Chilliwack Search & Rescue has always recognized the potential of an avalanche incident in the mountains around the Upper Fraser Valley. With the recent increase in showshoe sales and videos that glorify back country adventures such as snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding the need to have a functional avalanche rescue team is more important than ever.

In Nov 1994 the death of a ski patroller in an Avalanche on Hemlock Mountain was the first major avalanche incident where Chilliwack SAR was called to respond. Since that time Chilliwack SAR has recommitted its goal of having a team capable to respond to such incidents that could happen in or near Hemlock ski area, Manning park ski area or any of the local mountains where winter backcountry activities are enjoyed.

Chilliwack SAR constantly fundraises for all the necessary updated equipment to outfit an entire rescue team and spent time training members on how to search an Avalanche site safely. Chilliwack SAR also works with the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) which currently has 32 validated dog teams in BC. CARDA dog handlers are highly skilled at winter travel and have extensive experience working in a mountainous environment in winter conditions.

Since 1994 Chilliwack SAR has responded to approximately six other calls to assist teams with Avalanches in their area including on Mt. Baker, Washington, USA.