March 23, 2010 - Tuesday afternoon Examiner.com spoke with Erin Darboven, Public Affairs Specialist for the Utah Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Darboven shared some of the potential hazards people could face when going to Simpson Springs to search for clues into the disappearance of Susan Cox Powell.
She said organizers of the search will need to consider how people will get to the site, where they will park their cars, and other logistical issues.
Darboven shared public information about the Simpson Springs area and potential hazards with Examiner.com.
Public information about Simpson Springs:
Simpson Springs is located about one-and-a-half to two hours from Salt Lake City, the elevation is 5,100 feet. It is about 50 miles from I-80, and about 30 of those miles are on dirt roads.
Simpson Springs is 50 miles from the nearest hospital and services and cell phone coverage is spotty along the Pony Express Trail west of Hwy 36. Organizers of the search will need to prepare for these challenges.
People traveling to Simpson Springs should come prepared with spare tires, car jack, extra fuel, tool kit, shovel, tow chain, blankets or sleeping bags, tent, warm clothes, food, and extra water. Basic first aid and survival kits are recommended, all information that searchers will receive from search organizers.
Jake Wach, who plans to join the search on April 10, and who has experience in exploring the West Desert, recommends people coming from the Salt Lake City area on I-15 should get gas at the Conoco station in Cedar Fort on their way to Simpson Springs.
People are urged to be prepared to navigate on their own with maps, compass, and/or GPS.
In good weather the graded and graveled road from Hwy 36 west to Callao is passable by 2-wheel drive low clearance vehicles. During inclement weather 4-wheel drive is highly recommended. Flat tires are a frequent occurrence so be sure to bring extra spares.
Off-road vehicles are limited to existing roads and trails. Avoid driving in muddy and wet areas. Parking is very limited. Park only in existing lots or on established roads. Avoid parking on vegetation or wet soil.
Spring weather can change rapidly. In good weather expect daytime highs in the 50-60s and nighttime lows in the 30-40s. High winds, freezing rain, and snow are still possible. Come prepared for severe conditions.
Portable toilets must be provided for groups over 100 people, one for every 50 people.
Fresh water is available but is not rated potable. It is safe for animals but not considered safe for humans. People should bring enough drinking water.
There is no trash pickup so people must carry out all trash and dispose of it properly where services are available. No burning of trash in fire pits is allowed.
Potential hazards in Simpson Springs:
Mines - it is recommended no on enter abandoned mines. These structures can be dangerously unstable and could contain poisonous air. Trained and properly equipped professionals are the only ones who should enter these mines.
UXO - Unexploded ordinance (UXO) have been found in the area. Any finding of strange-looking, metal objects should be reported immediately. It is recommended if one is found do not touch it, get clear of the area, and mark the site if possible.
Military property - Just west of Simpson Springs is the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground which is fenced off and restricted. The public is forbidden to go beyond the fence line, and military security will respond to anyone entering the base without permission.
Wildlife - Spring is a time for new growth and new life. It is important to be sensitive to new growth. Animals are giving birth during this time and can become aggressive.
Sheep dogs - Several large herds of sheep are located west of Simpson Springs and will come through in winter and spring. Move away from any herd as sheep dogs are very large and aggressive and may attack strangers.
The good news is Darboven said that in the ten years she's worked with the BLM she knows of no one who has gotten hurt from unexploded ordinances or mines.
If people know what they are getting into, plan ahead, are briefed before searching, and understand what to do should they find potential evidence, a ground search effort can be successful.
Organizers have shared with Examiner.com they have every intention of working with officials and in performing the April 10 search in a professional manner.
Examiner.com will provide more information about the search. If you'd like to receive email updates of my articles, please click on "Subscribe" above.
Susan Cox Powell, 28, went missing from her West Valley City home Dec. 6. Her husband, Josh Powell, is the last known person to see her when she went to bed at midnight. He told police and media that just after Susan went to bed he took their two young sons, then ages 2 and 4, on an overnight camping trip.
It was snowing that night and temperatures were subfreezing. He claims he forgot what day it was and that he went camping because he and his boys liked to do S'Mores. He said when he returned the following day his wife had disappeared and he didn't know where she was.
His story has been largely criticized and disbelieved.
Josh Powell is the only person of interest in what police call a missing person's case with suspicious criminal overtones.
Your comments are welcome below. Please keep the conversation productive. Thank you.
Related:
As search efforts continue for Susan Cox Powell we learn Josh discusses how to dispose of a body
Comments
Everyone solicit Tim Peterson for a clothing item even it means giving him sex and lending out your wife to please Tim Peterson at the Mormon Church on Sunday. Take the clothing item to Simpson Springs, accidently find it and KAPOW Timmy boy you are BUSTED.
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