Mammoth Mountain ceased operations when two ski patrollers were involved in an avalanche while attempting to clear expert terrain after receiving six feet of snow from a storm. One patroller was responsive post-extraction, while the other suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization. The incident underscores the inherent dangers in avalanche mitigation work, where despite efforts to trigger controlled conditions, avalanches remain unpredictable. Historically, avalanches cause over 20 fatalities each year in the U.S., primarily among backcountry enthusiasts without the safety measures ski patrols provide.
Mammoth Mountain closed temporarily after ski patrollers were injured in an avalanche during avalanche mitigation work following a recent storm dumping six feet of snow.
Ski patrollers aim to enhance safety by deliberately triggering avalanches, but the unpredictability of these events can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
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