GPS helps aid in two separate South Lake Tahoe area search and rescue operations

Cell phones equipped with GPS technology helped in two successful search and rescue missions in South Lake Tahoe over the weekend.
On Saturday a fast-moving weather front moved into the Lake Tahoe area, creating blizzard-like conditions. The storm caught visiting San Diego resident Robert Barber by surprise. He had gone for a walk into the woods off Kiowa Street in South Lake Tahoe and at around 2 p.m. as the storm intensified, he became disoriented due to almost zero visibility.

When he could not find his bearing he called 911. Global Positioning System technology was used, along with the 911 system, to narrow down Mr. Barber’s location. Search and Rescue personnel, along with a Search and Rescue canine, located Barber approximately three quarters of a mile from local residences. Mr. Barber was returned to safety, cold, but in good shape.

Later that same day, at about 7:15 PM, another 911 call was made regarding three lost snowmobilers. Three men from the Tahoe area had decided to take a snowmobile trip into the wilderness. They began their trip from the Meyers area. They planned on returning before the approaching storm arrived. Unfortunately, they did not make it out of the back country before the weather turned and it began to snow heavily. With the heavy snow, visibility became very poor, and they could not find their way out.

After numerous failed attempts to find their way home, they used a cellular phone to call the wife of one of the lost men. She then called 911. Search and Rescue Volunteers from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office began searching on foot and with the use of snowmobiles.

The Global Positioning System, along with the 911 system, was again used, to help locate the lost men. At 4:45 AM the three lost men were found and were escorted to safety in good condition.

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team would like to remind all backcountry enthusiasts to prepare and plan for all backcountry travel or recreation. Have a plan and stick to the plan. Make sure someone knows your plan, and have a plan in place should you not return. Check any local weather and prepare for the unexpected. Always travel with a buddy and have basic survival essentials.