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Whistler Blackcomb and RCMP remind people to 'play safe'

Avalanche avoidance remains a focus of Blackcomb patrol
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Photo by www.coastphoto.com

Whistler Blackcomb and the RCMP are reminding mountain users to play safe for the duration of the season.

"Persons who tamper with mountain signage and put people at risk may be subject to a criminal investigation," warned Staff Sergeant Steve LeClair of the Whistler Pemberton RCMP.

"Police will not hesitate to recommend criminal charges including Criminal Negligence, Mischief Endangering Life or other appropriate charges under the Criminal Code if a person's actions harm innocent people."

Anyone caught tampering with patrol signs in any way, or who are caught in Permanently Closed areas, will be banned from Whistler Blackcomb for one year from the date of the offense.

Avalanche avoidance remains the focus of Blackcomb operations team; with 125cm of snow so far in April, the late season snowfall, deep snowpack, and fluctuating spring temperatures may result in high avalanche hazards and changing conditions on the mountain hourly. This could result in sudden closures of the alpine, especially in areas where explosives don't always mitigate all avalanche hazards. If areas are closed for avalanche avoidance issues mountain users are asked to keep out.

Anyone avoiding patrol or instigating on on-mountain chase will have their pass privileges revoked.

There is still plenty of snow on the mountain with Blackcomb receiving 1,374cm (541 inches) of snow so far this year.

For more information about mountain safety at Whistler Blackcomb visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/safety.