A routine safety check turned dangerous for two ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain in California when an avalanche struck on Friday. The slide happened on Lincoln Mountain after a powerful storm dumped about six feet of snow in the area, making conditions highly unstable.
The ski patrollers were working in a closed-off section of the mountain, trying to reduce the risk of avalanches when the snow suddenly gave way beneath them. One of the patrollers was quickly rescued and was responsive, while the other suffered serious injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital.
Following the incident, Mammoth Mountain Resort shut down all lift operations, and officials didn’t say when they would reopen.
Avalanche warnings remain in effect for the Sierra Nevada, with experts cautioning that the risk is still dangerously high, even as the storm passes. According to the National Avalanche Center, large avalanches could still occur on exposed slopes and even in areas where people might assume it’s safe. Officials strongly advised against venturing into avalanche-prone areas.
This isn’t the first time Mammoth Mountain has seen deadly conditions. In 2006, three ski patrollers lost their lives after falling into a volcanic vent and suffocating from toxic gases.
Experts warn that avalanches can strike at any time of year but are most common right after big snowstorms when the snowpack is unstable. If skiing or snowboarding in unmaintained areas, it’s best to wait at least 36 hours to let the snow settle. On average, 27 people die in avalanches in the U.S. each winter, with Colorado and Alaska seeing the most fatalities.
