The search continues for a missing Cranbrook woman in the Jumbo Pass area.

Columbia Valley RCMP along with 25 search and rescue members from Columbia Valley, Golden, Cranbrook, Kimberley and Creston are currently on scene in the Jumbo Pass area, conducting a search for Louise Baxter, 52.

She had been with a group of six people who were hiking in the area. Louise, an experienced hiker, reportedly took her dog for a short walk by herself on Sunday, (Aug. 12) and when she didn’t return police were contacted.

The call for assistance was received on Monday, August 13, through a SPOT activation.

“Searching is being done with the aid of helicopters due to the inaccessibility. The area is also steep and treacherous making searching difficult,” reported Sgt. Darren Kakuno, Columbia Valley RCMP Detachment commander.

Three helicopters were used to transport teams due the steep terrain. An RCMP drone was also used to search dangerous and inaccessible areas. Three search dogs are also on scene and a fourth is en route, reported Sgt. Chris Newel of Kimberley RCMP.

Louise was last seen wearing a burgundy jacket with blue jacket underneath and grey hiking pants.  On a leash with her was her dog, a golden poodle. Witnesses say she was dressed for the conditions, but not equipped for the night.

Louise Baxter is described as: Caucasian female; 170 cm (5”7”) tall; 70 kg (155 lbs); Brown eyes; Brown hair.

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue tweeted this afternoon that it is getting questions about volunteering to help in the search.

“Opportunity is limited due to location, access, and terrain. Those willing can meet at RK Heliplex tomorrow (August 15) at 9:30 a.m., prepared to be self reliant with proper footwear, clothing, food and water etc.” SAR tweeted. The heli-plex is located at Panorama Mountain Resort.

Lead image: Columbia Valley Search and Rescue are basing helicopter search operations from RK Heli-Ski at Panorama. Photo courtesy Sgt. Chris Newel/Kimberley RCMP

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