‘Stay safe’: Message from Columbia Valley Search and Rescue after busy start to March

The organization, which services the Invermere area, has been called out to an avalanche that killed three people, an ice climber who fell 30 feet and two snowmobile rescues.

It’s been a busy March for a search and rescue organization in B.C.’s Kootenay region.

On its Facebook page, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) posted three incidents, with one callout being for an ice climber who died after falling 30 feet last week.

The climber fell near the Gibraltar ice climbs on Kootenay Forest Service Road on March 9, with search and rescue saying it began rescue efforts but was stood down prior to arriving on scene.

“Columbia Valley RCMP explained that the ice climber died after falling approximately 30 feet,” said CVSAR, a nonprofit organization which services the Invermere area. “The climber’s friend and a worksite ambulance conducted life-saving measures until emergency health services could arrive.

“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the deceased and those involved in the incident. This has been a difficult month for the local outdoor community. Stay safe this spring.”

CVSAR also issued two posts on a pair of snowmobile rescues, with both happening last weekend, March 10-11.

“Both incidents occurred in the Forster area on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, respectively,” said search and rescue.

“CVSAR members responded, stabilized and transported the subjects to Invermere airport where they were handed over to B.C. Emergency Health Services.”