Two ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain were injured in an avalanche incident, marking the second occurrence of this nature within a year. On Friday at approximately 7:30 a.m., just before the resort’s opening, the ski patrollers were engaged in avalanche mitigation work when a sudden snow slide struck on Lincoln Mountain.
Avalanche Event Details
According to Joani Lynch, the vice president for marketing and sales at Mammoth, the injured patrollers were immediately rescued and taken to Mammoth Hospital. One patroller suffered serious injuries and was transferred for advanced medical care, while the other was being assessed for potential broken bones.
Impact on Ski Operations
Due to this avalanche incident, Mammoth Mountain remained closed for the day. The ski area received over five feet of snowfall since Christmas Eve, which caused safety concerns. Lincoln Mountain, noted for steep inclines, has witnessed previous tragic events, including a fatal incident in February.
Previous Incident at Lincoln Mountain
In the earlier incident, two ski patrollers were clearing snow from the “avy chutes” when they encountered another avalanche. While one patroller escaped with minor injuries, Claire Murphy, a 25-year-old, was critically injured and later succumbed in Reno hospital.
Weather Conditions Affecting Ski Resorts
This year, an intense storm brought 6 feet of snow to the area within a brief 36-hour window, resulting in significantly improved conditions for California ski resorts. Until then, many resorts faced difficulties due to below-average snowfall.
- Current Snowfall: Over 5 feet received since Christmas Eve.
- Historical Context: Previous storm delivered approximately 6 feet in February.
- Snow Conditions in California: Only 12% of normal seasonal snow levels as of last week.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is typically the busiest period for ski resorts. Consequently, effective snow management is crucial to ensure safety for the influx of visitors to the slopes.
