Pair stuck in deep snow rescued in Willow

Two men caught out in deep snow were brought back alive by Search and Rescue operations in Willow on Sunday.

Scott Howe, age 29 of Colorado Springs, used his cell phone to call troopers Sunday afternoon. Howe said that he and a friend, Douglas Thompson, age 70 of Willow, were stuck in deep snow near the 2,500 foot elevation level of Willow Mountain, near Willow.  Howe stated the two men were had been stuck in deep snow for several hours.  Howe also stated neither of the men were prepared to stay overnight in the conditions.

According to Trooper reports, Howe and Thompson went riding for the day and were caught in heavy snowfall as they tried to return to where their vehicle was parked.  After attempting to dig their snowmobiles out for several hours the two men telephoned Alaska State Troopers and requested assistance.  Weather service reports show that six to ten inches of fresh snow fell between 3 pm and 8pm, heavy snowfall and poor visibility in the Willow area with 6″ to 10″ of fresh snow.

State Troopers, Wildlife Troopers, and members of the Willow volunteer SAR team initiated Search and Rescue operations at approximately 4:30 pm.  Howe and Thompson were located by searchers at 7:30, and transported back to their vehicle via snowmobile.  Howe and Thompson were cold and wet, but in good health.