After rescuing a nearly dozen vehicles from forest service roads over the last few weeks, search and rescue organizations from across the Okanagan want to remind people that while spring has sprung on the calendar, winter conditions remain at high elevations. 

Some of the people who were stuck had been stranded in the back country for days, outside of cell service, and were found only by chance.

The search and rescue teams from Vernon (VSAR), the Central Okanagan (COSAR), Penticton (PENSAR) and Oliver and Osoyoos (OOSAR) have responded to nearly a dozen tasks regarding unprepared individuals getting stuck on winter-condition Forest Service Roads.  

Forest Service Roads may not be maintained, plowed, or monitored, making them impassible and unsafe for many vehicles, particularly in the winter. Conditions on forest service roads in B.C. may not improve until mid-May, depending on the area and the elevation.

"Many vehicles, especially front-wheel drive or those with all-season tires, are unsuitable for these roads," said COSAR.

The Okanagan search and rescue teams emphasize there is no 24-hour rule to report someone missing in Canada and asks that people call emergency services immediately if they believe a person may be stranded.

 "If someone hasn香蕉视频直播檛 returned from the back country as planned, contact the RCMP immediately to expedite search and rescue deployment."

When travelling into the back country, Central Okanagan SAR Manager Duane Tresnich advises using a 4x4 vehicle with winter tires and chains and carrying the 10 essentials on every excursion, available at . He also asks that people leave a trip plan with a trusted friend who will call emergency services if needed.