Stranded snowmobilers located safe in Boulder Mountain area near Revelstoke
By Nelson Daily Staff
RCMP said a woman and two friends were rescued early Monday (February 15) morning after getting stranded and off course in the Boulder Mountain area near Revelstoke.
Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said in a media release the search was started by the woman’s boyfriend reported the party overdue from a snowmobile outing near Revelstoke.
“The search and rescue effort was quite intensive given the terrain encountered by the (Search and Rescue) SAR technicians, once again highlighting the skill level and dedication, of the area SAR volunteers,” Cpl Moskaluk said in the release.
“The group was in good shape as they were properly equipped with the required emergency backcountry gear and food. They had made a shelter and kept warm with a fire.”
Moskaluk said the call came in Sunday at approximately 9 p.m. to Revelstoke RCMP of a Kelowna woman being overdue from a day of snowmobiling in the Boulder Mountain area.
Moskaluk said the woman was expected back to Kelowna that evening and when she failed to return on time the man called the RCMP.
RCMP located the woman’s vehicle parked in the Smokey Bear area parking before immediately activated the Revelstoke Search and Rescue Team that evening.
SAR mustered in the area with 18 technicians, of which 13 remained on the mountain that night to commence searching and in preparation for the search to resume the following day.
Moskaluk said the Search effort resumed early Monday morning and included one helicopter that was able to fly into the area.
“At around 9 a.m. the three snowmobilers were spotted and with a radio being lowered down to them communicated that they were in good condition,” Moskaluk said.
“The woman and her friends had gotten off course and had become stranded in a terrain area where the trio would not have been able to get out of without assistance from Search and Rescue.”
Moskaluk said the three were safely air lifted out and brought to an awaiting ambulance to be checked out.
“Area familiarity and knowledge are key factors to staying safe while enjoying the backcountry and it is one thing that you have to keep an eye during your excursions and take into account in your trip planning,” he said.
For backcountry safety information and training please visit http://www.avalanche.ca/more
