Mammoth Mountain shut down all lift operations at lunchtime today (local time) after two ski patrollers were caught in an avalanche on Lincoln Mountain. This area is known for steep tree skiing and chutes and the area was closed to skiers and boarders at the time while the patrollers controlled the area.
One patroller was taken to Mammoth Hospital with serious injuries, the other survived without injury.
They will reopen tomorrow (Saturday, local time) but have asked guests to be patient.
Due to extreme avalanche danger, all mountain operations will be delayed. We will focus our efforts first at Canyon and Eagle Lodge, however, lifts are not expected to spin prior to 10:00 AM. All lifts will need to be individually assessed, dug out and proper mitigation must take place before any terrain opens. Patience will need to be practiced tomorrow – stay tuned for updates in the morning.
Around six feet (1.8m) of snow fell in a 36 hour period at Mammoth, playing havoc with both travel and opening of resorts. The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center warned of high avalanche danger on Friday due to the heavy snow.
Palisades in Lake Tahoe, also reported two avalanches this morning (local time). One on Olympic Lady and one on the Enchanted Forest. Both accessed off the famed KT-22 chairlift and reminiscent of the avalanche that two Australians were caught in a year ago.
The resort released the following statement today.
“At approximately 10:50 a.m. today, two small avalanches occurred on the Palisades side of Palisades Tahoe—one in the Enchanted Forest area and another near Olympic Lady. Ski Patrol responded immediately, conducting a thorough search using avalanche transceivers, RECCO Rescue System technology, and avalanche rescue dog teams. After an extensive search, no injuries were reported. Earlier this morning, Ski Patrol conducted avalanche mitigation efforts in both areas as part of standard safety protocols.”
