SAM Magazine-Whistler, B.C., Dec. 17, 2008-The British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA), B.C.'s independent auditor on passenger ropeway systems, has given approval for Whistler Blackcomb to continue regular operations on its mountain lifts, with the exception of the Excalibur Gondola.

"Preliminary inspection by BC safety officers has determined that this was an isolated incident of water contamination in a tower tube, which caused a tower joint flange to fail due to ice jacking," said Greg Paddon, safety manager from the BC Safety Authority. "There is no justification at this time that other installations operating at Whistler Blackcomb have been effected by a similar failure; the BC Safety Authority does not anticipate rescinding operating permits on any lifts currently operating at Whistler Blackcomb other than the upper and lower Excalibur Gondola. Investigation into the incident continues on both the lower and upper Excalibur Gondola."

Following BCSA's inspection, Whistler Blackcomb resumed operation of the Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz's Chair, in addition to the Whistler Village Gondola and the Creekside Gondola on Whistler Mountain, along with Wizard Express, Solar Coaster and Excelerator on Blackcomb. Crews have moved to the Jersey Cream Express and Glacier Express on Blackcomb, and those lifts are expected to be cleared shortly.

A structural failure on tower 4 of the Excalibur Gondola Dec. 16 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 failure was caused by ice jacking. Water had seeped into the two-part tower and had turned to ice with recent cold temperatures. The ice build-up pushed up on the flange where the two pices of the tower were joined and caused the tower splice to rupture.

Further investigation by a team of lift manufacturer and independent engineering experts will take place this afternoon. \

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