Three search and rescue units, snowmobiles, helicopters, ATVs and dogs were called in to find a group missing near Vernon.

RCMP alerted Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) Saturday evening (March 16) that three people were missing.

鈥淥ur search covered much of the Aberdeen plateau area almost down to Kal Lake and was over 20 hours,鈥� VSAR said in an Instagram post. 鈥淲e encountered both early and late spring like conditions with several feet of snow, mud, and other conditions.鈥�

Along with the machines and the keen nose of a canine, crews accessed areas by snowshoe, covering many kilometres with 鈥済ood, old-fashioned ground pounding.鈥�

Knowing at the onset, how vast the initial search area was, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) was called for mutual aid.

Search teams picked up tracks in the snow and followed several kilometres through the night on the trail of the missing persons.

鈥淥nce we hit lower elevations, and less snow - onwards we hiked, but unfortunately lost the tracks,鈥� said VSAR.

COSAR K9 Barrett and his handler took over and successfully tracked the missing persons several kilometres down a steep forested hillside.

鈥淒ue to the significant cliff faces, we utilized a helicopter to search high hazard areas,鈥� VSAR said, thanking Graham Helicopters for its assistance.

鈥淓ventually, during the late morning our missing persons walked out on their own with our SAR teams, still tracking their progress deep within the canyon.鈥�

With several hours of hiking in challenging terrain ahead of them, Penticton Search and Rescue鈥檚 class D helicopter team was called in.

Along with thanking neighbouring search crews for their assistance, VSAR reminds outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the season of transition, so please be prepared to encounter snow, ice, mud in the backcountry as we transition into spring.鈥�

Taking some sort of communication device like a cell phone or satellite device to communicate with rescuers is urged, along with telling someone where you are going.

Also, 鈥渘avigation tools of some sort are essential. And remember not all trails are marked.鈥�

Those venturing out are also reminded that 鈥渨ood ticks are out in full force.鈥�

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