The Revelstoke RCMP received eight missing person reports during the month of December.
Local detachment commander Staff Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky said in a statement that during that same period the Revelstoke Search and Rescue deployed to locate and rescue 18 people either as a result of becoming lost or injured while sledding, skiing or snow-boarding.
In the past two days, there have been seven missing people located and rescued. With the great snow conditions for skiing and sledding that the Revelstoke has, the area has been exceptionally busy, Grabinsky said.
He said the RCMP are urging the public to take precautions and ensure they are prepared when utilizing the back-country. It is suggested that during this high avalanche rating time that the public are prepared with:
- A digital avalanche beacon;
- Probe and shovel;
- Appropriate survival gear including matches, food, water and shelter; and
- Always travel with others, have a map and a plan.
It is also suggested that those using the backcountry monitor their cell phone to conserve their batteries in the case of an emergency. Leaving for the day with a fully charged battery and then turning it off when not required will avoid draining the battery as the phone searches for a signal.
The following websites can also be of value to those who are using the back country:
- Get Prepared – Avalanches — http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/vlchs-eng.aspx >
- Canadian Avalanche Centre — http://www.avalanche.ca/
- BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Avalanche and Weather Programs — http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/avalanche_weather/index.html
- RCMP — http://bc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=50&languageId=1&contentId=32866
