Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4x4 Unit

On Monday, April 27, the Whatcom County Search and Rescue (WCSAR) 4x4 Unit was dispatched at 12:18 p.m. to assist with a stuck vehicle off Baker Lake Road on NF-13. A Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) deputy stationed near Baker Lake made initial contact with the subjects and determined that assistance from the WCSAR 4x4 Unit was needed for the vehicle recovery.

Three WCSAR 4x4 volunteers responded, leaving work and school, and arrived at the forest service road at approximately 2:40 p.m. They traveled about 8.5 miles up NF-13, where they met the deputy waiting at the snow line. After receiving a briefing on the situation, the team continued into the snow to reach the subjects.

The vehicle was located about 0.5 miles past the snow line. It had slid off the hardpacked snow in the roadway into softer snow along the edge, becoming stuck.

WCSAR volunteers reached the subjects at 3:10 p.m. and began assessing the situation and developing a plan. Using vehicle-mounted winches and sn**ch blocks, rescuers successfully pulled the vehicle back onto the hardpacked snow. They then assisted the subjects in turning the vehicle around and beginning the descent back below the snow line.

During the return, the vehicle became stuck two additional times. After the second occurrence, rescuers attached a tow rope to provide continuous support and ensure safe travel back to the gravel road.

By 4:16 p.m., both rescuers and subjects had made it below the snow line and continued down NF-13 to Baker Lake Road. The mission was completed at 5:03 p.m., with all parties returning home safely and no injuries reported.

Jack Harding, PIO
WCSAR 4x4 Unit

REMINDER: We will not tolerate negative or degrading comments towards people we assist or rescue.

On Saturday, March 28th, the Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4x4 Unit participated in a large-scale, multi-unit, multi-agency flash flood training exercise held at Everson Riverside Park.

During this exercise, the WCSAR 4x4 Unit worked alongside Summit to Sound Search & Rescue , U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR), and the Whatcom Emergency Communications Group (WECG). The collaborative effort provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen coordination and communication across agencies.

The training scenario simulated a flash flood event along the Nooksack River impacting the City of Everson, in which eight individuals were swept away. After establishing command and assembling volunteer responders, five ground teams were deployed from Everson Riverside Park to search for the missing subjects. In addition, two boat teams launched from the Lynden Boat Launch at Guide Meridian to assist with evacuations, as the scenario assumed no vehicle access due to flood conditions.

All participating teams performed exceptionally well, and the exercise provided meaningful, hands-on training for our volunteer responders. We identified several opportunities for growth and are actively working to enhance our readiness and capabilities to better serve our community during real emergencies.

This was strictly a TRAINING EXERSICE—NO individuals were in actual danger, and NO injuries occurred.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Whatcom County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers, who played a critical role by acting as injured subjects during the training.

Jack Harding, PIO

On Friday, February 20th at 3:32 p.m., the Whatcom County Search and Rescue 4x4 Unit was dispatched by the Sheriff’s Office after receiving a report of a Toyota Tacoma stuck in the snow on the road to the Baker Lake Hot Springs.

The vehicle was located approximately 7.8 miles up Forest Service Road 1130. The driver had limited cell service but was able to contact 911 to request assistance.

Four volunteer SAR responders arrived on scene at approximately 6:45 p.m. Using vehicle-mounted winches, responders freed the truck from deep snow and pulled it back onto the compacted roadway. Due to the narrow road conditions, rescuers assisted the driver in carefully reversing approximately 1/8 mile to a safe location where the vehicle could turn around.

The mission was completed by 8:15 p.m., with all SAR personnel and the driver safely out of the field and headed home.

A reminder to backcountry travelers: If you have limited cell service, texting 911 uses less bandwidth and can often go through when a voice call cannot. Be sure to provide your accurate location and any details that may assist responders.

Winter road conditions can change quickly. Before heading out, carry extra food, water, warm layers, and essential gear in your vehicle in case you need to wait for help.

Jack Harding, WCSAR 4x4 Unit

Reminder: We will not tolerate negative or degrading comments towards people we assist or rescue.