On Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 1:42 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call regarding a snowmobiler who sustained knee and back injuries when their snowmobile left the trail and struck a tree. The crash location was 11 miles south of West Yellowstone near Black Bear Canyon.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers made contact with the patient who was complaining of significant knee and back pain. The patient was quickly packaged and transported back to West Yellowstone in a specialized Snow Ambulance. After being evaluated by the HBFD ambulance crew, the patient chose not to be transported.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank the group of passing snowmobilers who recognized the need for assistance and remained on scene with the patient until help arrived.