As spring kicks into gear, Sunshine Coast residents don’t waste any time getting outside to take advantage of the favourable weather. However, Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SAR) advises hikers that up in the mountains, it still feels like winter.
Last year, SAR conducted at least two rescue operations on Mount Elphinstone, when hikers ended up in situations they were not prepared for. The first was when a hiker got separated from their group in deep snow, then the next day, SAR assisted a hiker who made it to the summit and fell and hurt themself while using the fixed ropes that go over jagged, icy rocks.
So far, there have been no hikers in need of rescue on the Lower Sunshine Coast this year.
Sue Duxbury, one of the managers at Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SAR), said the issue is not specific to Mount Elphinstone, and that many of the other Sunshine Coast mountains, including those in Tetrahedron Provincial Park, have the same conditions right now.
“Hot and sunny down here doesn't mean all the snow gone up there,” she said. “Right now, you can drive up the Grey Creek Road to the gate access to the Tetrahedron, and within 10 minutes of hiking up, you'll be thinking, ‘...I should have brought my snowshoes.’”
Duxbury said SAR sees both local hikers and those from off-Coast end up in these situations, and reiterated that planning beforehand can help avoid most of these hazards.
While some outdoor enthusiasts may still be drawn to enjoy what looks like the last of the snow on the mountains, hikers are advised to remember the potential hazards this time of year holds.
“It's not even nice snow. It's slushy concrete. You put your foot into it, and you can break your leg quite easily.”
Hikers are advised to use what SAR calls “The three T’s”: “Take the 10 essentials, train for what you're doing, and tell somebody where you're going,” Duxbury explained.
“And then when you get into a foot of snow, turn around; you don't have to make the top,” she added, explaining that some hikers feel the need to push on because of all the effort involved planning a trip and getting that far.
Additionally, Duxbury said that none of the lakes are safe to cross anymore, even if they are covered in ice and appear solid.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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