Item: AVALANCHE RISK MANAGEMENT AT WHISTLER MOUNTAIN UTILIZING STRATEGIC MINDSET AND DE-BIASING STRATEGIES
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Title: AVALANCHE RISK MANAGEMENT AT WHISTLER MOUNTAIN UTILIZING STRATEGIC MINDSET AND DE-BIASING STRATEGIES
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Timothy R. Haggerty [ Whistler Mountain Avalanche Forecaster, Whistler BC, Canada ]
- Darren Saul [ Whistler Mountain Avalanche Forecaster, Whistler BC, Canada ]
- Nicole Koshure [ Blackcomb Mountain Avalanche Forecaster, Whistler BC, Canada ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: With over two million annual skier visits, and an operational season that runs from November to May and switches to an industrial forecasting program in the off-season; Whistler Mountain has one of the largest ski resort avalanche risk management and mitigation programs in North America. High level expectations of avalanche safety within the ski resort while operating in constantly changing complex alpine terrain due to glacial recession and subsequent large rockfalls has created a new operational challenge, due to the reduced relevance of historical avalanche observations. This coupled with the increased frequency of extreme weather events producing large storm cycles with heavy precipitation, fluctuating freezing levels, and strong-to-extreme winds, adds to the creation of persistent weak layers (PWL), often resulting in large avalanches within the ski resort. Further to changing terrain and weather patterns, large turnover in operational staff has created constraints on the program and has influenced timely lift access, the availability of avalanche mitigation resources and influenced avalanche technician experience. As a result, the program has had to significantly adapt to continue to provide safety for staff and guests while maximizing operational efficiencies. Despite these challenges, risk management strategies at Whistler Mountain are constantly evolving, and the program continues to adapt to this dynamic environment through changes in policies and procedures. This paper aims to illustrate one such adaptation, the inclusion of the strategic mindset in daily forecasts which uses inflection points to help de-bias this large avalanche program. This coupled with a daily reflection and debriefing process has helped to improve communication, strengthen mentorship, and create consistency within our large and ever-changing program.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P2.64.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790099076
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Tim Haggerty
Keywords: Ski resort avalanche forecasting, risk management, strategic mindset, de-biasing, reflection, mentorship
Page Number(s): 2459 - 2466
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