Photo: COSAR

If you go out in the woods today, tell someone where you are going.

"File a travel plan with someone including where you are going and when you are coming back," said Ephriam Nowak, president and search manager of Central Okanagan Search and Rescue.

"It may appear mild in the valley, but higher up winter is still in full swing and the dangers are real."

COSAR rescued a couple Friday morning after their vehicle got stuck near Oyama Lake. They were on a photography outing.

There have been several snowmobilers rescued in recent weeks as well. Avalanches are also a concern.

"The snowpack is complex and there are many unanswered questions. Three active weak layers remain sensitive to human triggering. The easy solution is to choose simple terrain free of overhead hazard as the snowpack adjusts," said Avalanche Canada.

The hazard is listed as considerable across the Coastal and Southern Interior mountain ranges.

Avalanche awareness programs start Saturday with events planned through next weekend, including programs for snowmobilers and backcountry adventurers in Revelstoke, Golden and Kamloops.