Search called off

UPDATE: 5:15 p.m.

Police in Revelstoke have called off the search for missing snowmobiler Travis Allen Brown.

 

"The search command team has reviewed search efforts to date, with a decision being made by the command team to suspend the search at this time," said RCMP Cpl. Thomas Blackney.

The resumption of further search efforts will be assessed based on weather and snow conditions as well as information that may assist us in locating Brown, Blackney added in a press release late Wednesday afternoon.

"We ask any snowmobilers using the area to be aware that we still have a missing person who was last thought to be on Boulder Mountain ... and that they contact the Revelstoke RCMP with any observations or information."

---

ORIGINAL: noon

The search for a missing snowmobiler in the Revelstoke area has entered its third day.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Kurt Grabinsky said multiple teams are continuing to search for Travis Allen Brown, 42, of Drayton Valley, Alta.

Brown was last heard from by his family last Saturday morning when he said he was going on a solo snowmobile ride.

On Sunday morning, police were alerted to a vehicle left at the Boulder Mountain parking lot and determined the red 2006 Dodge Ram was registered to Brown.

The search for Brown was launched Monday morning.

Two popular snowmobile areas, Frisby Ridge and Boulder Mountain, were closed during the search, but Grabinsky said Frisby was expected to open at noon and Boulder Mountain later today.

The area was closed so searchers in helicopters could try to locate a beacon Brown was believed to have on him.

“We understand he rented an avalanche transceiver. We don't know if he has it with him or that it is on,” said Grabinsky, adding at 4:30 p.m. searchers will “make assessment as to what resources” will be devoted to the search tomorrow.

As of noon Wednesday, he could not say if the search may be discontinued. Search conditions have been challenging.

“There is a fair bit of snow. We have had five to seven feet in the last four days,” said Grabinsky. “The good news is the avalanche conditions have gone from high to considerable.”

But even with the slight downgrade in the avalanche risk, searching the area is still a dangerous task.

“Anytime we are putting search and rescue people out there, it is a risk to them,” said Grabinsky.

Search and rescue have been concentrating their efforts in the area from the Boulder Mountain cabin to the parking lot, which Grabinsky said is still a massive area to search.

Brown was last seen at the snowmobiler's cabin at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The weather continues to be a challenge for searchers with pouring rain at lower elevations and heavy snow above 2,000 feet.

Grabinsky said the area is popular with snowmobilers and calls for help are common.