Avalanche Injures Two Ski Patrollers at Mammoth Mountain
On Friday morning, two ski patrollers were injured in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain, California. The incident occurred during avalanche mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain around 7:30 a.m.
Avalanche Details
The avalanche struck while the patrollers were on duty, leading to their injuries. One patroller suffered serious injuries and was quickly transported to Mammoth Hospital for treatment.
The second patroller received evaluation for potential broken bones. As of now, their specific conditions are not publicly available.
Impact on Operations
All mountain operations at Mammoth Mountain were halted on Friday morning due to heightened avalanche risk. This decision was made in light of current weather conditions.
Weather Conditions
A significant storm impacting Southern California has brought low temperatures and substantial snowfall to the region. Since Tuesday, Mammoth Mountain has recorded over five feet of snow, intensifying the avalanche danger.
Recent History
This incident echoes a similar tragedy from the previous year, when a ski patroller lost their life after being caught in an avalanche on Valentine’s Day. Another patroller involved in that incident was found uninjured.
Safety Measures
- Risk assessments are crucial during winter storm events.
- Immediate evacuation is essential for injured individuals.
- Continuous monitoring of avalanche conditions is necessary.
The Mammoth Mountain community is resilient and focused on safety during challenging conditions. Further updates on the injured patrollers are expected as their medical situations evolve.
