This is a truly sad and tragic story. This story is even worse for me as I know most of the rescuers involved. The area is almost complete wasteland consisting of a high desert plateau with acres and acres of lava rock. The road leads to a small reservoir and a few homes. Everywhere you look you have reminders of the proceeding years of "man vs. nature" and nature has usually won. The winter maintenance on this road is almost non-existent and usually done by the local residents. Plow the road open and the wind drifts it closed again almost right behind you. Conveyance in the winter is best by a high centered four wheel drive, four wheeler, snowmobile, horseback or farm tractor. The area also straddles three counties with Blaine and Lincoln being the only ones to get into the area in the winter months. Both teams have equal response time. Radio coverage is fair and even though in the distance(25 miles?)you can see a cellular tower, coverage is usually not available. The wind is an almost constant from a slight breeze to gusts near 60 m.p.h., though the wind usually averages 5-15 m.p.h. Then there is the fact there are very few, if any, trees. IIRC the rest area mentioned in other sources is a pit toilet which is lacking heat. Temperatures were as I understand it from -8F at night to +12 in the daytime. The elevation is about 4900'.

Obviously from what I have heard no one involved was prepared (warm clothing, getting help etc.) sheltering in place would mean preparations of the kind we speak of on this forum. IMHO it was foolhardy and stupid to allow the kids to attempt to walk to their mothers. As I write this, I understand the Uncle was also arrested and likewise charged.

This story is a poignant reminder that preparations are one thing, but surviving because you have the knowledge is another.

I am going to see if I can help my friends who need it. Thanks for letting me vent.

Take care,

Stargazer