Some very great avalanche rescue technologies in Utah!!

[JedInUtah]

Utah is the very first to adopt this technology into standard practice, followed by Washington State. Way to go UTAH!! Hopefully this will help save some lives.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Search-and-rescue officials along the Wasatch Front are hoping beacon-receiver technology will get them to avalanche victims faster.

Last week officials from Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, the University of Utah Health Care's AirMed staff and the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office ran rescue simulations on Hidden Peak at Snowbird using the Barryvox Long Range Receiver.

The receiver hangs down from a helicopter and lets rescuers search snowslides for signals from beacons worn by skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers.

The helicopter files about 70 feet above a slide, moving left to right and forward and backward in search of a signal. Once one is found the helicopter can get even closer in hopes of reducing the time it takes human and dog rescuers to find those caught in avalanches.

http://www.wbrescue.org/long-range-receiver/long-range-receiver

LONG RANGE RECEIVER

Wasatch Backcountry Rescue is committed in implementing the latest technologies to assist us in avalanche rescue. Utah is now home to six helicopter based search antennas, the Barryvox Long Rang Receiver (LRR). This system enables heli-borne rescuers to search for avalanche victims wearing an avalanche beacons from the safety of the air. The system dramatically cuts search time and reduces exposure for rescuers on the terrain at the same time.

The LRR hangs below the sked on the helicopter and is wired into the intercom system where the pilot can then conduct a beacon search with effective range of 200 meters. If a signal is detected the co-pilot then releases a marker down onto the surface of the debris where ground based rescuers can pinpoint the location and begin excavation of the buried victim. On the other hand if there is no transceiver or RECCO signal on the avalanche debris the helicopter can clear the path reducing the number of rescuers placed in harms way. Dog teams can then follow with rescue teams and probe lines to conduct an on going search.

The long range receiver is the first of its kind in the United States and we are very excited to be implementing this new technology. Since it's introduction in Dec. 2006 WBR has now trained more then 30 pilots on the use of the Long Range Receiver in Utah as well as agencies in Washington State. There are now LRR antennas on helicopters from Wasatch Powderbird guides, Air Med, Life Flight and the Sheriffs dept. helicopters in Washington State.

 

[Dartos]

What it looks like from the ground.

 

[Dunatic]

I saw this in action last year, very cool! We are lucky to have some of the top avy experts in the world here in Utah.

 

[ACG]

Its the giant penis. The Powderbird Guys use that up at snowbird heliskiing. I don't think they have actually had to use it but go out and practice quite a bit.

So for you ehlicopter guys...is it an external load or not?

 

[FurryCURT]

Its the giant penis. The Powderbird Guys use that up at snowbird heliskiing. I don't think they have actually had to use it but go out and practice quite a bit.

Thats not Giant !

 

[POWDR]

Its the giant penis. The Powderbird Guys use that up at snowbird heliskiing. I don't think they have actually had to use it but go out and practice quite a bit.

So for you ehlicopter guys...is it an external load or not?

Doesn't look to be jettisonable (I know I have used that word before-why is there that squiggly red line below it)

 

[POWDR]

Thats not Giant ![/QUOTE]

I am never introducing you to my girlfriend

 

[ACG]

It is jettisonable. Same as rapellers, cut the rope.

If it wasn't for the FARs and part 133 rules it wouldn't be a big deal, but seems to be bending the rules just a abit to use it.

 

[Dartos]

It is part 133. The receiver has a quick disconnect break away connector on the tether. If the receiver breaks away for some reason the electrical connection also has a quick disconnect.

 

[Kevco]

All this is great, its a blessing for us who live in the back country. We have got to do out parts though, Id love to see personal knowledge make all the latest gadgets obsolete! Get the word out, even the lurkers on here know about avy danger. Make it a point at the trail heads or where ever to preach avy safety the senseless death has got to stop.

 

[Dartos]

I agree Kevco, education is key to avoid getting caught in an avalanche.

Last year the Utah Avalanche Center had a class that was a combination of classroom and on the mountain training. If I remember right it was $200 and it was some of the best money I ever spent for snowmobiling.