Size 2 Sa Pattison

Whistler Search and Rescue responded to an avalanche incident on the morning of May 20. A group of five ski tourers who were heading out to complete the Spearhead Traverse accidentally triggered a size 2 slab avalanche while ascending the west face of Pattison around 19:00 Thursday evening. All five people were caught in the avalanche and were partially buried. Four were able to self-extricate and one needed to be excavated out (buried up to their neck). Crown depth estimated at 15-80cm. Miraculously no injuries and only one ski pole lost. Several other Na slabs to size 2 observed during the flight in. Please use caution this weekend as avalanche hazard is expected to remain elevated and far from typical for this time of year.