Three snowmobilers were rescued Sunday, afternoon, Feb. 23, after being caught up in an avalanche in central B.C.
Wells Gray Search and Rescue (WGSAR) was deployed to the Blue River area to assist.
Emergency responders said three snowmobilers who were in the Salmon Lake area were “exceptionally lucky to be alive.” WGSAR stated at least one of the snowmobilers was partially buried to the shoulder level.
The three individuals were safely extracted out of the back country and turned over to the care of BC Emergency Health Services.
"One snowmobiler and two sleds in a party of three were caught in an avalanche in the Smoke Creek drainage. The snowmobiler was wet, cold and suffering from shock. Only one sled remained to get the party out of complex terrain which required excellent sledding skills. The only reasonable access to the site was by helicopter. Unfortunately, due to the late afternoon hour, the local chopper was not able to make the flight and return before dark," reported WGSAR manager on duty, Les Sakals.
"Mike Wiegele supplied a chopper and two guides (one was a Level 3 Avy Tech) who had just enough time to make it to the site and return to base before skid down time.," he said. "The chopper was able to land on a lake away from any avalanche terrain. They loaded the party of three and returned to the Mike Wiegele resort safely. One guide said the group was lucky; things could have turned out much worse."
A statement from WGSAR noted “Special Thanks to Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing Operation for providing the helicopter resources and personnel to conduct the field operations. Based on limited daylight hours we are grateful that they were in a position to assist.
“With the high Avalanche Danger at this time, we implore back country users to know the avalanche conditions of the areas that you are travelling. Access critical avalanche information via Avalanche Canada.”
This story will be updated as information becomes available.
