A 34-year-old man from Whistler has died in an avalanche on Whistler Blackcomb Resort. On Tuesday, April 5, at 3:55 pm, Whistler RCMP received an emergency call from several skiers on Whistler Blackcomb.
The group had located a skier in the West Bowl area of the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort that needed medical assistance. Whistler Ski Patrol and Whistler RCMP responded to provide emergency care but the man was pronounced dead on scene.
It was determined there had been a size 1 avalanche in which the man was believed to have been swept into. A complete search of the area was conducted and no other individuals were located.
Whistler RCMP were also alerted to another size 2 avalanche yesterday, April 6, in the West Col area off Blackcomb Mountain where several skiers were caught in the flow but no one was injured.
“The snowpack in and around Whistler is unstable at the moment due to the warming weather and snowfall this past week” stated Staff Sergeant Sascha Banks.
“We are recommending everyone to check your area prior touring in the backcountry or Whistler Blackcomb, know your skill level, trip plan, have the appropriate equipment, and have friends with you. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and the responding team from the man found on Tuesday.”
Geordie puttonen says
Is this a photo of the fatal avalanche? Seems pretty shamelessly misleading if not
John Peter says
The avalanche itself was likely quite small but the area in which it happened sounds to be very steep and containing many trees and cliffs that are hazardous even with a small amount of snow moving