TCSAR Releases 2026 Midyear Rescue Report

Jackson, Wyo. — This past winter, Teton County Search & Rescue responded to fewer backcountry emergencies than the previous three winters, but also confronted several challenging rescue scenarios that demonstrated the volunteers’ commitment to training, professionalism and teamwork.

TCSAR volunteers conduct a short-haul training session. Photo by Dirk Collins

These details and more are included in TCSAR’s recently released 2026 Midyear Review & Rescue Report, a 32-page booklet published twice each year documenting the team’s rescues, backcountry safety programming, and community outreach.

From December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, TCSAR received 45 calls for service. Over the same time period last year the team had 62 calls. Snowmobilers made the most rescue calls this winter with 19. Four of these snowmobile accidents tragically ended with fatalities.

Conversely, there were relatively few ski– and snowboard-related rescues. Three calls came from the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort backcountry, zero from the Grand Targhee backcountry, and eight on Teton Pass, which included one fatality. Local rescuers received zero ski-related calls for the entire winter in Grand Teton National Park. The one call that came from the park was for an injured climber on the Middle Teton, a rescue handled by the Jenny Lake Rangers with an assist from the TCSAR’s aviation team.

“These past six months have been a busy and productive time for our team,” Anthony Stevens, TCSAR Chief Advisor and volunteer since 2015, writes in the report’s opening letter. “We have continued to strengthen our operational readiness through training, collaboration, and experience in the field. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting partner agencies, or assisting members of our community during difficult moments, our personnel have consistently demonstrated the values that define this organization: commitment, teamwork, and service above self.”

The report also announces a new logo for Backcountry Zero, the preventative search and rescue programming from the TCSAR Foundation. Backcountry Zero was launched in 2015 to help the local community prioritize backcountry safety and preparedness. The new logo makes it more recognizable as a key initiative of TCSAR. Through accessible and effective education and outreach, the Backcountry Zero program strives to create a positive shift in backcountry culture while reducing SAR-related incidents.

Rescue Reports can be picked up at participating businesses all over Jackson Hole, and downloaded for free at TetonCountySAR.org/rescue-reports.

Media Contact: Matt Hansen, TCSAR Foundation Communications Director: matt@tetoncountysar.org, (970) 846-7766

TCSAR Picks Up Distressed Backpackers from Teton Crest Trail

Just before 1 p.m. on Monday, May 25, Teton County Search & Rescue received an emergency alert for two backpackers in distress on the Teton Crest Trail. Two males, ages 20 and 22, in a group of four from out of state were reportedly vomiting and having difficulty walking through the snow. Their location placed them south of Hurricane Pass in Alaska Basin.

On May 25, Teton County Search & Rescue picked up two backpackers from the Teton Crest Trail after they were unable to continue on their own. Photo: TCSAR

A TCSAR volunteer was able to connect with the group via cell phone. The group said at that time they would try to hike out, but called back about an hour later saying that the two hikers could not continue. 

TCSAR responded with a team in the helicopter, and placed a ground team on standby in the event of inclement weather. The helicopter landed near the hikers and the team loaded them internally for the flight back to SAR HQ in Jackson. The entire mission took 4 hours, 1 minute.

This incident serves as a good reminder that the Tetons are still holding quite a bit of snow above 9,500 feet, which can make traveling on foot difficult and hazardous. Hikers should be prepared to use ice axes and crampons, and be acclimatized for high alpine adventures.

A Conversation about Grief and Loss: Join Us May 20

This winter was heavy, as our local, regional, and global backcountry communities suffered profound loss. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are here to say that you are not alone in trying to navigate and process grief after a particularly troubling winter.

Teton County Search & Rescue is acutely aware of how deeply our community hurts after a backcountry fatality. And while we are not in the business of making that grief disappear, we are here to start the conversation about what community resources, clinical tools, and stories of survival might help.

With support from Teton County Public Health and Teton Interagency Peer Support (TIPS), TCSAR invites you to attend a very special conversation about mental health at the Black Diamond store on Wednesday, May 20.

Panelists include TCSAR Board member Sara Adamson, TCSAR volunteer Brook Yeomans, and TCSAR volunteer Doug Van Houten. Clinician Lynnette Gaertner, LCSW, will serve as moderator.

The panel will share personal perspectives, practical resources, and pathways for support in the wake of tragedy.

All are welcome, whether you are navigating your own experience or showing up for others. Professional, trauma-informed clinicians will be present in the case you need someone to talk to during the event. Please register, as space is limited.