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Avalanche Strikes Mammoth Mountain, Ski Patrol Rescued

12/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Mammoth Mountain ski patrol members were caught in an avalanche while performing mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain before the resort opened Friday, following a February fatal avalanche involving ski patrollers.
Two patrollers were rescued.
One patroller sustained serious injuries.
The ski area received over 5 feet of snow since Christmas Eve and will remain closed for the day.

History

Historical Context

The Wellington avalanche in Washington killed 96 people in March 1910, prompting the U.S. Forest Service to enhance safety measures for winter sports. Recent incidents, like the perilous conditions faced by ski patrollers at Mammoth Mountain after over 5 feet of snow, highlight ongoing avalanche risks. These events drive continuous evaluation of safety practices to protect both ski patrols and visitors in avalanche-prone areas.

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Story summary

Mammoth Mountain ski patrol members were caught in an avalanche while performing mitigation work on Lincoln Mountain before the resort opened Friday, following a February fatal avalanche involving ski patrollers.
Two patrollers were rescued.
One patroller sustained serious injuries.
The ski area received over 5 feet of snow since Christmas Eve and will remain closed for the day.

1 / 2