[UPDATED] Search Suspended for 3 Climbers Missing on Atwell Peak Near Whistler, BC, Due to High Avalanche Risk

Updated Sunday, June 9, 8:45 am PST: 

Rescue teams have been forced to suspend their search for three overdue and experienced mountain climbers missing near Squamish, B.C., citing unstable and avalanche-prone conditions in the rugged Atwell Peak area.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated in a media release that “significant challenges due to current unstable conditions have resulted in the decision to suspend the search to ensure the safety of search and rescue teams.”

The search efforts, which had resumed early Thursday morning with helicopters, ground crews, and drones, were hampered by unpredictable alpine weather and the threat of avalanches. Authorities cautioned that an exact timeline for resuming the operation remains uncertain, as it will depend on continuous risk assessments and improvements in the hazardous conditions.

Original article:

Three mountaineers were reported missing on Friday, May 31, after failing to return from their expedition to 8,711-foot-high Atwell Peak near Whistler, British Columbia. According to CBS, police and search and rescue have attempted to locate the climbers but have failed because of high avalanche risk and bad weather conditions.

According to the Squamish Chief, a local newspaper, a search and rescue team tried to fly to the area on Saturday but had to return because of bad weather. There were also attempts to reach the climbers on foot, supported by local mountain guides, which were unsuccessful because of the high avalanche risk. Further attempts were made to locate the climbers by drone but failed. As of Monday, June 3, the search parties remain on standby as the area sees high amounts of precipitation.

Officials believe that the climbers are well-equipped and trained for the climb. SAR manager B.J. Chute has told the Squamish Chief that avalanche activity is suspected in the area but can’t be confirmed as long as helicopters cannot fly. Attempts to communicate with the climbers were unsuccessful due to the lack of cell service.

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the area from Monday through Tuesday morning, expecting 40-50mm of rainfall. The rain will likely become snow in higher areas, further hindering the search.

The climbers attempted to summit Atwell Peak, which sits south of the Whistler ski area. Located on the southern edge of Mount Garibaldi, the mountain is rarely summitted and requires technical climbing and traversing a glacier. Climbers usually tackle it in spring and winter when the rock is frozen to minimize the risk of rock falls.