximately 2.5 to 3 feet in front of left foot.
3. Repeat steps one and two as necessary.

There! Now, we're all expert hikers.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

RMRU has added a lot of information re the skier who was missing: http://www.rmru.org/missions/2011/2011-004.html.

HJ