WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A local rescue agency is warning to exercise care and caution when venturing into the snowy mountains following a busy weekend.

The Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council (BMRC) said on social media they responded to two separate rescues on Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15.

First, a solo skier had sustained injuries after an avalanche accident.

Those nearby helped the rescue team rewarm the skier and packaged him into a toboggan to transport to Heather Meadows.

Then on Sunday, the team responded to a serious injury on another person in the Hemispheres backcountry area outside the Mount Baker Ski Area.

The patient was also transported via toboggan to safety, then to a Glacier Fire and Rescue ambulance.

BMRC wants people to be wary of thin snow in places creating hazards and to travel with a partner with communication strategies in place in case of separation.

They also note the backcountry areas surrounding Mount Baker are not regulated against avalanches and can pose delays in rescue without the ski patrol service.