Search and rescue teams prepare for influx of calls with fresh snow in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky
CBC
As winter weather ramps up in the Sea-to-Sky region, search and rescue teams are preparing for an influx of calls for help.
The region, world famous for winter recreation, is as beautiful as it is dangerous, and it's common for people to get in over their head.
North Shore Rescue, for example, spent ten hours on Christmas morning searching for a missing hiker who got lost north of St. Mark’s Summit.
The volunteers located the person and managed to hike them to safety.
Team leader Scott Merriman said the rescue was one of three calls for help the team received in 33 hours.
“Now that winter's here, I certainly anticipate that it will get a bit busier,” Merriman said.
Also on Dec. 24, two 16-year-olds got lost when skiing out of bounds on Cypress Mountain and called for help, although they managed to find their way out safely on their own.
The next day, North Shore Rescue was notified about a group of people camping on Pump Peak, concerned about snow and avalanche risk. Volunteers communicated with them, and they were able to safely hike out.
“The biggest thing is it's avalanche country out there in a lot of locations,” Merriman said.
He’s advising people to be smart with route options.
“Even though you're on a well-established trail and many other people have gone there, it doesn't mean that you should go there,” Merriman said.
Avalanche risk should be top of mind, and people should learn how to self rescue and carry the proper equipment.
“If you are caught in an avalanche, your best chance of survival is the people that you're with,” he said.
Over the last week, more than a metre of snow has fallen at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort.
As winter weather ramps up in the Sea-to-Sky region, search and rescue teams are preparing for an influx of calls for help.
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