Caution in the Coast Range of BC.
Two avalanche related deaths in one week in the Coast Range near Whistler has sobered up locals and backcountry pow riders quickly after New Year’s. One in Ruby Bowl, accessed from Spanky’s Ladder on Blackcomb and the other on Harvey’s on Whistler Mountain. Both slides appeared to be size 2. Both these areas are usually inbounds and are avy controlled but were recently out of bounds and closed due to high avalanche risk and lack of snow to cover the rocks. However, just before the fatal avalanches occurred, other locals had skied in both areas without incident. Sadly for the two who were trapped under the snow, they were alone at an unfortunate time.
Conditions like these aren’t often seen here on the coast. A spell of very cold temps with little snow and plenty of wind has made for some nasty layers. Many ski patrollers are comparing this years snow pack here in the coast to the Rocky Mountains. A lack of normal snowfall through mid December, combined with 2 weeks of very cold temps have created a rotten layer in snow pack . There is a layer of facets out there and in some cases the new storm snow has ran several times on that weak layer. This layer could be with us all season. It is now buried 2-4 feet in recent storm snow. Usually we are spoiled here in the coast with stable snow packs and good coverage. This year has been unusual to say the least. The Slide factor is now made even worse by the lack of snow Rocks and exposed cliffs add to the risk. Patrollers and locals have a real fear due to the likelihood of hitting a rock in the shallow snow pack while ski cutting and then falling into the slide they just released. We have to look at things differently and charging onto lines that are usually good to go may not be now. Many locals are wondering Oh where is our beautiful consolidated snow? Our west coast cement? What can we do but wait and see,…… Right now in the Coast the right gear, right knowledge and a cautious attitude is certainly needed for this season of uncertainties.
