Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) along with volunteers from the Kelowna Snowmobile Club teamed up Saturday evening to find a missing snowboarder.
RCMP called COSAR to assist in locating a lost snowboarder in the early evening hours Saturday.
He had been with two others when they became separated in the back-country near Big White mountain.
Fortunately the lost person was able to get a cell signal and sent a picture of his surroundings. RCMP were also able to ping the phone with a high degree of accuracy. Due to the deep snow in the area COSAR requested assistance from the Kelowna Snowmobile Club (KSC), who responded with three experienced riders including Justin Evans, currently in competition for the top North American Snowmobiler.
Four COSAR riders along with the three KSC riders searched the logging roads near the location identified by the RCMP, and found the lost boarder within a short time. He was in good shape, being well dressed for conditions, but had been experiencing cramps after struggling through deep snow for some time.
COSAR is very appreciative of the support from the Kelowna Snowmobile Club members, whose assistance was invaluable.
COSAR would like to remind people who like to enjoy the backcountry to be prepared, and to follow the recommendations on www.adventuresmart.ca, and to be fully aware of the changing snowpack that has caused an increase in the avalanche risk in many areas of B.,C. including the Okanagan.
