On Feb 4, RCMP received a report of a personal emergency locator beacon being activated at 4:30 p.m. RCMP along with Kimberley Search and Rescue attended the area referred to as Hell Roaring in the St Mary’s lake area outside of Kimberley.

They met up with a female would advised her male companion was involved in an avalanche. She was able to dig him out and go for help.

A team of approximately 15 SAR volunteers worked for several hours to get to the subject, stabilize him and then transport him back down to a waiting ambulance. The trailhead was located approximately 45 minutes up a remote snow covered logging road. From there the team used two snowmobiles and a snow cat to reach the victim, who was another five km in the bush.

The male (35) from Quick, BC was transported by ambulance to East Kootenay Regional Hospital where he is being treated. The exact extent of his injuries is unknown, but are believed to be serious.

“The Kimberley SAR team did an amazing job under very adverse conditions assisting a seriously injured skier. Their dedication and commitment to helping others is to be commended,” said Kimberley RCMP detachment Cpl Chris Newel.

The female (36), from Cranbrook, was taken to the hospital for evaluation but has no serious injuries.

In addition the team was able to locate a dog that the couple was looking after. Once the patient was in the ambulance the dog was located and brought out to the owners.

Above image for illustration purposes only. It is not related or relevant to the above story.

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