Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4x4 Unit

A few weekends ago, several members of Whatcom County Search and Rescue, along with local law enforcement partners from the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) and Everson Police Department, as well as a member of Skagit Mountain Rescue Unit, Inc., participated in a three-day Search Management Training course.

The course was led by Hugh Dougher, a highly experienced search manager and instructor with more than four decades of SAR experience. A retired National Park Service ranger and longtime SAR volunteer, Hugh has taught courses across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. He has also served as Incident Commander (IC) on multiple Federal Type 1 (all-hazard) incidents and is currently a senior member of Skagit Mountain Rescue.

The first two days focused on classroom instruction covering search theory, subject behavior, and operational planning. On the third day, participants applied these concepts in field-based scenarios.

The day began with clue awareness exercises, followed by a mock grid search using “critical separation,” a technique that maximizes coverage while maintaining a high probability of detection.

In the afternoon, teams conducted a full-scale mock search with support from Whatcom County CERT volunteers acting as missing subjects. Using Sheriff’s Office drones and multiple ground teams, participants worked to establish the subject’s Last Known Point (LKP) and implement effective containment of the search area.

Overall, the training provided a comprehensive and practical learning experience, strengthening our team’s ability to manage a wide range of search and rescue operations. While extended, multi-day missions are relatively uncommon; they do occur—making this type of training especially valuable.

Jack Harding, PIO WCSAR 4x4 Unit

Thanks for the shoutout! Our volunteers work hard and are dedicated to helping our local Whatcom County community!

We continue our series of tributes to those who volunteer with the Sheriff's Office of Division of Emergency Management - the heroes of Search and Rescue! For more information, visit https://www.wcsar.org/ (And watch KGMI News/Talk 790 for an upcoming article on SAR tips for recreational activity.)

On Tuesday, April 7, at 5:49 p.m., the Whatcom County Search and Rescue (WCSAR) 4x4 Unit was dispatched to a report of a vehicle stuck on Glacier Creek Rd. (FS-39). Three WCSAR 4x4 volunteers responded to a report of a newer gray pickup with three occupants near a washout. Dispatch advised that a bystander made the initial 911 call.

The three-person rescue team arrived at the trailhead at 7:50 p.m. and proceeded toward the reported location. At approximately 8:00 p.m., they reached the washout and determined it was passable by their vehicles. No stranded vehicle was found at that location, so the team continued and located the vehicle and occupants approximately 0.75 miles beyond the original report.

The subjects became stuck while attempting to bypass a second washout that was impassable to vehicles. They drove approximately 150–200 feet off-road into a forested area, where the vehicle became high-centered on buried, rotting logs and became stuck.

Rescuers used a combination of vehicle-mounted winches, sn**ch blocks, and a chainsaw to recover the vehicle, clearing debris and pulling it safely back onto the roadway.

The subjects reported becoming stuck at approximately 3:00 p.m. They were well-equipped with food, water, and Starlink internet. After becoming stuck, they contacted Ford roadside assistance, which dispatched a flatbed tow truck; however, the operator was not equipped for the technical recovery required, and WCSAR assumed responsibility. Most tow companies are not equipped for off-road recoveries of this nature, and in similar situations, calling 911 to activate WCSAR is often the most effective option.

It is important to note the subjects had passed a clearly posted “ROAD CLOSED” sign approximately three miles before the washout, contributing to the incident. Road closures are in place for public safety, and it is illegal to bypass them.

There were no injuries. The mission was completed at 9:00 p.m., and both the subjects and rescuers returned safely.

Jack Harding
WCSAR 4x4 Unit PIO

Reminder: We ask the public to refrain from negative or degrading comments toward those we assist.

On Sunday, March 8, at 4:49 p.m., volunteers with the Whatcom County Search and Rescue (WCSAR) 4x4 Unit responded to a report of a vehicle stuck along Hannegan Pass Road (NF-32). Four volunteers deployed in two 4x4 vehicles and reached the reported location at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Upon arrival, responders located two individuals inside their vehicle along with three dogs. All occupants were uninjured and had sufficient food, water, and warm layers to remain safe while awaiting assistance.

The subjects reported that their vehicle became stuck around 1:00 p.m. After attempting to free it on their own without success, they used their iPhone’s satellite messaging feature to contact 911 and request help due to the lack of cellular service in the area.

After confirming that no medical assistance or additional supplies were needed, WCSAR volunteers used vehicle-mounted winches to pull the vehicle onto clear ground free of ice and snow. Once freed, responders assisted the occupants in turning the vehicle around and safely escorted them back to Highway 542.

All personnel and subjects returned to Highway 542 by 8:22 p.m., concluding the mission without injuries.

This incident serves as a reminder that conditions in the PNW backcountry can change rapidly. Even on days when temperatures reach the mid-50s and skies are clear, higher elevations can quickly transition to snow and freezing conditions. Anyone traveling off-road or into remote areas should be prepared with adequate food, water, warm clothing, and a reliable way to call for help when outside cellular coverage.

Jack Harding, WCSAR 4x4 Unit

REMINDER: We will not tolerate negative or degrading comments towards people we assist or rescue.