01.07
Today, Whistler Blackcomb issued a press release explaining in some detail why the avalanche risk is so high right now.
In case you don’t know. Avalanche risk is currently on extreme. This is incredibly rare for Whistler Blackcomb. Above it being incredibly rare, it’s extremely dangerous.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU.
This morning I spoke with a friend from work who has been skiing here for years. He is very familiar with the terain yet yesterday he fell in a tree well, and started suffocating. His friends had to dig him out with shovels.
WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?
I’m aware of two deaths that have taken place due to avalanches in the last 2 weeks. There has even been an inbound avalanche, but luckily nobody was involved in that.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
This type of weather hasn’t been seen in this area since the 1970s. Whistler has called some avalanche experts in because of the seriousness of the situation. Obviously, Whistler Blackcomb wants everyone to stay as safe as possible. Whistler Blackcomb commented with the following:
This winter season got off to a very slow start with below average snowfall accumulation. A three week cold snap resulted in a layer of loose granular snow on top of a crust that is very uncommon for the region. New snow is building up on this unstable layer. “This has resulted in a deep instability in the snow pack,” says Chris Stethem, an internationally-recognized snow science authority. “This instability with lots of new layers will cause the avalanche frequency to increase in the short term.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU IGNORE WARNING SIGNS?
Well, you could die. Nobody wants you dead. It’s common to ski beyond the boundaries at Whistler. If you do, understand that you are putting your own life, and the life of those people who have to rescue you, at risk. However, there is a difference between “Beyond the boundaries” and “Closed”. Don’t go on something that is marked as closed. It’s extremely dangerous. If you are caught doing so, you will have your lift pass revoked for one full year. It’s not worth it.
HOW CAN I STAY SAFE?
- Stay in bounds
- Don’t cross ropes
- Stay away from trees and glades
- Take an avalanche course
- Ski or ride with a friend
- Tell people when you’re expected to return and where you are going to be
- Ski or ride with a cellphone
Remember, safety is the number one priority. Too many people have lost their lives on this mountain.
Be careful.