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Snow, wind restricting Whistler Blackcomb lift operations

Weak high pressure system expected to bring clearing this afternoon

Heavy snowfall and high winds are forcing Whistler Blackcomb lifts to operate at a minimum today.

Christina Moore, a Communications Manager with Whistler Blackcomb, told Pique via e-mail that Whistler Mountain lifts above Olympic Station and the Creekside Gondola are not currently operating due to avalanche concerns. Skiers and snowboarders can get up the mountain via Creekside Gondola, Village Gondola and Fitzsimmons Express.

Whistler Blackcomb reports 58 cm of new snow in the alpine in the last 24 hours. A further 15 cm is forecast for today. Winds this morning were reported at 60 km/h, gusting to 90 km/h.

Avalanche patrols were out on the mountains this morning, dropping bombs to curtail the slide risk and they continue to work as high avalanche danger persists on the mountain.

"There is a lot of control work that is required," Moore said.

Meanwhile, Blackcomb lifts are open up to the top of the Solar Coaster and Excelerator chairs. Alpine areas are not expected to open today, although it's supposed to stop snowing in the afternoon and there's a possibility of sunny breaks.