Unidentified Speaker 1 (role not specified) told colleagues the county’s standard response would begin with 911 dispatch and on-scene commanders deciding whether to escalate to county staff and outside partners.

"The first calls would be to 911," Speaker 1 said, describing how dispatch alerts law enforcement, EMS or fire and how an on-scene size-up determines whether county staff must intervene.

Speaker 2 (role not specified) raised a central concern: many Alpine-area locations such as Landmark and parts of Warm Lake lack cell service. Speaker 1 said backcountry rescues are often initiated by others who find an incident, and that satellite options such as Starlink and satellite texting can help where there is a clear sky view; "I just used it the other day, and it worked," Speaker 2 said.

Much of the discussion focused on practical steps the county can take before an incident. Speaker 1 proposed straightforward traffic controls and warnings — for example, signs reading "Chains and 4-wheel drive only" or "No stopping — drive through" on the section from Landmark to Johnson Creek — and suggested temporary gate closures on known high-avalanche days, noting the county could follow examples used on other mountain roads.

"We could close the road if we know it's a bad avalanche day and just close the road, like they do on the Stanley," Speaker 1 said.

Officials also discussed operational issues if a road is closed for an extended period: surge staffing and mutual aid (Cascade responders, with Dolley covering other duties), rigs equipped for winter travel, and past instances in which supplies such as food, battery packs and generator fuel were flown into isolated Alpine residents.

Logistics for regular services drew questions as well. Speaker 2 asked whether garbage and propane trucks could safely access steep grades; Speaker 1 said large trucks may not and that the county has discussed using smaller rigs or temporary storage until access can be restored.

On funding and coordination, Speaker 1 said they had spoken with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management and the area field officer (Dave Beers) and was told there are no state or FEMA funding mechanisms applicable to this situation. "There's nothing the state or FEMA can do for us when it comes to any funding mechanisms," Speaker 1 said, and urged commissioners to press the U.S. Forest Service to prioritize reopening main road sections that affect county access.

Speaker 3 reported Johnson Creek was open to Yellow Pine this year, which eases access in the short term, but Speaker 1 stressed long-term openings depend on Forest Service actions.

Speaker 2 said the road department has the authority to implement signage and that fabrication can take about a month; they said they planned to proceed with ordering traffic signs and working through placement.

No formal motions or votes were recorded during the conversation. Officials said they would move forward with signage and coordination with dispatch, county crews and state partners as needed and encouraged continued outreach to the Forest Service to seek longer-term access solutions.

The meeting then returned to other business without taking formal action on the items discussed.