Routt County Search and Rescue

06/24/2026

TRAINING TUESDAY

We recently took advantage of the spring run-off to practice creek crossings using a tyrolean high line. This technical rope system can be used to safely cross a section of dangerous terrain, such as a swiftwater or a chasm. During the diurnal melt cycle watercourses often peak later in the day, which can cause issues if you were able to cross earlier, but now are blocked by high water. In this instance, a tyrolean traverse can be used to safely cross above the current.

06/19/2026

The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice on Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests land:

🔹 Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:
• A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
• A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
• A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.

🔹 Using an explosive.
• This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.

🔹 Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

🔹 Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.

Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in USDA approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.

Routt National Forest enters Stage 1 fire restrictions https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/mbrtb/newsroom/releases/routt-national-forest-enters-stage-1-fire-restrictions
Grand County Sheriff's Office - Colorado Routt County Sheriff's Office Jackson County Sheriff's Office - Colorado Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office

06/12/2026

Is the Zirkel Circle open? Is the Divide Ride good to go?

To be fair, they never really close. It all depends on how prepared you are, the conditions, your mode of travel, and your risk tolerance.

We want folks to have fun and be safe so we are sharing some recent satellite imagery via CalTopo for you all to peruse if you are curious about conditions at higher elevations along the Continental Divide.

Blue = snow cover. Not shown are the 1,000s of downed trees and raging creeks.

Remember, SAR is always free, but please make reasonable decisions so we dont have to see what this satellite imagery looks like in person.

06/09/2026

There have been many recent reports of wildlife on local trails, such as Emerald and the ski area. Here are some ways you can reduce wildlife conflicts:

-make noise
-recreate with a group
-avoid dawn or dusk
-stay alert to your surroundings
-be food/odor aware
-leash pets

But most importantly, know how to deescalate if you do encounter a wild animal.

Be very aware and very careful on any mountain trails right now, for new baby wildlife. Be alert and aware. These three are in the Steamboat Springs area.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife writes, "Moose calves are born in the later spring months, usually from mid-May through early June. Female moose (cows) are very protective of their young, and are more likely to be aggressive to people and, especially, dogs in their territory well into the summer. Cows can be dangerous if approached or caught off guard, so keep dogs on leash and avoid forage areas like thick willows when recreating."

LINK to CPW Website on Moose: https://cpw.state.co.us/living-moose #4257225834-852888270

Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Steamboat Springs
City of Steamboat Springs Parks & Recreation
City of Steamboat Springs - Government
Howelsen Hill

Courtesy photo.

06/03/2026

TRAINING TUESDAY

This spring, we worked with the on an avalanche rescue scenario on Buffalo Pass. With several 'victims' both above and below the snow, it made for a challenging scene but quickly found the buried skier. This training was meant to simulate a real accident, in order to assess tactics, communications and logistics between the dogs, handlers and SAR teams.

As more of these talented SARD handlers and K9s become Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment certified they will be available to respond to local avalanche accidents, so training like this is crucial for the dogs and rescuers to build camaraderie and confidence so that they can perform at the best of their abilities when the time comes to save a life on a real call.

Steamboat Resort

06/02/2026

Family Fun Day is at Howelsen Hill this Saturday June 6th from 11:00a - 2:00p

The RCSAR team hopes to see you there!

Here’s a list of some of the events happening in the Yampa Valley, in both Routt and Moffat County, and a few in Rio Blanco County. They’re listed in the order in which they happen. ONGOING events

05/29/2026

Join your RCSAR team next Saturday, June 6th for a picnic gathering and help us celebrate YOU, our wonderful community!

Fun for all - adults and kids alike, especially if you like hot dogs....

05/25/2026

Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. 🇺🇸

05/18/2026

On a beautiful spring day in March, snowboarders from all over came together to take on the legendary banked slalom to celebrate the life of Alex Pashley, who tragically passed away in an avalanche last year in Canada.

To honor his legacy and recognize the impact Pash had on the outdoor community, proceeds from the event went to both Teton County Search and Rescue and RCSAR. We appreciate all the riders and sponsors for supporting search and rescue, and for sharing the positive spirit that Pash was known for.