Key Takeaways
- Two ski patrollers were injured in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain on Friday morning
- The avalanche occurred during mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain around 7:30 a.m.
- One patroller sustained serious injuries, while the other was evaluated for possible broken bones
- All mountain operations were suspended due to high avalanche danger
- The incident comes less than a year after a ski patroller died in an avalanche on the same mountain
Introduction to the Incident
The ski resort town of Mammoth Lakes, California, was the scene of a serious avalanche incident on Friday morning, resulting in the injury of two ski patrollers. The incident occurred on Lincoln Mountain at Mammoth Mountain, a popular ski destination in the Eastern Sierra region of California. According to a post on Mammoth Mountain’s Instagram, the two patrollers were caught in the avalanche while performing mitigation work, which is a critical task aimed at reducing the risk of avalanches in the area.
The Avalanche Incident
The avalanche came down on Lincoln Mountain around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, catching the two ski patrollers off guard. Fortunately, both patrollers were able to be transported to Mammoth Hospital for medical attention. However, the extent of their injuries is a cause for concern, with one patroller sustaining serious injuries and the other being evaluated for possible broken bones. The incident is a sobering reminder of the risks and dangers associated with working in avalanche-prone areas, even for experienced ski patrollers.
Mountain Operations Suspension
In response to the high avalanche danger, all mountain operations at Mammoth Mountain were suspended on Friday morning. This decision was likely made to ensure the safety of skiers, snowboarders, and resort staff, given the unstable snow conditions. The suspension of mountain operations is a precautionary measure aimed at preventing further incidents and allowing resort staff to assess and mitigate the avalanche risk. With the storm that has been affecting Southern California, bringing low temperatures and significant snowfall to the high-elevation areas, the risk of avalanches is heightened, making it essential to prioritize safety above all else.
Recent Avalanche History
Sadly, this incident is not an isolated event, as less than a year ago, a ski patroller died after being caught in an avalanche on the same mountain. The incident, which occurred on Valentine’s Day, also trapped another patroller, who was fortunately recovered at the scene uninjured. This recent history of avalanches at Mammoth Mountain serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with skiing and snowboarding in areas prone to avalanches. It also highlights the importance of mitigation work and the need for ski resorts to have robust safety protocols in place to protect their staff and visitors.
Weather Conditions
The storm that has been affecting Southern California has brought significant snowfall to the high-elevation areas, with Mammoth Mountain receiving over five feet of snow since Tuesday. The low temperatures and fresh snow have created ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding, but they also increase the risk of avalanches. As the storm continues to impact the region, it is essential for skiers, snowboarders, and resort staff to remain vigilant and aware of the potential dangers associated with avalanche-prone areas. By prioritizing safety and taking necessary precautions, the risk of incidents like the one that occurred on Friday can be minimized, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Mammoth Mountain.
