Whistler Skiers Reveal Depth Of Deceiving Tree Wells

Several snow-dense storms have barraged Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, in the past several weeks, creating magnificent skiing conditions and increasing the risk of snow-borne hazards like tree wells.

In a recent Reddit post, a pair of skiers investigated the depth of the tree wells Whistler Blackcomb. Their findings? Even a small tree had a well around six and a half feet deep.

One note. Since Whistler Blackcomb picked up multiple feet of powder, the temperatures skyrocketed, cooking the snow and likely reducing the risk of tree wells. Still, in shaded areas that receive less sun, imposing tree wells may remain on the resort's piste.

Tree wells are holes formed when new snow builds around the base of a tree but doesn't consolidate next to the trunk or lower branches. Skiers can plunge deep into these wells if they fall in the wrong place, becoming buried and, in some cases, suffocating. The danger of suffocation is much higher during headfirst falls.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide states that 4.6 skiers die a year from snow immersion suffocation (SIS) at United States ski resorts. Tree wells are a potential culprit of SIS, as are falls in deep, loose snow away from the trees.

Like avalanches, tree wells pose the greatest risk during or just after heavy snowfall, according to a blog post from Whistler Blackcomb. "In general terms, the more fresh snow, the higher the risk," the blog post reads.