Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council

BMR members came together for 3 days high up on Mt. Baker this weekend to refresh & sharpen our crevasse rescue skills. Being able to train and execute our systems inside of actual crevasses is a critical component to our mission readiness.

📸 : Ben Groenhout

📍This weekend, Bellingham Mountain Rescue responded to multiple wintertime rescues in backcountry areas near Mt. Baker.

On Saturday, BMRC team members responded to a solo skier that sustained multiple injuries after an avalanche accident. The skier was assisted by several nearby parties who rewarmed him and moved him out of avalanche danger. Rescuers assessed the patient and packaged him in our toboggan, where he was evacuated to Heather Meadows.

On Sunday, team members responded to another serious injury in the Hemispheres backcountry area outside Mt Baker ski area. Again, the patient was packaged in a toboggan and skied out to an awaiting ambulance.

Here's what can be learned from these two incidents:
❄️ Dont let powder fever catch you off guard! Don't let the excitement of fresh powder lead to bad decisions. Snow conditions are still thin in areas and unmarked obstacles may be covered with trace amounts of snow.

❄️ Hemispheres and Shuksan Arm are both backcountry areas. Even though they can be accessed via Mt Baker Ski Area, they are not controlled for avalanches and are not served by ski patrol. Rescue in the backcountry can be delayed for many reasons. Even if you're riding the chairlift, pack backcountry basics like warm clothes and first aid equipment.

❄️ Ski and ride with a partner, keeping them in sight and using good travel techniques, such as riding one at a time. Develop a communication strategy (cell phone, radio, inReach, etc...). Consider filing a trip plan with a trusted person.

BMRC does not charge for rescue. Equipment such as our carbon fiber rescue toboggan is purchased with individual donations. Consider supporting our missions via donation:
www.bellinghammountainrescue.com/donate

📍 Mission Report: On Saturday night Jan 17th
Bellingham Mountain Rescue was called out to help with an unstable lower leg injury in the Mount Baker backcountry. Fortunately, the subject was noted to be stable and well prepared to spend the night.
A rescue team responded first thing early Sunday morning and extricated him to higher care. Be careful out there friends! Things can happen when you least expect it.

BMR would like to remind folks that being prepared to stay the night is a foundational skill when recreating outside - and can often improve a tough situation.

👩‍🏫 This Fall BMRC teamed up with & to refresh our rigging skills. It was a great time to work in some new methods while also getting some input from partner agencies.
Fall colors and steady views on the bay made for an excellent weekend 👌.

📍 Mission Report: At 0930 on Friday 10/10 BMR was called out to assist Bellingham Fire Dept and south whatcom fire in a recuse of an injured person in technical terrain near lake Whatcom.

This marks roughly the 55th response by BMR this year - many of which involved collaboration with other county agencies. We're very thankful to have such great agencies to work with!

BMRC had an awesome time last evening at celebrating 70 years of service to Whatcom county.

It's events like these that showcase how great the community is and how thankful we are to be a part of it.

Special thanks to those who have donated to the unit, and to all of you who could make it out - we couldn't do it without you!!

If you missed the event or would like to order a support T-shirt/ hoodie the link will be in our Bio until October 1st!!

If you didn't already know- BMR is turning 70 this year and we are going to celebrate Tomorrow night!

is hosting us as part of there pour it forward event - which means 10% of sales at the Sunnyland location will be donated to the Unit.

Come on out tomorrow and say hello to unit members - check out our van - and enjoy a cold one!!

📍 Mission report - On August 21st BMRC responded to a hiker aproximently 1.5 miles up the park Butte trail with a right hip injury that prevented her from walking out.

Together with and Skagit county SAR, we were able to locate and transport the patient back to the trailhead.

It's always a pleasure to work with our neighbor units and this call was a good example of multi unit collaboration.

📍Mission Report: Heliotrope Ridge – 08/05/25
At around 1730 last night, Bellingham Mountain Rescue and Summit to Sound Search & Rescue were activated for an injured hiker on the Heliotrope trail. The subject had taken a ground level fall on some scree during their descent from Glacier View, landing on their right hip.

Despite the injury, they were well prepared—carrying food, water, a headlamp, foil blanket, and dry layers for the incoming wet weather. SAR members located the patient in stable condition, provided initial care, and performed a smooth litter carryout down the trail.

🧠 Things we were reminded of on this mission:

Not all phones are compatible with satellite-based emergency messaging. Know your device’s limits before you go.

Big thanks to all responders who helped bring her down safely. Wishing the subject a smooth recovery!

On Sat. June 28th BMRC in conjunction with other rescuers from the 26th call out returned to the mountains to search for the Patient's dog Remi who became lost during the evacuation.

To our relief Remi was found happy and in good health after two wet nights at the summit of Wi******er MTN- likely looking for her owner.

Remi was heartwarmingly reunited with their owner in glacier later that day.