On January 17, 2025, at 9:13 am, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a report of an injured snowmobiler who had struck a tree. The patient was located 4.5 miles west of West Yellowstone, MT on the Two Top forest service trail.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, US Forrest Service Law Enforcement, Yellowstone National Park Law Enforcement, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the request for aid. It was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be via use of snowmobiles and a specialized snowmobile towed ambulance. The patient was transported from the scene of the accident by the snowmobile towed ambulance to a waiting HBFD ambulance for further evaluation. The injured snowmobiler was later transported to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center for a higher level of care.
Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the group of snowmobilers on scene who provided accurate and reliable information allowing responders to dispatch proper resources. This led to a quick and efficient response for the patient, and everyone involved. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind snowmobilers to be cognizant of changing trail conditions and to always ride within your abilities.
