Today there was an unexpected avalanche on Whistler Mountain with no involvement. The event occurred on "Horseshoe 7" in the Harmony Bowl, an area that is currently outside of the ski area boundary. The avalanche was naturally triggered, likely by a cornice fall this morning, on a slope that had been tested earlier in the week with explosives. The slope aspect is NW, 45 degrees and rocky. The avalanche was 10-15m wide x 50-150cm deep x 150m long, a small size 2, suspected to have failed on the Dec. crust. Overnight there had been a good crust recovery and it was still well before the warmest part of the day when the event occurred. The Peak Chair was closed for the day shortly afterwards.
Be careful in the backcountry, as it seems this persistent weak layer might be waking up, particularly with the rising temperatures forecast for the remainder of the week.
Alex Geary
ACMG Assistant Ski Guide
Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol
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These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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