Photo: South Cariboo Search and Rescue

The snow cave the missing snowmobiler built to stay warm.

South Cariboo Search and Rescue is applauding a backcountry snowmobiler who went missing Saturday night for doing all the right things in an emergency situation.

On their Facebook page, the Search and Rescue team said the 17-year-old got separated from his group in the backcountry northeast of Canim Lake, in an area of terrain unfamiliar to him. After multiple attempts to leave the area, he decided to settle down for the night.

“He parked his sled in a wide open area, walked over to a nearby treed area, and built himself an incredible snow cave to spend the night,” South Cariboo Search and Rescue said.

“When our team members came across him he was in the shelter with food and water. This young man made our task a little less difficult by staying in place and having some backcountry winter survival knowledge.”

The snowmobiler was reported missing by his family and friends around 6:15 p.m. in the area of Spanish Lake, northeast of Canim Lake.

South Cariboo Search and Rescue mobilized to search the area, and sent a message around 10:30 p.m. confirming they found the youth in good condition.They said the actions of everyone involved was “spot on” for a successful outcome.