Key Takeaways
- A pair of ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain were caught in an avalanche while performing avalanche mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain.
- One patroller sustained serious injuries and is being transported out of the area for further care, while the other is being evaluated for possible broken bones.
- The ski area received over 5 feet of snow since Christmas Eve and will remain closed for the rest of the day.
- This is the second avalanche incident involving ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain in less than a year, following a fatal accident in February.
- The recent snowstorm has been a boost for the California ski industry, which was struggling due to low precipitation earlier in the year.
Introduction to the Incident
At about 7:30 a.m. on Friday, a pair of ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain were caught in an avalanche while performing "avalanche mitigation work" on Lincoln Mountain. The incident occurred before the resort opened, and the two patrollers were rescued and immediately taken to Mammoth Hospital. According to Joani Lynch, vice president for marketing and sales, one patroller sustained serious injuries and is being transported out of the area for further care, while the other is being evaluated for possible broken bones. The ski area, which has received over 5 feet of snow since Christmas Eve, will remain closed for the rest of the day.
Previous Avalanche Incidents
This is not the first time that ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain have been involved in an avalanche incident. In February, another pair of ski patrollers were caught in a sudden slide while trying to clear snow from runs known as "the avy chutes" on Lincoln Mountain. One of the patrollers escaped without serious injury, but the other, Claire Murphy, 25, was transported to a hospital in Reno and later died. The February incident occurred after a major storm that dumped about 6 feet of snow on the resort in 36 hours. The similarity between the two incidents highlights the risks involved in avalanche mitigation work, particularly in areas with steep slopes like Lincoln Mountain.
Impact of the Recent Snowstorm
The recent snowstorm, which has been dubbed a "Christmas miracle," has been a godsend for the California ski industry. Many resorts were struggling to remain open due to the paltry precipitation so far this year. As of last Friday, the state had only 12% of the snow that’s normal for this time of year, and only 3% of what water managers hope for in an average year, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The snowstorm has brought much-needed snow to the resorts, with Mammoth Mountain receiving over 5 feet of snow since Christmas Eve. However, the large amount of snow has also created new challenges for resort operators, who must safely manage the snow to minimize the risk of avalanches and ensure a safe skiing experience for visitors.
Safely Managing the Snow
The problem for resorts across the Sierra is safely managing the several feet of snow that fell on them in recent days. This is particularly important since the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is traditionally the busiest week of the ski season, with thousands flocking to the slopes. Resort operators must balance the need to open the slopes to visitors with the need to ensure that the snow is safely managed to minimize the risk of avalanches. This involves careful planning and execution of avalanche mitigation work, as well as close monitoring of snow conditions and weather forecasts. The incident at Mammoth Mountain highlights the importance of prioritizing safety in avalanche mitigation work and the need for resort operators to take a cautious approach when dealing with large amounts of snow.
Conclusion
The incident at Mammoth Mountain is a reminder of the risks involved in avalanche mitigation work and the importance of prioritizing safety in the ski industry. The recent snowstorm has been a boost for the California ski industry, but it has also created new challenges for resort operators. As the ski season continues, it is essential for resort operators to safely manage the snow and minimize the risk of avalanches to ensure a safe and enjoyable skiing experience for visitors. The incident at Mammoth Mountain serves as a reminder of the importance of cautious planning and execution in avalanche mitigation work and the need for resort operators to prioritize safety above all else.
