Mammoth Mountain is reporting that an avalanche has closed the mountain. They say three individuals were partially buried in the avalanche and were able to free themselves.
They say at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol was performing avalanche hazard mitigation work when an avalanche released on the upper part of the mountain, and began traveling towards the High Five Express [Chair 5] area. The avalanche control work are closed for skiing at the time of the incident. Avalanche debris traveled toward the bottom of the lift and ultimately crossed into an area that was open to the public.
Avalanche protocols were initiated immediately. The Mammoth Mountain Facebook page continued to give updates. At 11:50 a.m. Saturday, the first searches with transceivers, avalanche dogs and a RECCO search have not produced any results.Â
Within minutes of the call, Mammoth initiated its emergency response protocols, and multiple agencies and resources responded. Mammoth thanks all the guests, employees, and other first responders who immediately responded to the scene, as well as to the Mono County Sheriff’s Office, Mammoth Lakes Police Department, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Mono County Search and Rescue, Mono County Paramedics, California Highway Patrol, Mammoth Lakes CERT and Inyo County Search and Rescue, all of whom assisted with an overwhelming response.
Mammoth lift operations will be back open tomorrow, Sunday March 4th.Â
There have been no reports of missing persons. If members of the public are aware of missing friends or family, please call (760) 934-0611.
