BURSTBulkley Valley Search and Rescue (BVSAR) called it one of the most significant rope rescue operations in the past number of years.
The call for help came in at about 9 p.m., and it took all night to arrange regional resources to support removing a hiker from a cliff above Twin Falls in Smithers. The woman had attempted an alternate descent from the Glacier Gulch Trail and became trapped on the cliff.
Civil Air Search and Rescue/PEP AIR provided a high tech drone with a spotlight, megaphone and infrared camera to help BVSAR assess the scene in the night. They also used the drone to pass up a small rope so the hiker could haul supplies to help stabilize herself during the night.
At first light, the assembled team, including a specialized rope rescue squad from Terrace Search and Rescue (TSAR) considered and prepared two extraction options including a rope team that would approach from above and lower the subject safely to the ground, and a helicopter using a Helicopter External Transport System (HETS) deployed from Prince George that would pick up the subject from the cliff’s edge.
Once all teams were operational, they determined the rope rescue would be the safest option. BVSAR and TSAR members worked together to establish a 150-plus metre rope system across extremely steep terrain and multiple overhangs.
Smithers’ Silver King Helicopters agreed to transport the rope team to higher ground. This allowed the team to bring additional resources closer to the scene while significantly reducing the time required to reach the subject.
Five Terrace Search and Rescue (TSAR) rope team members made the drive to Smithers to assist.
Once the subject had both feet safely on the ground, she was met by additional BVSAR volunteers, who provided first aid and ensured she was doing well. She was then able to walk the remainder of the trail under her own power.
The rope team packed up their equipment and hiked back up to the trail before making their way safely down the mountain on foot.