The Mammoth Mountain ski resort in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. However, the mountain's steep slopes and heavy snowfall can also pose significant risks, especially for ski patrollers responsible for ensuring the safety of the slopes.
One such tragedy occurred when Claire Murphy, a dedicated ski patroller, lost her life in a Valentine‘s Day avalanche while performing avalanche mitigation work at Lincoln Mountain. This incident highlights the dangers faced by ski patrollers and the importance of avalanche safety.
The Avalanche and Rescue Efforts
On that fateful Friday, before the resort opened, Claire Murphy and another patroller were conducting “avalanche mitigation work” on Lincoln Mountain when a sudden slide occurred, according to Joani Lynch, vice president for marketing and sales. This work is crucial for preventing avalanches and ensuring the safety of skiers and snowboarders.
The pair were rescued and immediately taken to Mammoth Hospital, Lynch said. “One patroller sustained serious injuries and is being transported out of the area for further care,” she said. “The second patroller is being evaluated with possible broken bones.”
Unfortunately, Claire Murphy, 25, was transported to a hospital in Reno, and a week later, the resort confirmed she had died.
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Lincoln Mountain: A Site of Previous Tragedy
Lincoln Mountain, known for its steep slopes, was also the site of a fatal accident when another pair of ski patrollers, who were trying to clear snow from runs known as “the avy chutes,” got caught in a sudden slide. One of the patrollers escaped without serious injury.
The Challenges of Managing Heavy Snowfall
That accident occurred after a major storm that dumped about 6 feet of snow on the resort in 36 hours. This week’s “Christmas miracle” storm has been a godsend for the California ski industry.
Many resorts were struggling to remain open due to the paltry precipitation so far this year. As of last Friday, the state had only 12% of the snow that’s normal for this time of year, and only 3% of what water managers hope for in an average year, according to the California Department of Water Resources.
Now, the problem for resorts across the Sierra is safely managing the several feet of snow that fell on them in recent days. That’s particularly important since the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is traditionally the busiest week of the ski season, with thousands flocking to the slopes.
The avalanche shut down the resort temporarily and attracted an outpouring of support from the local ski community. Most victims are backcountry skiers and snowmobilers who take their chances on remote slopes not served by ski patrollers.
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The Importance of Avalanche Safety
Claire Murphy's tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with avalanches and the importance of taking necessary safety precautions. Ski resorts and ski patrollers work diligently to mitigate avalanche risks, but it is also crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers and take responsibility for their own safety.
Here are some essential avalanche safety tips:
- Check the avalanche forecast: Before heading out to the slopes, always check the local avalanche forecast to understand the current risk levels.
- Carry avalanche safety gear: If you are venturing into the backcountry, carry essential avalanche safety gear, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe.
- Know how to use your gear: Practice using your avalanche safety gear regularly to ensure you are proficient in its use.
- Ski with a partner: Never ski or snowboard alone in avalanche terrain.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the terrain, snow conditions, and weather patterns.
By following these safety tips and respecting the power of nature, skiers and snowboarders can minimize their risk of being caught in an avalanche.