WIYP

"Be 307 Aware" Boosts Backcountry Communication Across Wyoming

Being able to communicate in the backcountry is a key pillar of safety, especially during an emergency. Thanks to a statewide effort, that is now much easier in Teton County and across Wyoming. Backcountry users equipped with two-way radios are now able to communicate directly with first responders during emergencies by using channel 307 anywhere in the state.

Using your radio, simply program channel 307 into the device. Though Search & Rescue teams do not actively monitor the channel, they will use the channel during incident callouts to try to connect with those who need help. In places without cellular service, communicating via 307 on a radio has the potential to be a critical lifeline.

Known as “Be 307 Aware,” the new program is a collaboration between the Wyoming State Search and Rescue (SAR) Council, the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security and the Wyoming All Hazards Association.

Two of the most common consumer radios are the Motorola TalkAbout and the Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0. Each as their place and benefits, but the BCA radios are designed for more rigorous activity in the backcountry, such as ski touring, mountaineering and snowmobiling.

Backcountry users who don’t own radios are encouraged to download the BackcountrySOS, a free smartphone app developed by TCSAR Foundation that enables anyone having an emergency to provide their status and precise location to Search & Rescue personnel. The app requires no setup or login. Unlike two-way radios, however, BackcountrySOS does not allow back and forth communication with emergency responders, and the app does require a small amount of cell service.

The Wyoming State SAR Council offers the following steps to increase your chances of being rescued:

  • Buy an FRS/GMRS capable radio or 'walkie talkie' and program the 307 channel into the radio. Program to UHF 462.6125 Privacy Code 85.4 or Channel 3 and Privacy code 07 (307).

  • If, or when, you become stranded, if searchers are looking for you they can attempt to contact you on this channel. It is not a 911 type channel.

  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan on coming back. Ask local authorities if a check-in form is available.

  • Pack appropriate gear and supplies. A lot more info on this can be found at BackcountryZero.com.

  • Check the weather and avalanche forecast.

Transition to Winter with Backcountry Zero and TCSAR's Educational Workshops

Skinny Skis Avy Night on Dec. 2

Beacons & Brews on Dec. 7 & 14

What's in Your Pack for Kids and Adults!

Plus, State of the Snowpack Returns!

Please join Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center Foundation and TCSAR for the Skinny Skis 22nd Annual Virtual Avalanche Awareness Night on Thursday, December 2, from 6:30-8:45 p.m.

This year's Avy Night, a rite of winter passage, features keynote Doug Chabot, Director of the Bozeman, Montana-based Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, and includes presentations from the BT Avy Center, TCSAR volunteers, Teton Pass Ambassador Jay Pistono, and WYDOT.

Registration is FREE with a suggested donation to TCSAR (thanks for supporting our volunteers!). A raffle and silent auction benefits the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center and begins on November 20. A full Grand Pass to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is up for grabs, among lots of other cool prizes.

Sign up for what is always a great event for Jackson.

In partnership with Exum Mountain Guides and Arc'teryx, TCSAR Foundation is hosting two events this December that will help backcountry users gain important practice for mountain emergencies. Plus, our friends at Roadhouse Brewing Co. will be handing out free beer to attendees, while Stio is offering cool prizes in celebration of its 10th Anniversary!

Beacons & Brews is FREE and will be held from 4-6 p.m. on December 7 and 14 at Snow King Mountain. No need to register, just come on out for some beacon practice and good times in the spirit of backcountry safety.

Our most popular class is ramped up and ready for kids, adults, and a women's specific workshop. Sponsored by RECCO, What's In Your Pack is approachable and educational, allowing participants to get hands-on experience with TCSAR volunteers and other local experts about essentials backcountry skills.

What's In Your Pack for Kids: December 15. Registration is FREE and comes with a goody bag and pizza dinner.

What's In Your Pack for Adults: December 16. Registration is $20 and includes snacks and a goody bag from our partners.

What's In Your Pack for Women: January 4, 2022. Registration is $20 and includes snacks and a goody bag from our partners.

Thanks to RECCO for being a generous partner in our WIYP classes!

After Covid-19 put a sleeper hold on State of the Snowpack (among lots of other things) last winter, we're really excited to announce that it's coming back for this season. Hosted by Headwall Sports with support from Backcountry Zero, this series features local snow professionals giving up-to-date reports on snowpack conditions in the Jackson Hole area.

We'll announce dates, times, and the speaker lineup on our social media channels once everything is set. But keep it on your radar for December and January.

The Return of State of the Snowpack

After Covid-19 put a sleeper hold on State of the Snowpack (among lots of other things) last winter, we're really excited to announce that it's coming back for this season. Hosted by Headwall Sports with support from Backcountry Zero, this series features local snow professionals giving up-to-date reports on snowpack conditions in the Jackson Hole area.

We'll announce dates, times, and the speaker lineup on our social media channels once everything is set. But keep it on your radar for December and January.