


As snow continues to fall, Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol reminds backcountry skiers to research uphill travel policies and check the avalanche forecasts before heading into the backcountry. "Crystal Mountain has received twelve inches of snow in the last 24 hours, with winds reaching 100mph at the summit. Resuscitation efforts began at approximately 11:05am, and at 11:15am, after no response, they suspended CPR efforts and waited for Ski Patrol to arrive to recover the victim and escort the group down the mountain. Five members of the party were successfully recovered while one member was found unconscious. Ski Patrol arrived and immediately began assisting in recovery efforts. Two additional unrelated backcountry skiers were also in the area and witnessed the avalanche and then reported the incident to Ski Patrol. Six backcountry skiers, wearing avalanche transceivers, were traveling uphill and triggered the avalanche which caught all six individuals.

This area was uncontrolled and not mitigated for avalanche hazard since this area had not yet opened for the season. "At approximately 10:50am on December 11, 2021, an avalanche was reported in a closed area of the resort known as Silver Basin. RELATED: Avalanche risks remain following first deadly incident of the seasonįollowing the avalanche, Crystal Mountain issued a statement: The medical examiner said he died of multiple blunt force injuries.Įarlier Saturday morning, the mountain resort confirmed 100 mph winds at the summit-hurricane-status winds that forced them to close the Mt. The line we've drawn here takes in 2 descents and a couple of beautiful up tracks through peaceful forests.The person killed in the avalanche was identified as 66-year-old Robert Weisel of Issaquah. Many people ski tour here for fitness and if you come on a winter's evening you're unlikely to be the only person mad enough to be doing a few laps in the dark! Crystal is also a good spot to learn and practise basic touring skills, and the Okanagan section of the Alpine Club of Canada often do avalanche rescue practise here. There are countless ways of skinning up and skiing down Crystal and the terrain is all super mellow so there's essentially zero avalanche risk, and no shortage of options. The area is reached via a snowy drive up from Westbank, and the locals keep the parking lot ploughed so you can drive right up to the slopes.
