Mammoth Mountain ski resort was temporarily shut down on Friday afternoon after two ski patrollers were involved in an avalanche incident, resulting in serious injuries to one of them. The resort had recently experienced a significant atmospheric river storm that deposited approximately six feet of snow over 36 hours, creating hazardous conditions on the mountain.
According to Mammoth officials, the patrollers were engaged in avalanche mitigation efforts on expert terrain when the avalanche occurred. This type of work is standard procedure following heavy snowfall, as ski patrollers aim to manage the risks by deliberately triggering avalanches in controlled conditions, typically when no skiers are present downhill.
One of the patrollers was successfully extracted from the snow and was reported to be responsive. However, the other patroller sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The swift response of rescue teams was crucial in addressing the situation promptly.
Avalanche mitigation is a critical safety measure in ski areas, particularly after substantial snowfall. Ski patrollers use explosives and skiing techniques to trigger smaller avalanches, thereby preventing larger, more dangerous slides that could endanger skiers. Despite these precautions, avalanches remain unpredictable. For instance, last year at Palisades Tahoe, four skiers were caught in an avalanche shortly after the lifts opened, resulting in one fatality and another injury.
Statistics from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center indicate that more than 20 people die from avalanches annually in the United States, with most victims being backcountry skiers and snowmobilers who venture onto uncontrolled slopes. The incident at Mammoth Mountain underscores the inherent risks associated with winter sports and the importance of safety measures in managing avalanche hazards.
As the situation unfolds, Mammoth Mountain officials are likely to reassess safety protocols and evaluate the conditions on the mountain to ensure the safety of all staff and visitors in the future.