Crews searching for 3 missing mountaineers near Squamish, B.C.
A search effort has been launched for a trio of mountain climbers who were reported overdue after not returning from their excursion near Squamish, B.C.
The mountaineers left for Atwell Peak in Garibaldi Park northeast of the city on Friday and have not been heard from since.
Squamish Search and Rescue and the RCMP have been trying to locate them, but the search effort has been hampered by inclement weather conditions, according to a Sunday news release from local Mounties.
Rescue crews are also challenged by “extreme avalanche conditions” in the area, police said.
“This area is not a walk in the park, this was a very technical mission by experienced mountaineers,” said BJ Chute, a manager with SSAR.
He told CTV News SSAR sent a helicopter, a ground team and a drone to the area on Saturday morning, but the mountain was deemed too unsafe to access.
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron was also dispatched from Comox.
The low clouds, dark skies and heavy rain coupled with avalanche warnings means crews have not been able to get to the hikers yet Sunday.
“We’re considering it an active search, it’s just that we’re grounded due to the weather,” Chute said.
Everyone is on standby ready to go as soon as the weather improves, he continued.
STILL WINTER IN THE MOUNTAINS
Chute added that while it’s pouring rain at sea level Sunday, up on the peak a significant amount of wet, heavy snow is falling. “It really is still winter high up in the mountains,” he said.
He emphasized that the missing climbers have technical mountaineering skills and Atwell Peak is not a summit the average hiker would attempt. Even still, Chute urges anyone venturing out over the next few days to be careful.
“This weather really does highlight for me the fact that 911 cannot be your rescue plan, you need to be prepared,” he said. “Be prepared and be prepared to the point of self-rescue. Helicopters just simply cannot fly in this low ceiling and not having access to a helicopter can lead to a slower response.”
Chute said to bring a first aid kit, warm clothes and extra food on any wilderness adventures, which can “that can make a miserable situation a lot better” if you get injured and need to wait for crews.
“We certainly encourage people to get outside and adventure, but to do so safely and to keep that ‘what if?’ question in mind,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Former judge with disputed Cree heritage likely has Indigenous DNA: law society
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Tourist suffers 3rd-degree burns to feet after losing flip flops amid soaring temperatures in Death Valley
A tourist was hospitalized after suffering serious burns on his feet on Saturday when he lost his flip flops at a U.S. national park where temperatures soared past 48 Celsius.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.