Springtime Spikes
- Ed Langford, LBSAR Manager
- Jun 7
- 3 min read
LBSAR facing multiple call-outs for ill-equipped trekkers
The spring hiking season in the Sea to Sky area is busy irrespective of swings in the weather. With warmer temperatures down low, the hiking public is venturing higher into the mountains.
This past weekend resulted in two calls, both for parties that were in snowy regions in the area of 1,300 metres. Recent public awareness initiatives and an unfortunate fatality have not stemmed the enthusiasm for adventure.
Commonality amongst several recent spring calls resulted from:
Inadequate trip planning and the lack of understanding of remaining winter conditions high up.
Inadequate footwear, running shoes and light hikers in hard spring snow can result in a high potential for slides. The Sunday party rescued witnessed a member from another party take an uncontrolled slide. Fortunately the hiker managed to recover their footing.
Lack of traction devices for those that venture onto the snow can leave hikers stranded and in the precarious situation of not being able to either retreat or continue out of trouble.
Improper gear or inadequate clothing should the weather turn.
At Lions Bay Search and Rescue's (LBSAR) Saturday call out, a party of five were stranded due to a combination of poor footwear and lack of traction devices.
This group had planned an ambitious overnight hike into snow-covered terrain.
Had they continued on their intended circuitous route of the Magnesia basin, without a doubt they could have encountered a much more severe situation and outcome, as they lacked any avalanche gear, ice axes or ropes for descent of steep unprotected sections.
Sunday's group of four started as a well-intentioned family hike, including a four-month old infant, two daughters in their mid 20s and early 30s, and a 63-year old woman (who ended up with severe leg cramps). They too, lacked snow gear and proper footwear even though they had intended climbing to the top of Mount Harvey.
Last Saturday, Emergency Management Climate Readiness (EMCR), which is LBSAR’s tasking agency, reported 20 SAR calls province wide.
We ask that prior to setting off, venturers truly plan their trips, including:
Reviewing the route or hike intended
Understanding if it is a winter or summer route,
Review recent online trip reports and be cautious of postings that are weeks or months out of date.
Consider the objective and one’s own physical conditioning for the intended objective
Do you have the appropriate gear?
Do you know how to use the gear?
Let someone know of your trip plan and when to call for help if you do not return. Many areas close to Vancouver DO NOT have cell coverage
Carry a spare cell battery bank
Carry a flashlight. A cell phone should not be considered a flashlight if needing to hike out in the dark
Carry the ten essentials
Many of our recently-rescued folks are dressed all in black. For rescuers, trying to spot a subject dressed in dark clothing in poor light or shadowed gullies is nearly impossible. Wearing bright colours (blue is one of the best) provides a much better chance of being seen by rescuers.
LBSAR is also mindful of trying to mitigate the racket we create with the use of helicopters, including altering flight paths when possible.
As a reminder, if help is needed call 911 and state the nature of the emergency. Calling early is beneficial for all involved. A helicopter extrication is definitely not guaranteed, and subjects often need to spend the night.
Safe hiking.
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