Backcountry group rescued from avalanche near Whitewater Ski Resort
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Two people were taken to hospital following an avalanche near Whitewater Ski Resort Monday afternoon a post said on the Nelson Search and Rescue Facebook page.
Nelson SAR said team members along with Whitewater Ski Patrol responded Monday, December 27 at 3:30 p.m. to a SOS activated following a size 2.5 avalanche outside of the Whitewater Ski area on the south face of the East Peak of Evening Ridge.
Nelson SAR said four people and two dogs were involved in the avalanche.
“No one was fully buried; however (two) people were seriously injured and rescue toboggans were required as darkness prevented the use of helicopter long-line,” Nelson SAR said.
“With temperatures dropping below -20 rescuers worked quickly to get everyone to safety.”
Nelson SAR said the rescue conducted in the dark, in steep, hazardous terrain involved over 25 volunteers and Whitewater staff.
Nelson SAR said both subjects were transferred to BC Ambulance by 11 p.m. and taken to Trail Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Avalanche Canada said the Kootenay-Boundary region rated the risk of avalanches Monday as moderate at the alpine, treeline and below treeline levels.
Whitewater Ski Resort is located approximately 25 minutes south of Nelson in the Selkirk Mountains.
Nelson Search and Rescue along with Whitewater Ski Patrol worked together in sub-zero temperatures to to get everyone to safety. — Nelson SAR Facebook photo
Evening Ridge, a popular backcountry spot where an avalanche struck a party of four, is located approximately two kilometers from Whitewater Ski Resort. — Google Maps
