Seattle Mountain Rescue prepares for possible avalanche missions as Cascade snowpack builds

This article was written by Madeline Carter and KING-5 News:

NORTH BEND, Wash. — With heavy snow falling in the Cascades and avalanche danger on the rise, Seattle Mountain Rescue is urging anyone headed into the mountains to have a plan before they go.

Two members of the all-volunteer team demonstrated their training Tuesday, showing off the specialized equipment and techniques they rely on when someone gets buried in the snow. According to team president Doug McCall, avalanche rescues are the most dangerous operations they face, and every second counts.

"This is the deadly season for avalanches," McCall said.

Three people have already died in Washington avalanches this winter, and forecasters are warning of heightened danger later this week. After 15 minutes buried under snow, a person's survival rate drops significantly — which is why McCall says the team has to be ready the moment a call comes in.

Their rescue packs contain ropes, rigging equipment, snowshoes, transceivers, probes, shovels, extra warm clothing, RECCO reflectors, and more.

The team is also using new artificial intelligence-assisted drone technology to locate missing persons in real time.

Seattle Mountain Rescue completed its fifth training of the season Sunday. Video from earlier sessions shows rescuers practicing how to find and carry victims down snowy mountainsides — both in daylight and at night.

"Very quickly we can put a person in here," McCall said, demonstrating the litter used to transport injured or trapped victims off the mountain.

Seattle Mountain Rescue says the danger isn't limited to backcountry terrain. Even popular ski-lift areas can be affected, and the threat extends across any mountains along the Interstate 90 corridor, not just the passes.

The team offered several tips for anyone heading into the mountains this season:

• Wear bright colors like red or orange that contrast with the snow to help rescuers spot you.
• Bring someone with you.
• Turn on your phone's location sharing and let loved ones know where you're going.
• Check the Northwest Avalanche Center forecast at nwac.us before heading out.
• Have a plan — the team says it's the biggest mistake skiers and snowboarders skip.