Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

There are many slot canyons around the world. In Utah and Arizona are some spectacular ones. It seems that not many seasons go by without some incident happening. I thank God that no one lost life in this last time.

Some of my camera club buddies have been and are current in this are. Great caution should be paid as we are in the outdoors. Mother nature can be very unforgiving.

I wish all my brothers and sisters a great shooting season.



http://www.ksl.com/?sid=24881734&nid=148&title=manti-boy-scouts-leaders-airlifted-after-being-stranded-in-slot-canyon&fm=home_page&s_cid=featured-1

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

One should always approach these expeditions with a keen knowledge of the anticipated weather conditions for the entire trip. In addition, if the question ever comes up, "Do you think we should turn back"? The answer is always...YES.

Frank47 Loc: West coast Florida

Your words " Mother Nature can be very unforgiving" could not be more true. I have never been in a slot canyon, but I have been very "deep" in some wilderness situations meant only for experienced hikers. I can tell you that you can die out there. Be safe, enjoy the nature given us by God, and I wish you happy shooting!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

One, in mountain biking we have an old adage.
"when you wake up in the emergency room, what is the last thing you remember?.......you can do it, you can do it"!!

At least TRY to use some common sense.
Be safe

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Who paid for the rescue?

Frank47 Loc: West coast Florida

If your question was directed at me, there was no rescue needed. I was simply referencing wilderness conditions that require experience and caution.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

News reports do not indicate that you might do follow up of this. I would suspect that like so many search and rescue operation are paid for ultimately by public. I am not a flaming liberal or radical right and can not with good conscience put a price tag on life or limb. I hope that my money is wisely spent!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Please don't misunderstand my concerns. I am glad everyone is well. But too often, I see people put themselves in harms way with no thought to how they will be rescued in an emergency. I am glad to see our tax dollars at work when there is an unavoidable need for intervention. In this case, however, a volunteer search-and-rescue team (on several of which I served) sounds like a solution. If any of this party was sick or injured, time was of the essence. If none were sick or injured and could, with proper supplies/equipment, have turned back, been guided back or otherwise have been extricated, I wonder if the use of the helicopter was necessary. ALL of the S&R teams with which I have served have been entirely staffed by volunteers. I, like you, do not put a price tag on life or limb, but I must wonder if there was an over-reaction on the part of the rescue coordinators. No, I am not heartless or uncaring, just practical.

rfbccb Loc: Central Mississippi

I don't think you can put a price on life or limb either. However I feel if a person undertakes a hazardous task knowing all the risk and does need rescue services they should pay the entire cost of the the rescue operation.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

The rule in AZ is carry a gallon of H2O per day per person. If you are in a canyon, especially a slot canyon, watch the weather reports. A storm miles away and water may be the death of you.

PS- Learn how to make a solar still and take with you the few necessities to make one. It can mean life or death.

jmarazzi Loc: Moving around to stay out of the HEAT

Have you heard of AZ's "Stupid Motorist Law"?


Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law"
"28-910. Liability for emergency responses in flood areas; definitions"

A. A driver of a vehicle who drives the vehicle on a public street or highway that is temporarily covered by a rise in water level, including groundwater or overflow of water, and that is barricaded because of flooding is liable for the expenses of any emergency response that is required to remove from the public street or highway the driver or any passenger in the vehicle that becomes inoperable on the public street or highway or the vehicle that becomes inoperable on the public street or highway, or both.

B. A person convicted of violating section 28-693 for driving a vehicle into any area that is temporarily covered by a rise in water level, including groundwater or overflow of water, may be liable for expenses of any emergency response that is required to remove from the area the driver or any passenger in the vehicle that becomes inoperable in the area or the vehicle that becomes inoperable in the area, or both.

C. The expenses of an emergency response are a charge against the person liable for those expenses pursuant to subsection A or B of this section. The charge constitutes a debt of that person and may be collected proportionately by the public agencies, for-profit entities or not-for-profit entities that incurred the expenses. The person's liability for the expenses of an emergency response shall not exceed two thousand dollars for a single incident. The liability imposed under this section is in addition to and not in limitation of any other liability that may be imposed.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

That law has been in force for many years now and it has worked.
And all those roads with that hazard are clearly marked and they were clearly marked before the law was passed.. Now a "stupid hiker" law is being considered in Phoenix.

cdavid

You, rmalarz have posted the best answer yet. A person NEEDS to check on the weather conditions whenever they are going to venture into any canyon area, and not just the area they are going into. If you get stuck in an death-chute and the water comes blasting in out of the higher mountains you are done. Sure, the Arroyos and crevasses are neat to wander around in, do the homework, because the outcome is not good if you do not...think on this. 8-)