there was two. i just got an email from WB:
Whistler, BC, January 1, 2009 - Three avalanche incidents have taken place at Whistler Blackcomb and the surrounding area in the last 24 hours.
Whistler Blackcomb received 95 cm of snow in the last seven days and has been cautioning all skiers and riders to take extra care and obey all mountain signage in light of the high avalanche warning issued by the Canadian Avalanche Association.
Wednesday, December 31
At 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2008, the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol Night Search Manager was notified of a missing skier.
The 37-year-old male skier was last seen at approximately 2 p.m. on the Blackcomb Glacier Rescue Road. The Whistler Blackcomb Night Search Manager liaised with the RCMP and Whistler Search & Rescue last night in preparation for a search at first light today. Search teams were dispatched to the general location where he was believed to have been skiing. His body was found at 9:35 a.m. this morning while rescue workers were searching avalanche debris in the Ruby Bowl area of Blackcomb Glacier.
Ruby Bowl and the Blackcomb Glacier were designated as outside the ski area boundary at the time of the incident. The area was marked with signage indicating that the terrain was outside the ski area boundary and the avalanche danger rating was high.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
At 1:45 p.m., a slide was reported in the Little Whistler area of Harmony Bowl, located on Whistler Mountain. Harmony Express lift was closed shortly after. A standard search was performed by Whistler Blackcomb patrol using avalanche dogs. No skiers were involved in this slide.
Shortly after the first slide, a second slide occurred in an area called Hidden Chute in Symphony Bowl; an area currently marked as outside the ski area boundary.
There is one fatality confirmed. Whistler Patrol and the RCMP are currently investigating the slide and more details will be released as they are available.
Whistler Blackcomb's Critical Incident Team is providing support to family, friends and those first on the scene to help them through this difficult time. Whistler Blackcomb wishes to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased for these tragic accidents.
The recent weather events throughout British Columbia have created a considerable to high avalanche advisory in many areas throughout British Columbia. While skiing inbounds at Whistler Blackcomb, guests should be aware that they are in a rugged, alpine environment where natural hazards exist and weather can change in an instant. Whistler Blackcomb's experienced team of safety experts, avalanche forecasters and professional ski patrollers do everything they can to prepare the slopes and ensure the safety of guests; however Whistler Blackcomb urges guests to be aware of their surroundings and ability levels at all times, and make responsible decisions on where and what to ski/ride based on the current conditions and advisories. Do not cross closure lines. Stay in bounds and on designated routes. Skiing in the backcountry is not recommended.
For up to date avalanche information, guests can call Whistler Blackcomb's avalanche advisory hotline at 604-938-7676 or visit the website at http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/weather/advisory/index.htm. Guests can also visit the Canadian Avalanche Association www.avalanche.ca.
