On February 26, 2026, at 3:47pm, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a report from an individual that their family member was out riding his snowmobile solo, when they became stuck in the snow and needed assistance. Contact was made with the stuck snowmobiler via a phone call which allowed GCSSAR to acquire precise coordinates of the snowmobiler’s location. The stuck snowmobiler was located near the Yellowstone Park Boundary, 11 miles south of West Yellowstone, MT.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, Forest Service Law Enforcement and Gallatin County Sheriff’s 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. Members from GCSSAR were able to locate the individual and assist with getting their snowmobile unstuck. GCSSAR then assisted the snowmobiler back to the main trail system. The snowmobiler reported no injuries.
Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to encourage snowmobilers adventuring into the backcountry to recreate with others if possible. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind backcountry enthusiasts to always have a means of satellite communication and basic survival equipment should an emergency occur.
Source: GCSO
Photo: Pixabay
