Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR)

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Invermere, BC
Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR)

Ground Search, Swift Water and Mountain Rescue in the Invermere Area.

Our direct service area covers nearly 10,000+ square kilometers of mountainous terrain, swift water and lake areas.

08/25/2026

Over the past few days, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue has responded to several calls in our region.

📍 August 19 - Our team was called to an emergency device activation in the Bugaboos. The team responded and confirmed the activation was accidental. While responding to this call, a second request came in for a stranded motorist on the Spillimacheen FSR. The motorist was well prepared to spend the night, and our team was stood down.

📍 August 23 - CVSAR was tasked with assisting an injured hiker in the backcountry. A team responded by ground and air, with the assistance of Glacier Helicopter Flights. The subject was safely transferred to BCEHS for further care.

📍 August 24 - Two calls came in: the first involving a lost hiker in Assiniboine Provincial Park and the second involving an injured climber in the Bugaboos. A team responded to both, with the help of Glacier Helicopter Flights.

🏔️ As always, if you’re heading outdoors, start with BC AdventureSmart for trusted tips, trip-planning tools, and outdoor safety resources.

08/11/2026

Over the past week, our volunteers responded to three very different incidents across the Columbia Valley

📍July 30 - Bugaboos  A climber was injured when a large chunk of snow and ice collapsed above them, knocking them backwards and upside down. As they fell their partner was able to arrest the fall by grabbing their ankle, preventing a much more serious fall. Our team responded to assist with the rescue and evacuation.

📍August 1 - Wildfire Evacuations  We provided mutual aid to support Kimberley Search & Rescue during wildfire evacuation operations. SAR teams across the region continue to work together when communities need extra hands and resources.

📍August 8 - Mount Swansea  Our team responded to an injured paraglider on Mount Swansea, working alongside our partners to access the patient and coordinate their evacuation.

Three incidents in just over a week are a reminder that summer in the Columbia Valley brings plenty of opportunity to get outside but also real risks. Heading outdoors? Start with BC AdventureSmart for trusted tips, trip planning tools and outdoor safety resources.

A huge thank you to our volunteers and to the SAR teams and emergency partners we work alongside.

07/28/2026

July has been an active month for Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, with our volunteers responding to a number of incidents throughout the region.

📍 July 11 – Assisted BCEHS with the rescue of an injured horseback rider near Hardie Creek Road at Columbia Lake.
📍 July 19 – Responded to an injured hiker on the trail to Buster Lake.
📍 July 21 – Assisted BCEHS in accessing and evacuating an injured e-biker from the Westside Legacy Trail.
📍 July 22 – Responded to two separate incidents: An ill hiker in the Forster Creek drainage and helping locate a missing person in the Holgrave Road area.
📍 July 25 – Provided mutual aid in support of Cranbrook Search and Rescue to extract a subject with CDFL. On the same day, CVSAR also responded to injured hikers in the Bugaboos.
📍 July 26 – Responded to overdue hikers on Mount Nelson.

Our members are proud to work alongside BCEHS, RCMP, and our neighbouring search and rescue teams to help those in need.

As you head outdoors this summer, remember that accidents can happen to anyone. Before you go:
✔️ Check trail, weather, and wildfire conditions. ✔️ Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. ✔️ Carry the essentials, including extra clothing, food, water, and a way to communicate. ✔️ Know your limits and plan for changing conditions.

Your preparation can make all the difference for you and for those who may need to come to your aid. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors!

07/10/2026

Summer is off to a busy start for CVSAR, with four calls in just three days.

July 4: Members responded to a swift water incident as well as provided mutual aid to Kimberley Search & Rescue for an injured ATV rider.

July 5: A team responded to an injured horseback rider in the backcountry.

July 6: Search teams were mobilized after an overdue dirt biker was reported in the Brisco area. Thanks to the rider wearing bright clothing and signaling to the aircraft, they were successfully located from the air.

Thank you Glacier Helicopters Ltd. 🇨🇦 for the vital support throughout.

No matter how you choose to enjoy the outdoors, accidents can happen. Before you head out, leave a trip plan with someone you trust, carry the essentials, and be prepared for the unexpected.

06/25/2026

On Sunday, June 21, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue was called to provide mutual aid to Kimberley Search & Rescue to assist with the extraction of an injured skier. CVSAR responded with a CDFL team, supported by Glacier Helicopters Ltd. 🇨🇦 , and enabled the transport of the subject to higher medical aid.

Our newly established CDFL capability not only enhances our ability to safely and efficiently access, package, and transport patients in challenging terrain within our response area, but also allows us to provide valuable support to neighbouring SAR teams when needed.

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers from both teams whose training, teamwork, and commitment made this successful response possible.

05/25/2026

On Saturday May 16th Columbia Valley Search and Rescue was called out to assist a group of hikers with injuries. The group had hiked in to Elk Lakes through deep snow and sustained injuries in the process.
CVSAR responded with the help of and evacuated the group to safety. A huge thanks to the Kananskis Conservation Officers for their assistance.
This time of year can prove tricky for trail conditions; while the valley bottoms are melted out, many of our favourite hikes and trails may remain snowbound. If you are hitting the trails make sure you are prepared for potential winter conditions or be prepared to turn back.

05/11/2026

Last week, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue responded to an injured mountain biker on Mount Swansea.

CVSAR members, including the CDFL team and ground crews, responded quickly to access, stabilize, and transport the subject to British Columbia Emergency Health Services, with valuable assistance from Windermere Fire Department. This task also provided an opportunity to utilize a new response capability in the field!

CVSAR is now CDFL certified! CDFL, sometimes called HEC (Human External Cargo) or “long line,” is a type of helicopter rescue where one or more rescuers and subjects are suspended on a line attached to a helicopter.

This new capability is making access to subjects faster, delivering medical treatment sooner, and improving safety for both the team and subjects. Stay tuned for more exciting news regarding this new rescue capability!

03/24/2026

On the evening of March 23rd, CVSAR was requested to assist stranded motorists on Westside road, west of Brisco.
A team from responded, located the subjects and assisted them back to safety.
This is the fifth stranded motorists call out for CVSAR this winter. Remember very few backcountry roads are plowed in winter and conditions are usually far from good. As we enter spring melt-freeze thaw cycles, road conditions can also change dramatically over the course of a single day. We do not recommend travelling questionable backcountry roads unless you are very prepared.

02/23/2026

On February 17, CVSAR was called out to assist a lost skier near Panorama Mountain Resort. Working closely with Panorama Ski Patrol, members helped ensure the skier’s safe return before nightfall.
We appreciate the continued support of our community, partners, and volunteers, whose commitment makes every response possible. Stay safe out there!
📷: Stock photo from training Feb 2025. Not current conditions.

01/24/2026

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue responded to two callouts this week.

The first was for stranded motorists in the backcountry. Late on January 18, CVSAR was tasked to assist with motorists stuck in an unploughed backcountry area. With daylight fading, a helicopter was used to evacuate the uninjured subjects.

Remember that many backcountry roads are unploughed at this time of year and are impassible. Be sure to research your route thoroughly and carry food, water and warm clothing in case of emergency.
 The second call came late Wednesday afternoon for an ice climber in medical distress. CVSAR responded with assistance from .

Stay safe and take care.

Address

1627 Highway 93/95
Invermere, BC
V0B2L2

Telephone

+12503420600

Website

https://columbiavalleysar.ca/

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