SAM Magazine-Whistler, B.C., Dec. 17, 2008-A preliminary inspection of the Excalibur Gondola tower that failed yesterday afternoon showed that it resulted from water that seeped through a flange and froze, causing "ice jacking." This finding means that Whistler Blackcomb's other lifts, especially those that have different types of towers, will resume operation today.

According to a press release from Whistler Blackcomb, "Several factors converged to cause the tower failure. The structure of the tower is such that two parts are spliced together. Water had seeped into the tower which had turned to ice with the recent extreme cold temperatures. The ice build-up caused the tower splice to rupture, an extremely unusual situation referred to as 'ice-jacking.'"

Early this morning, the British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA), in conjunction with Whistler Blackcomb, will complete a secondary inspection of mountain lifts currently in operation. A preliminary inspection across Whistler and Blackcomb was undertaken throughout the night by a team of 20 lift maintenance staff. After determining the cause of yesterday's tower failure on Blackcomb Mountain's Excalibur Gondola, and reviewing all similar tower structures to confirm that no similar issues exist, the BCSA is expected to confirm Whistler Blackcomb's findings that the integrity of other towers have not been compromised.

Whistler Mountain opened for regular morning operations by 8:30 a.m., as the Whistler Village Gondola and the Creekside Gondola are different types of lift installations and have different tower structures. Whistler Mountain lifts as well as Blackcomb Mountain lifts are expected to open when the secondary inspection by BCSA is complete. The one exception is the Excalibur Gondola, which will remain closed.

"As always, our top priority is for the safety and well-being of our resort guests and employees," said Doug Forseth, senior vice president of operations. "Whistler Blackcomb will delay opening some of our lifts this morning until the BCSA can confirm our findings and provide a secondary inspection. After the work conducted throughout last night by our own lift maintenance team, and a secondary inspection that will be completed this morning by the BCSA, access to all our operational lifts, with the exception of the Excalibur Gondola, is expected to be available by midday."

Yesterday's evacuation of 53 people was completed within three and a half hours of the tower failure. "I would like to recognize the concerted efforts of the Whistler Fire Department, RCMP, BC Ambulance Services and Emergency Medical Services, in conjunction with the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol, for an incredible response effort," said Forseth. "We are extremely thankful that no-one was seriously injured in this incident."

Tuesday afternoon at approximately 2:30 p.m., a structural failure on tower 4 of the Excalibur Gondola caused the gondola to cease operation. All gondola cabins remained on the line; however a number of the cabins dropped approximately 30 feet with the sagging span, and two cabins hit the ground, injuring several people. Twelve guests were treated at the Whistler Medical Clinic and all walked out on their own accord later that evening. A total of 53 people were evacuated off the affected lower line of the gondola. The evacuation was completed by 5:51 p.m.

The Excalibur Gondola is a Doppelmayr lift, and was installed in 1994. A world-leader in lift design and manufacturing, Doppelmayr lifts are in operation throughout the world and their safety record is excellent. \

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