Columbia Valley Search and Rescue

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) maintains a response capability for ground search, swift water rescue, rope rescue, and mountain rescue. Members are comprised of volunteers from all backgrounds, including the general public, firefighters, paramedics, mountain guides, recreationalists, and even search dog handlers. CVSAR covers a significant portion of south eastern British Columbia, with a considerable diversity of terrain. CVSAR is responsible for approximately 20,000 square kilometers in the central East Kootenay, from the Purcell Mountains to the Rocky Mountains along the Alberta Border. The area is mountainous with steep walls of poor quality rock unsuitable for technical climbing. The numerous valleys are deep, with fast flowing creeks and rivers, with some class 5 rapids.