BACKCOUNTRY INCIDENTS
Backcountry Incidents from Whistler Search and Rescue
WHISTLER SEARCH AND RESCUE WEBSITE
Whistler SAR has been receiving many calls of distress from lost skiers, and snowboarders during the last few weeks, and recently with fatal consequences. Backcountry users in the Whistler area should be prepared to navigate in whiteout conditions, have knowledge of local terrain, proper outdoor gear, a buddy capable of companion rescue, first aid skills, and avalanche training. Cell phones work in some areas, and not in others if your lost conserve your batteries. Always tell someone responsible where you are going, and your time of return, or file a itinerary with the mountain. If you are lost in the backcountry find a location where you will be visible from the air, and note any prominent landmarks, make a shelter, and stay put. Dial 911 for assitance and don't waste your cell phone batteries.
Whistler SAR would like to remind people that often they will not be reported missing early enough in the day to launch a search, and therefore stand a very good chance of spending the night out. Very likely there will be consequences to your actions.. Many tracks have been spotted from the air from people in precarious situations off the backside of Whistler mtn. Many of the incidents have gone largely unreported probably because no one knew they were out there.
Common Mistakes:
WHISTLER MOUNTAIN
-LEFT OF THE KHYBER Don't go too far left off STU inn you will be wandering aimlessly through cliff bands, and gullies going up and down all over the place very disorienting.
-CAKE HOLE South west side Whistler mtn ends at a waterfall 2/3 way down flanked by cliffs. Also a Avalanche path. Stay away if you don't know what your doing!!
-BACKSIDE PICOLLO South west side Whistler mtn start in steep terrain flanked by cliffs. Also a huge Avalanche path. Stay out don't ski off the back of Picollo.
-BELOW CAT ROAD ON HARMONY OR PICOLLO NORTH SIDE: A trail provides access to Singing pass don't miss the trail or you will be in the creek which is a tangle of logs and is flanked in places with cliff bands, and gullies.
BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN:
-BELOW 7TH HEAVEN: A tangle of steep terrain, tight trees, and bluffs, if you make it to the valley you are in the middle of Fitzsimmons creek just as it gets dark.
-BELOW BLACKCOMB GLACIER SKI OUT: A forest that isn't worth anybodys time. Flat tight trees with two knarly creeks running on either side. Stay out !!
-DECKER MEADOWS: If your going into the Blackcomb backcountry buy a map and know how to navigate in white out conditions. A wrong turn will leave you in Wedge creek for a very cold night in a creek! People have died here before from exposure.
RESPECT ALL AVALANCHE CLOSURES AND PERMANENTLY CLOSED AREAS!!!!!
They are absolutley to be respected. People have died many times ducking ropes!!!!!
Duck a rope and be prepared to get yourself into a mess of trouble.
Area's are closed for a good reason.....
Travel with competent companions, and be prepared for self rescue.
RESCUE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE!!
If you require assitance dial 911..
WHISTLER SEARCH AND RESCUE WEBSITE
WHISTLER SEARCH AND RESCUE WEBSITE
Whistler SAR has been receiving many calls of distress from lost skiers, and snowboarders during the last few weeks, and recently with fatal consequences. Backcountry users in the Whistler area should be prepared to navigate in whiteout conditions, have knowledge of local terrain, proper outdoor gear, a buddy capable of companion rescue, first aid skills, and avalanche training. Cell phones work in some areas, and not in others if your lost conserve your batteries. Always tell someone responsible where you are going, and your time of return, or file a itinerary with the mountain. If you are lost in the backcountry find a location where you will be visible from the air, and note any prominent landmarks, make a shelter, and stay put. Dial 911 for assitance and don't waste your cell phone batteries.
Whistler SAR would like to remind people that often they will not be reported missing early enough in the day to launch a search, and therefore stand a very good chance of spending the night out. Very likely there will be consequences to your actions.. Many tracks have been spotted from the air from people in precarious situations off the backside of Whistler mtn. Many of the incidents have gone largely unreported probably because no one knew they were out there.
Common Mistakes:
WHISTLER MOUNTAIN
-LEFT OF THE KHYBER Don't go too far left off STU inn you will be wandering aimlessly through cliff bands, and gullies going up and down all over the place very disorienting.
-CAKE HOLE South west side Whistler mtn ends at a waterfall 2/3 way down flanked by cliffs. Also a Avalanche path. Stay away if you don't know what your doing!!
-BACKSIDE PICOLLO South west side Whistler mtn start in steep terrain flanked by cliffs. Also a huge Avalanche path. Stay out don't ski off the back of Picollo.
-BELOW CAT ROAD ON HARMONY OR PICOLLO NORTH SIDE: A trail provides access to Singing pass don't miss the trail or you will be in the creek which is a tangle of logs and is flanked in places with cliff bands, and gullies.
BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN:
-BELOW 7TH HEAVEN: A tangle of steep terrain, tight trees, and bluffs, if you make it to the valley you are in the middle of Fitzsimmons creek just as it gets dark.
-BELOW BLACKCOMB GLACIER SKI OUT: A forest that isn't worth anybodys time. Flat tight trees with two knarly creeks running on either side. Stay out !!
-DECKER MEADOWS: If your going into the Blackcomb backcountry buy a map and know how to navigate in white out conditions. A wrong turn will leave you in Wedge creek for a very cold night in a creek! People have died here before from exposure.
RESPECT ALL AVALANCHE CLOSURES AND PERMANENTLY CLOSED AREAS!!!!!
They are absolutley to be respected. People have died many times ducking ropes!!!!!
Duck a rope and be prepared to get yourself into a mess of trouble.
Area's are closed for a good reason.....
Travel with competent companions, and be prepared for self rescue.
RESCUE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE!!
If you require assitance dial 911..
WHISTLER SEARCH AND RESCUE WEBSITE
