Research and rescue groups warn motorists in the 2017 forest service road between PentictonBC, and Kelowna After the crews responded to a high number of calls this year.
THE 201 FSR Connects Penticton to Kelowna on 100 km of dirt road, offering an adventure but leaving a little blocked.
“We had at least at least six calls for 201 only this year, as well as other roads in the forest service,” explains Jesse Macdonalds, Penticton Research and rescue (Pensar) Leader of the team.
The wave of rescues is attributed to a combination of factors, including unexpected conditions along the route.
In fact, Penticton’s research and rescue received its largest number of calls on the 201 FSR this year, with two incidents last weekend. One of them involved a group of four who put himself in a turn underestimating the conditions to come.
“A group of four came out for a short trip on the 201 does not expect to hit the snow. They were insufficiently dressed, but fortunately, they had warm covers, which saved them,” said Kelvin Hall, director of Pensar.
The crews see more and more people hitting 201 FSR, often expecting spring conditions, but they are quickly faced with the harsh reality changing the weather.
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“At the beginning, the road is well maintained and neat, with just a few nests in a poultry. But then you come in a corner, and it turns into snow. The snow becomes deeper, and it is easier to get stuck, ”explains Macdonald.
The increase in rescues this year coincides with closings of two major roads between Penticton and Kelowna. Highway 97 in Summerland was closed for the landslide work, and the WR Bennett bridge was closed due to a police incident, pushing more drivers to 201 FSR.
“It really put on 201 in the minds of people as a possible path,” said Macdonald. “It was used as such or tried to be used, but it is not a viable route all the time.”
Despite its popularity, the 201 FSR remains a delicate route all year round. Pensar remembers several rescues even during the summer.
With regard to the interview, the Ministry of Forests said: “The province is committed to ensuring that its 12,000 km of forest service roads (FSR) are designed, built and maintained as safely and effectively as possible.”
“The staff of the Ministry of Forests regularly ends the winter maintenance for 5 km of 201 FSR, from Highway 33 to the community of Idabel Lake. However, this is a resource road – it is not part of the provincial road system – and we urge people who choose to use 201 FSR to be prepared before heading to the backcounry and awareness of the displayed signaling which indicates the risks of potential zone. “
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