Major slide could hit Whistler, expert warns
Last Updated Mon, 24 Jan 2005 14:34:45 EST
CBC News
VANCOUVER - Whistler could be hit by a massive landslide far worse than the fatal one in North Vancouver last week, warns a geotechnical consultant who has studied the region.
Frank Baumann, who did an engineering report for the ski resort town five years ago, said an area between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains could collapse without warning and send tonnes of earth over people and cars in a parking lot below.
He called the region, known as Fitzsimmons Slump, 'the worst thing I've ever seen.'
Three other geotechnical reports have also warned of the danger threatening the town, about 120 kilometres north of Vancouver.
Baumann predicted that a landslide there would be far deadlier than the one in North Vancouver that killed a woman and left her husband in hospital.
FROM JAN. 24, 2005: Heavy rainfall warnings end in B.C. but risk remains
'To put it in perspective, the tragic event in North Vancouver was a relatively small slide, and it was only one report that warned of the problem,' Baumann said.
'Here at Whistler, we have four independent reports that all have the same consistent message.'
Baumann said he wrote to the Whistler council in 2003, questioning whether the municipality could hold an Olympic event safely below the slope. He said he received no reply.
But Whistler Mayor Hugh O'Reilly said council is monitoring the problem responsibly.
'Mr. Baumann is one consultant. We are using our consultants, and they've indicated to us that what's occurring is normal behaviour.'
The mayor said the problem area lies on Crown land, so he's talked to the province about finding a permanent solution.
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