Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council

📍This weekend, Bellingham Mountain Rescue responded to multiple wintertime rescues in backcountry areas near Mt. Baker.

On Saturday, BMRC team members responded to a solo skier that sustained multiple injuries after an avalanche accident. The skier was assisted by several nearby parties who rewarmed him and moved him out of avalanche danger. Rescuers assessed the patient and packaged him in our toboggan, where he was evacuated to Heather Meadows.

On Sunday, team members responded to another serious injury in the Hemispheres backcountry area outside Mt Baker ski area. Again, the patient was packaged in a toboggan and skied out to an awaiting ambulance.

Here's what can be learned from these two incidents:
❄️ Dont let powder fever catch you off guard! Don't let the excitement of fresh powder lead to bad decisions. Snow conditions are still thin in areas and unmarked obstacles may be covered with trace amounts of snow.

❄️ Hemispheres and Shuksan Arm are both backcountry areas. Even though they can be accessed via Mt Baker Ski Area, they are not controlled for avalanches and are not served by ski patrol. Rescue in the backcountry can be delayed for many reasons. Even if you're riding the chairlift, pack backcountry basics like warm clothes and first aid equipment.

❄️ Ski and ride with a partner, keeping them in sight and using good travel techniques, such as riding one at a time. Develop a communication strategy (cell phone, radio, inReach, etc...). Consider filing a trip plan with a trusted person.

BMRC does not charge for rescue. Equipment such as our carbon fiber rescue toboggan is purchased with individual donations. Consider supporting our missions via donation:
www.bellinghammountainrescue.com/donate

BMRC had an awesome time last evening at celebrating 70 years of service to Whatcom county.

It's events like these that showcase how great the community is and how thankful we are to be a part of it.

Special thanks to those who have donated to the unit, and to all of you who could make it out - we couldn't do it without you!!

If you missed the event or would like to order a support T-shirt/ hoodie the link will be in our Bio until October 1st!!

On Sat. June 28th BMRC in conjunction with other rescuers from the 26th call out returned to the mountains to search for the Patient's dog Remi who became lost during the evacuation.

To our relief Remi was found happy and in good health after two wet nights at the summit of Wi******er MTN- likely looking for her owner.

Remi was heartwarmingly reunited with their owner in glacier later that day.