LONE PEAK, Utah (ABC4) — On Saturday night, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue were able to use a helicopter to rescue a hiker during the storm, but they’re also warning the public not to count a helicopter for a rescue in bad weather.
Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) posted to social media, saying that on Saturday night, they responded to a hiker on Lone Peak who was “wet, cold, and desperate to get off the mountain.” Luckily, crews were able to find a safe weather window and get a helicopter to the patient.
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However, SAR also provided a warning to backcountry users: A helicopter won’t always be able to reach you. More than 200 lightning strikes were recorded during Thursday’s storm, and lightning is one of the biggest reasons that a helicopter may not be able to fly.
SAR’s helicopters are provided through partners at Utah Department of Public Safety and other medical aviation providers.
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“We don’t control the aircraft, the pilots, or the weather,” SAR said. “If conditions are unsafe for aviation, the helicopter stays grounded. That means you should never make a backcountry decision assuming a helicopter will come get you.”
SAR advised the public to check the weather before going out, carry gear needed to stay warm and dry, take thunderstorms seriously, and know your location…