Яндекс.Метрика
2025-12-29

Mammoth Mountain, CA, Ski Patroller Dies After Inbounds Avalanche





Mammoth Mountain, California, confirmed Sunday afternoon that ski patroller Cole Murphy, 30, has died from injuries sustained in an inbounds avalanche on Friday, December 26.

Murphy was one of two patrollers caught in the slide while conducting avalanche mitigation work on the mountain amid an ongoing storm cycle that brought several feet of new snow. The resort closed operations on Friday and Saturday to allow officials to assess conditions and ensure the safety of rescue crews and guests.

In a statement posted to Instagram at 4 p.m. Sunday, Mammoth Mountain wrote, “With profound sorrow, Mammoth Mountain confirms that the Ski Patroller who was critically injured and hospitalized Friday has died from his injuries. Cole Murphy, 30, was an experienced patroller with a deep passion for the mountains and a love for his career.”





 





















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Murphy had worked for Mammoth Mountain’s Ski Patrol for several years and was known among colleagues for his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to snow safety. His family shared a message via the resort, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from the mountain community.

The avalanche occurred on Lincoln Mountain during morning avalanche mitigation work. The second patroller involved sustained minor injuries and was treated on-site. Officials with Mammoth Mountain and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident.

Mammoth reopened on Sunday, December 28, with limited terrain and lower lifts operating, including Roller Coaster Express (4), Chair 7, Chair 8, and Eagle Express (15). Resort officials stressed continued caution, warning of deep-snow hazards and tree-well dangers as the storm cycle tapers off.



“During storm cycles like this, ‘no friends on a powder day’ needs to take a back seat,” the resort’s safety statement read. “Stick with your crew. Communicate constantly. Keep eyes on your partner.”

Friday’s incident echoes a similar tragedy at Mammoth Mountain in February 2025, when a veteran patroller died following an inbounds avalanche during mitigation work on the same peak.

The Summit at Mammoth Mountain has seen 113″ of snow this season, and has a 76″ base. According to OpenSnow, the resort has seen 73″ of snow in the last five days.

The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center currently rates the avalanche danger as moderate, warning, “Avalanche hazard increases as you gain elevation into terrain affected by the wind. Cornices, fresh dunes, and cracking on the surface indicate areas of concern. You can reduce your odds of triggering an avalanche by avoiding stiff wind-drifted snow.”



The post Mammoth Mountain, CA, Ski Patroller Dies After Inbounds Avalanche appeared first on SnowBrains.

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