Lost snowboarders rescued

Search-and-rescue teams successfully located two lost snowboarders near Marias Pass at about 4 a.m. Thursday.

Derek Church, 21, and Blu Hines, 30, were found in the Mule Creek area after a friend reported they had not returned at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Flathead County Search and Rescue Coordinator Brian Heino led search efforts conducted by members of North Valley Search and Rescue and the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol.

The men were not injured and appeared well-prepared for the elements, which included deep snow and rain.

Church and Hines, who had been shuttled to the higher elevations of the Skyland Creek drainage by a snowmobile, apparently dropped down the wrong ridge, became disoriented and decided to spend the night, Heino said.

“They were prepared and had the right clothes on,” Heino said. “When they figured out they were lost, they decided to wait until the next morning and start a small fire.”

After the initial report that the men were overdue, about 15 searchers responded and scoured the area with the help of snowmobiles beginning at about midnight.

Members of the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol made voice contact with the men between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., Heino said, and they were on their way home about an hour later.

Heino said it was a positive outcome and that the incident should act as a reminder for people to be prepared while recreating in the outdoors.

“Dress for the weather and be knowledgeable of your surroundings,” Heino said.

Reporter Eric Schwartz may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at eschwartz@dailyinterlake.com.