January 7, 2009

"Unusual" Snowpack Could Affect Conditions All Season Concurs Avalanche Expert

In light of this year's unusual snowpack, Chris Stethem, an internationally-recognized snow science authority, was brought in by Whistler Blackcomb in the wake of last week's fatal avalanches to provide additional insight into the current snow pack. His findings concur with Whistler Blackcomb avalanche forecasters in that there is currently an extremely unusual, and dangerous snow pack.

"We are dealing with a continental snowpack more common in the Rockies. This deep seated instability hasn't been seen to this degree in the South Coast region since the late 70s," says Stethem. "It requires backcountry users to tread cautiously, and inbounds avalanche control to be undertaken with extra vigilance."

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," continues Stethem. "This instability with lots of new layers will cause the avalanche frequency to increase in the short term."

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol, avalanche forecasters and operations teams are coming to terms with what this means for the rest of the season. Avalanches are always a concern in a mountain environment; Whistler Blackcomb works to control the occurrence of avalanches but they cannot always be prevented.

"The snow is reacting differently this year, and the avalanche control teams need to approach inbound avalanche control differently after each storm system," says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb's mountain manager. "Ski Patrol records where slides are triggered from explosive testing, and pinpoints areas that are not sliding, to understand daily and weekly what is happening on the mountains. This approach may mean additional time spent on avalanche control prior to opening terrain for our guests."

MacFarlane is urging the public to recognize the effort that is going into opening inbounds terrain and ensuring the safety of Whistler Blackcomb's skiers and snowboarders. "When we feel that it's ready to open, we will open it.  We want to get it open," says MacFarlane. "There may be longer wait times for the opening of alpine lifts and there will be limited terrain open in the high alpine with some areas potentially not opening for extended periods of time, but it's all with safety in mind."

The coastal snow pack is acting more like snow in the Rockies and will react differently than it has in previous years. Patrollers are working on the terrain systematically and are utilizing more explosives. Ski cutting, a technique commonly used to start avalanches with your skis, is problematic as the snow pack is too shallow to safely cut the slopes meaning that more explosives are required to effectively control.

Outside the ski area boundary, this is a pattern that could play out over the rest of the season as that persistent weak layer becomes deeper and harder to trigger. "This is going to be a dangerous season for backcountry travelers," says Stethem. "Extreme caution should be adhered to."

To dissuade people from entering high avalanche risk areas, Whistler Blackcomb will continue to designate some inbounds areas as "Closed". Anyone caught entering into a "Closed" area will face the consequences of losing their mountain access privileges at Whistler Blackcomb for one full year.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and want to communicate the danger in the most effective way possible," says MacFarlane. "Taking away pass privileges, from the type of people who are out there every day pushing their limits, is a very serious consequence to their actions. We believe it acts as a very effective deterrent."

There are no plans for Whistler Blackcomb to change policies and impose penalties on guests who ski beyond the Ski Area Boundary, which is very different from a Closed area. "Beyond boundary access is not something that we can or want to restrict entirely," says MacFarlane.  "Backcountry travel in BC is very popular and many who venture in uncontrolled areas are prepared for the hazards that exist. Those who cross the Ski Area Boundary are responsible for their own safety and need the appropriate training, equipment, route finding skills, partners and self rescue capabilities to ensure they live to ski or snowboard another day."

The avalanche safety hazard is currently high to extreme. Daily avalanche hazard updates as well as snow conditions and lift status details are available online at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.


Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests. With the landmark PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opening December 12, the return of the popular Symphony Amphitheatre, and a host of other on-mountain improvements, this winter promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver, Canada up the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway, this resort is home to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which boast  one vertical mile of incredible skiing. With over 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, 200 trails, and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with award-winning après bars,  restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four-season resort is spectacular. For more information www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

About Intrawest ULC

Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in ten resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America.   In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe.  Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com
 

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Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games