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Body of missing snowmobiler recovered
The body of a snowmobiler, who went missing after a March 23 avalanche in the Hellroaring Creek area southwest of Kimberley, has been recovered after an extensive search.
On Saturday, March 23, Cranbrook and Kimberley RCMP along with Kimberley and Cranbrook Search and Rescue mobilized in response to an emergency SPOT beacon activation in the Hellroaring Creek area located approximately 20 km southwest of Kimberley. It was learned that a group of seven snowmobilers had an avalanche come down on them, after which one person was unaccounted for.
Rescue efforts continued throughout the day Saturday with Golden Search and Rescue attending with a second helicopter and avalanche technicians. The conditions were too dangerous for an immediate search and efforts were made to stabilize the remaining snow load.
Searching continued until the light failed and the search was called off for the night.
Early on Sunday, March 24 rescuers continued their search and called in more resources from Fernie; Creston; Invermere; Sparwood and Elkford Search and Rescue groups. In addition, approximately 30 local volunteers showed up at the staging area ready to help and were ferried into the search zone by helicopter.
As many as 30 SAR, RCMP and civilian volunteers were utilized in the search area on Sunday with more waiting at the staging area. Approximately 70 people; two helicopters; two avalanche dogs and one police dog, were involved in the combined search effort.
The search continued until 1 p.m. when the body of the missing snowmobiler was located under the snow, dug out and removed from the mountain.
The RCMP would like to remind any backcountry enthusiasts, mechanized or otherwise, to make yourself aware of avalanche and weather condition for their area and to ensure that they check current avalanche conditions prior to participating in these outdoor activities and to be properly prepared.
Details about the deceased have not yet been released by authorities.
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