How Would You Survive This Storm?

[Bird Watcher]

Until someone has a traumatic injury, this isn't a critical situation. This is just a duck hunting trip at this point. We used to float 10 miles a day shooting ducks off the creek every time it was like this. Float to the truck, go home.

[jdmidwest]

Until someone has a traumatic injury, this isn't a critical situation. This is just a duck hunting trip at this point. We used to float 10 miles a day shooting ducks off the creek every time it was like this. Float to the truck, go home.

Kinda what I was basing my theory on, but we duck hunters are a different breed. I can sit on a chunk of ice kicking cubes around to keep the water from getting stiff in a wind and be reasonably comfortable doing it, without a shelter.

[hank franklin]

Good input.

My first thought was go for a bluff shelter or maybe the cave (Cave Spring) assuming they know it's there, but as Al said the wetness of the cave environment might introduce a new problem.

Staying put is fine but you have to survive close to 48 hours at 0 or sub-zero temps. If your gear is good enough you should be OK but it would be a rough go. A windbreak for the fire would be key. As long as you can keep the fire going you should be OK.

If it was me I would just walk out, probably upstream to Akers. But would the Maggards even be at Akers today? The risk you take in walking is you HAVE to make it, because if you don't and you have to weather the -15F night without gear, good luck. Same with Pulltite. No one would be there and I don't think a 4WD is going to make that hill today. Yes you could live in your truck awhile but you still gotta get out. Yes you could also break into buildings if you had no other option.

Canoeing might be the best option. If they have proper gear they will have at least one and maybe two changes of clothes in dry bags. So in worst case if you dump you can still (kind of) dry out. But it would be difficult and you are likely risking hypothermia. If you can make it the best option may be to push for Round Spring. However it's a long way.

Canoeing in heavy wind can be hazardous. Especially if you're trying to move quickly. We were on the 11 Point once in March fighting extreme winds and it was really putting us on edge.

I think the least risk is to simply hunker down and wait it out. Build a shelter for the fire and do everything you can to keep it going. Stay as dry as possible. Rely on your tent and sleeping bags to get through the -15 overnights.

I feel it's rare in Missouri when we have weather so extreme it can be life-threatening, even to someone reasonably prepared. This storm is one of those times.

[Feathers and Fins]

Hank something that was drilled in to me and I will live and die by is this.

1st always tell someone of your trip plans and when you will be out if you don't check in by ( x ) time notify authorities of my trip plans so they can find me.

2nd is when you get in trouble STAY PUT! If you do number 1 then number 2 will insure you can be found. Granted they might not be able to get to you right away but at least they know and when they can get there they will. Surviving the elements if prepared as they are in this situation wont be the most pleasant but is very doable.

[hank franklin]

2nd is when you get in trouble STAY PUT!

I think you're right. I also think it would be a hard decision to make.

It would be very tempting just to get the heck out. If you don't make it however you're dead. Better make it.

[strangercreek]

Hank something that was drilled in to me and I will live and die by is this.

1st always tell someone of your trip plans and when you will be out if you don't check in by ( x ) time notify authorities of my trip plans so they can find me.

2nd is when you get in trouble STAY PUT! If you do number 1 then number 2 will insure you can be found. Granted they might not be able to get to you right away but at least they know and when they can get there they will. Surviving the elements if prepared as they are in this situation wont be the most pleasant but is very doable.

Both good ideas IMO. I also like the idea of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (these things can save lives). I think some of them even have the ability to send "I'm OK" messages.

[jdmidwest]

I don't know about the Current River, but our storm came in with alot of rain that was not in the forecast, turned to sleet briefly, then snow. Those clowns would have to deal with wet fire wood, rising river, and everything wet.

If they were as ill prepared, the coyotes have to eat too. Maybe the mountain lions would have had a free warm meal if they got there in time.

[Al Agnew]

Breaking into the buildings at Akers would definitely be an option. Doubt if the electricity is turned off even if the Maggards aren't there. You'd be far better off there than on the river, especially since it would likely be several days until somebody could get to you. Assuming you survive tomorrow's extreme cold, you can't depend upon you or your equipment being in good enough condition the next couple of days with highs in the low 30s at best, and then there's more snow forecast. I know that staying put is often the best plan, but in some cases helping yourself by getting out is a better one. That is, of course, assuming they know what they're doing to begin with. Walking one or two miles upriver to Akers is easily doable, and it's actually fairly likely that they could do it while carrying fire-starting materials, the tent, and extra clothing still waterproofed. I know I could, because my dry bags have carrying straps. I'd carry what I could, and plan on taking about three hours or so to get to Akers. From there, I'd have to make the decision to hike several miles up the road to the nearest residence that I was sure would have people, or break into the buildings at Akers. That would, in large part, depend upon when I got to Akers.

Now if they were halfway between Akers and Pulltite, walking out might not be a good option. Might be better to float on down to Pulltite. The truck would be cold, but not exposed to the wind at least, and judicious use of the heater could help them weather the cold. Of course, that depends on the river conditions, as JD pointed out.

There are risks with any decision, but in my opinion staying put is the most risky option in this particular case.

[Gavin]

In the scenario you describe...Paddle out...its not that far. Plus there are several buildings at Pulltite...Possible Shelter even if you cant drive up the hill.

[Buzz]

With only 2 miles to float to the truck, I would go for it. That being said, how obvious is the take out at Pulltite, I've never been there? The ONLY downside to paddling out is the possibility of missing the take out. That could be a very dangerous situation. I have an app on my smart phone that helps with that situation. It's called "Find My Car" It works off of GPS so it should work fine if no signal is available. You just need to log it into the app when the vehicle is parked. Obviously you would need to conserve the battery life of the phone. I usually put my phone in airplane mode or shut it off when I have no reception.

I don't think I would chance staying put on a river that no one is likely to float down.