Missing snowboarders last winter???

I don't think I would be able to join the search effort.  However, I put up a topo map of the area in a pdf file.  This map uses UTM coordinates with a 100 meter grid (328 feet).

I personally find that setting my gps to UTM along with a UTM map helps me navagate.  I can put up different variations if needed.

Might consider collecting data points to plot on the map to document areas searched.

Does anybody have any ideas where search?  My guess is that you would look for terrain traps and slope hazzards.  The whole thing looks like a hazzard to me.

Here is the map:  lawrencetrotter.com/RainierPics/CrystalSearch2.pdf

Related news article I found on TGR.
www.koat.com/news/16623683/detail.html

The missing snowboarders probably got into trouble on Saturday (Dec 1st). They were last seen heading down from the Bullion Basin saddle into Union Creek. Attached is a map guessing their route. Its a bit of a swag. I've been up and down the skiers-right side of the hill, but not the skiers-left side and it sounds like that might be the more likely route, based on talking with those of you on TAY who saw them last that day.

Nice map Dave.
I last saw them dropping into Union, their downtracks right between "Likely and more Likely Route"
Since we had been down in Union the day before we set an uptrack right between the green and orange quadrilaterals. They rode over part of the upper skin track.
After seeing them, we skied one run down the upper zone of the "more likely route" until the terrain hit some steep sections that were a little sketchy for the amount of snow (thin base). One of our party disappeared for some time as he traveled deeper downhill, but met up below the rest of us near the skin track. Travel through that area became more complicated, from the slope angle, gullies, rocks and flagged cedars and vine maple. So we traversed back into the "likely route zone" and connected with the skin track we put in the day before back up to bullion peak.
It is curious why they did not make it to the camp since they were very familiar with the terrain. There can be a number of reasons. The terrain looks different with snow and got off track, mechanical difficulty with gear, someone got hurt and decided to stay put, travel was difficult with big packs and trees laying down,
One scenario I assume is that they got to the bottom had some difficulties, by the time (if) they got it together, The storm set in hard and they decided to get out of the hole. Which by my experiences the day before was really difficult. They may gotten caught in the terrain trying to make a break for it and may have gotten caught in the dark in very difficult terrain trying to retreat. Just a guess???

Some planning for Saturday's trip.

We are meeting, 7:00am Upper Lot C at Crystal.
The terrain we are going into is rugged and inherently dangerous so come prepared.
I am bringing the following gear.
1) Full avy gear( Shovel, probe, beacon) and suggest this should be mandatory
2) Boot crampons and ski crampons.
3) Skis, skins and one whippet ski pole.
4) I am bringing a 200ft lightweight climbing rope plus harness, rappel device and my climbing ascenders in case we have to rappel and climb out of a moat, terrain trap or cliff band. I don't think we need more than one or  two sets of this gear.
5) Map and compass ( I don't have GPS)
6) Food, water and spare clothing plus 10 essentials.
7) Radio
8)Cell phone
9)Headlamp with spare batteries.

Bring what you think necessary, I'm just sharing what I am bringing but use your own judgement.
Experienced people only and expect a hard day.

I would appreciate it if all the TAYERs who are coming either reply below that they will be there or PM me. That way I/we can see how big a group it is going to be. I would like that notification by Friday morning latest if possible.

Thanks
Scotty

I'll be there as well, potentially with another friend in tow. I'll have everything in your list except a rope, but I'll bring my harness/belay device and gear for anchors, etc. I don't have a radio. I'll let you know if I get any other folks to join me.

Anyone know how far up toward Bullion the snow has melted?