Two hikers had their tent damaged and became hypothermic during the severe thunderstorm that swept through southern B.C. on Saturday night.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue said the hikers were making their way along the Howe Sound Crest Trail and set up camp near Magnesia Meadows, in Cypress Provincial Park. More than 7,000 lightning strikes were recorded, and precipitation rapidly increased province-wide as they were forced to brave the elements.
“From what we understand, severe winds and rain damaged their tent, ripping away the rain fly and leaving their clothing and equipment completely soaked. They endured the remainder of the night in cold, wet conditions,” reads a statement from LBSAR.
Search and rescue staff told CTV News they were called to assist the hikers at around 11:40 a.m. and learned the pair had made their way to the Magnesia Meadows emergency shelter to find protection from the elements. At the emergency shelter, the hypothermic hikers found another group who helped them call 911.
According to LBSAR, “low cloud ceilings and continued rain” prevented helicopter access to the area, so rescue teams carried emergency and medical equipment from sea level to Magnesia Meadows on foot to assist the hikers.
At around 4:17 p.m., search manager Maria Masiar said rescue teams reached the two hikers at the emergency shelter.
“The hikers were able to access the emergency cache and use the supplies inside to warm themselves,” she said.
After several hours of rewarming, Masiar said the hikers were able to travel on foot. As she explained, LBSAR teams are escorting them to safety via the Harvey Basin Trail, which is expected to take approximately two hours barring any complications.
Important lessons
Masiar said search and rescue teams were attempting to contact the hikers after their 911 call, but the hikers weren’t answering—instead, communicating with family members.
“This makes it much harder for rescuers to assess their condition and plan the response,” she said.
“Keep your phone on, conserve the battery and answer calls from unfamiliar numbers after requesting help.”
On the Howe Sound Crest Trail, Masiar said the hike requires a travel window of at least 48 hours and urged those attempting the trek to pay close attention to weather conditions, as mountain weather can arrive earlier than expected.
“Yesterday’s storm system was well forecast,” she said. “If you become injured or stranded during a severe alpine storm, rescue may be extremely difficult or impossible until conditions improve.”
“You need to look beyond just your planned travel day.”
