It's spring down here - but still winter in the hills - this reminder from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue who've seen an uptick in the number of people getting stuck on the backroads.
Search Manager Rob Braun says they responded to a couple of calls for help last weekend and were aware of a third that was handled by a tow truck company.
He says this is becoming common at this time of year. Last year, COSAR responded to several calls from people stuck while trying to drive from the Glenrosa area, near the old Crystal Mountain ski hill, across to Bear Main - and up in the Kettle Valley railroad area where people were stranded in Myra Canyon or bogged down on the back roads to Penticton.
He says there's still a metre of snow on the forestry service roads and people are driving up in mini-vans with no ground clearance.
"Obviously you need a vehicle with sufficient ground clearance to deal with the snow conditions," says Braun. "And presume you are going to get stuck, so you need some ways of getting yourself unstuck like having a shovel in order to dig yourself out, and by wearing winter boots as opposed to running shoes."
Braun says if you hit rutted snow trails, the snow depth is only going to increase as you gain elevation, and in the shade of rock bluffs, or trees. He says back-up while you still can, even if it means backing up slowly, until you can get to a spot to turn around - and always file a trip plan with family or friends.
Braun says a good place for advice before heading out is Adventuresmart.ca - Braun says the site has great tips to avoid becoming a backcountry rescue.