Joel
@joelsw.bsky.social
Search & Rescue, first responder content. Mountain Enthusiast. Tradesmen, Father, Dog Owner. With some public safety messaging and a dash of humor
Opinions are my own and often hilarious
Dog is recovering from a stressful night of protecting the house from all their scary people in costumes and the whole family yelling at the TV while eating tiny chocolate bars
November 1, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Dog is recovering from a stressful night of protecting the house from all their scary people in costumes and the whole family yelling at the TV while eating tiny chocolate bars
Rubble Creek trailhead is closed for Bridge repairs until November 15th. Access for Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk and Garibaldi lake via Helm Creek trail.
Currently winter conditions with significant snowfall in the alpine in Garibaldi park
Currently winter conditions with significant snowfall in the alpine in Garibaldi park
October 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Rubble Creek trailhead is closed for Bridge repairs until November 15th. Access for Panorama Ridge, Black Tusk and Garibaldi lake via Helm Creek trail.
Currently winter conditions with significant snowfall in the alpine in Garibaldi park
Currently winter conditions with significant snowfall in the alpine in Garibaldi park
Snow in the hills, turkey in the oven and Jays in the playoffs.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
October 12, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Snow in the hills, turkey in the oven and Jays in the playoffs.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
Callaghan Valley before the fall rain and snow sets in
October 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Callaghan Valley before the fall rain and snow sets in
First signs of snow in SW BC from the Whistler peak cam
October 1, 2025 at 4:11 AM
First signs of snow in SW BC from the Whistler peak cam
Anything that increases connectivity in remote locations is a good thing.
Unless you're an off duty first responder on vacation, purposely out of cell range whose phone won't stop receiving rescue update 🤣
Unless you're an off duty first responder on vacation, purposely out of cell range whose phone won't stop receiving rescue update 🤣
Provincial SAR association welcomes Rogers' new satellite connectivity
www.squamishchief.com/local-news/p...
www.squamishchief.com/local-news/p...
Provincial SAR association welcomes Rogers' new satellite connectivity
From Howe Sound to Yoho National Park, Canadians are testing out a new way to stay connected off-grid as part of a beta trial by Rogers Satellite.
www.squamishchief.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Anything that increases connectivity in remote locations is a good thing.
Unless you're an off duty first responder on vacation, purposely out of cell range whose phone won't stop receiving rescue update 🤣
Unless you're an off duty first responder on vacation, purposely out of cell range whose phone won't stop receiving rescue update 🤣
Significant amount of electrical activity around Whistler right now. Fortunately we're also seeing the first rain since the latest heatwave
September 8, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Significant amount of electrical activity around Whistler right now. Fortunately we're also seeing the first rain since the latest heatwave
Current conditions. Not a great day to be riding in a grand fondo from Vancouver to Whistler
September 6, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Current conditions. Not a great day to be riding in a grand fondo from Vancouver to Whistler
BCWS: While responding to a wildfire in the Cariboo Fire Centre, a birddog aircraft was struck by a public drone that was illegally flying within the restricted airspace.
Anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts will face penalties of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts will face penalties of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
September 4, 2025 at 10:11 PM
BCWS: While responding to a wildfire in the Cariboo Fire Centre, a birddog aircraft was struck by a public drone that was illegally flying within the restricted airspace.
Anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts will face penalties of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Anyone found interfering with wildfire control efforts will face penalties of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Reports of a Wildfire Service helicopter crash near Pemberton. Luckily sounds like no serious injuries from the crew
globalnews.ca/news/1139122...
globalnews.ca/news/1139122...
Rescue underway after BC Wildfire Service helicopter ‘forced landing’ near Pemberton - BC | Globalnews.ca
The helicopter was carrying an initial attack crew that was responding to one of several active wildfires near Pemberton, a BC Wildfire Service spokesperson said.
globalnews.ca
September 3, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Reports of a Wildfire Service helicopter crash near Pemberton. Luckily sounds like no serious injuries from the crew
globalnews.ca/news/1139122...
globalnews.ca/news/1139122...
Current fire rating in Whistler has been updated to Extreme (the highest level) with temps forecasted to hit 34°c this afternoon with low humidity or precip in the forecast
September 3, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Current fire rating in Whistler has been updated to Extreme (the highest level) with temps forecasted to hit 34°c this afternoon with low humidity or precip in the forecast
BCWS has just updated the fire perimeter map to include the growth on the northern flank and is now at 3406 Hectares
August 14, 2025 at 6:23 PM
BCWS has just updated the fire perimeter map to include the growth on the northern flank and is now at 3406 Hectares
Mount Underwood fire near Port Alberni seems to show significant growth on the northern flank overnight in the last few hours 00:30-07:30
August 14, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Mount Underwood fire near Port Alberni seems to show significant growth on the northern flank overnight in the last few hours 00:30-07:30
A Shift in the direction in the Mt Underwood fire that has led to an 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 on the 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 area. Tseshaht First Nation and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Government have taken the same steps for the Franklin River Road and Tiipis (also known as Polly's Point).
August 13, 2025 at 3:51 AM
A Shift in the direction in the Mt Underwood fire that has led to an 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁 on the 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 area. Tseshaht First Nation and Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District Government have taken the same steps for the Franklin River Road and Tiipis (also known as Polly's Point).
The Tsunami Watch is in effect for #BC Tsunami Notification Zones A, B, C, & D. More info:
weather.gc.ca/?alertTableFil…#BCTsunamimi
weather.gc.ca/?alertTableFil…#BCTsunamimi
July 30, 2025 at 12:46 AM
The Tsunami Watch is in effect for #BC Tsunami Notification Zones A, B, C, & D. More info:
weather.gc.ca/?alertTableFil…#BCTsunamimi
weather.gc.ca/?alertTableFil…#BCTsunamimi
Reposted by Joel
#TSUNAMI Watch has been issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center and it includes #BC Notification Zones A, B, C, & D.
If it materializes, expect it to begin around 2205 Langara BC and at 2330 PDT at Tofino.
For more and updates: go to tsunami.gov
#BCtsunami #BCstorm
If it materializes, expect it to begin around 2205 Langara BC and at 2330 PDT at Tofino.
For more and updates: go to tsunami.gov
#BCtsunami #BCstorm
July 30, 2025 at 12:42 AM
#TSUNAMI Watch has been issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center and it includes #BC Notification Zones A, B, C, & D.
If it materializes, expect it to begin around 2205 Langara BC and at 2330 PDT at Tofino.
For more and updates: go to tsunami.gov
#BCtsunami #BCstorm
If it materializes, expect it to begin around 2205 Langara BC and at 2330 PDT at Tofino.
For more and updates: go to tsunami.gov
#BCtsunami #BCstorm
Tsunami Watch for the BC Coast after 8.7 magnitude quake in Russia:
www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/tsunam...
www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/tsunam...
July 30, 2025 at 12:39 AM
Tsunami Watch for the BC Coast after 8.7 magnitude quake in Russia:
www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/tsunam...
www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/tsunam...
C295 RCAF Kingfisher out of Comox doing some very slow orbits between Hornby and Texada right now, down to 90kt
July 23, 2025 at 5:57 AM
C295 RCAF Kingfisher out of Comox doing some very slow orbits between Hornby and Texada right now, down to 90kt
Campground and a portion of Helm Creek Trail are closed
Recent reports of cougar sightings have resulted in the closure of Helm Creek Campground and Helm Creek Trail between Cheakamus and Panorama Ridge
The closure is in place, tentative reopening of Friday, July 18
RAPP line 1-877-952-7277
Recent reports of cougar sightings have resulted in the closure of Helm Creek Campground and Helm Creek Trail between Cheakamus and Panorama Ridge
The closure is in place, tentative reopening of Friday, July 18
RAPP line 1-877-952-7277
July 12, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Campground and a portion of Helm Creek Trail are closed
Recent reports of cougar sightings have resulted in the closure of Helm Creek Campground and Helm Creek Trail between Cheakamus and Panorama Ridge
The closure is in place, tentative reopening of Friday, July 18
RAPP line 1-877-952-7277
Recent reports of cougar sightings have resulted in the closure of Helm Creek Campground and Helm Creek Trail between Cheakamus and Panorama Ridge
The closure is in place, tentative reopening of Friday, July 18
RAPP line 1-877-952-7277
Rescue helicopter forced to make an emergency landing after collision with a drone in Texas.
Drones and aircraft do not mix. It's becoming a big issue for rescue crews everywhere
Drones and aircraft do not mix. It's becoming a big issue for rescue crews everywhere
July 8, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Rescue helicopter forced to make an emergency landing after collision with a drone in Texas.
Drones and aircraft do not mix. It's becoming a big issue for rescue crews everywhere
Drones and aircraft do not mix. It's becoming a big issue for rescue crews everywhere
Whistler Cougars:
C.O's are responding to aggressive cougar activity Singing Pass trail area
No one was injured.
Multiple incidents including chasing, stalking, close proximity to bikers & hikers. This is unusual and concerning cougar behaviour that has led to several trail closures.
C.O's are responding to aggressive cougar activity Singing Pass trail area
No one was injured.
Multiple incidents including chasing, stalking, close proximity to bikers & hikers. This is unusual and concerning cougar behaviour that has led to several trail closures.
Garibaldi Park | BC Parks
Located in the heart of the Coast Mountains just 64 km north of Vancouver, Garibaldi is known for its natural beauty and numerous hiking trails. Here, you’ll...
bcparks.ca
June 26, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Whistler Cougars:
C.O's are responding to aggressive cougar activity Singing Pass trail area
No one was injured.
Multiple incidents including chasing, stalking, close proximity to bikers & hikers. This is unusual and concerning cougar behaviour that has led to several trail closures.
C.O's are responding to aggressive cougar activity Singing Pass trail area
No one was injured.
Multiple incidents including chasing, stalking, close proximity to bikers & hikers. This is unusual and concerning cougar behaviour that has led to several trail closures.
Whistler Wildlife Update: Cougar sighting on Singing Pass trail at 9:53AM June 25th. If you have plans to hike into the back country, reconsider them. Sighting has been reported to the Conservation Officers
June 25, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Whistler Wildlife Update: Cougar sighting on Singing Pass trail at 9:53AM June 25th. If you have plans to hike into the back country, reconsider them. Sighting has been reported to the Conservation Officers
SAR tip: If you're trying to rule out reports of emergency whistles being blown on a trail and have someone on scene investigating, send them an audio recording of a varied thrush bird call that they can play out loud.
If the birds answer back ... you know 😁
If the birds answer back ... you know 😁
June 25, 2025 at 4:28 AM
SAR tip: If you're trying to rule out reports of emergency whistles being blown on a trail and have someone on scene investigating, send them an audio recording of a varied thrush bird call that they can play out loud.
If the birds answer back ... you know 😁
If the birds answer back ... you know 😁
Reposted by Joel
Folks, the viral hiking advice to "change your voicemail" if you get lost hiking is doing the rounds again. I addressed this previously in 2021 the last time it went around.
You cannot change your voicemail when you have no signal.
If you do have signal, dial 911.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
You cannot change your voicemail when you have no signal.
If you do have signal, dial 911.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Viral hiking post spreading life-threatening misinformation, SAR manager says | CBC News
The social media survival tip advises hikers who become lost to change their voicemail message instead of calling 911 immediately.
www.cbc.ca
June 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Folks, the viral hiking advice to "change your voicemail" if you get lost hiking is doing the rounds again. I addressed this previously in 2021 the last time it went around.
You cannot change your voicemail when you have no signal.
If you do have signal, dial 911.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
You cannot change your voicemail when you have no signal.
If you do have signal, dial 911.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...