WHISTLER, British Columbia — A rockfall near the summit of Whistler Mountain has forced the closure of a section of Whistler Blackcomb.
Resort officials said the slide occurred early March 12 near Whistler Peak between the double black diamond runs West Cirque and Monday while the mountain was closed. No one was in the area at the time and no injuries were reported.
Whistler Peak and the Peak Express chairlift remain closed indefinitely while crews assess conditions and determine when the terrain can safely reopen.
The cause of the rockfall has not been confirmed but scientists say multiple factors can trigger such events in mountainous terrain, including weather patterns and freeze-thaw cycles that weaken rock. Water can seep into cracks in rock faces and expand when it freezes, increasing pressure and eventually causing sections to break loose.
CBC British Columbia spoke with Geological Survey of Canada research scientist Jeff Crompton who had this to say about the incident:
“It’s a huge event to be happening in such a populated area and it’s scary and unfortunately feels unsurprising. I feel almost a little bit angry kind of like, damn it, I knew that this is going to happen and it’s only a matter of time.” –Jeff Crompton, Geological Survey of Canada Research Scientist
Researchers also note that rockfall hazards in alpine regions may be increasing as warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns destabilize slopes and permafrost in high-elevation environments. Whistler Blackcomb officials said the closure will remain in place while operations teams continue evaluating the area and monitoring conditions.
