Mammoth Mountain shut down as avalanche injures 2 ski patrollers after rapid snowfall

MAMMOTH LAKES, CALIFORNIA: Mammoth Mountain in Eastern California is grappling with extreme winter conditions after a powerful storm dumped more than five feet of snow in just 72 hours, forcing the resort to shut down amid avalanche danger. Footage from the region shows towering snowdrifts while the residents struggle to clear the snow.

Mammoth Mountain has received more than 5 feet of snow since December 23

More than 5 feet of snow has been dumped on Mammoth, California, in just the past 72 hours, after which the mountain has been closed. 

The sign at the top of the mountain, which stands 24 feet tall, is nearly covered with snow.

According to the California Department of Water Resources, 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.

Videos emerged from the region showing residents clearing the snow from the roads and vehicles struggling to move forward.

Ski patrollers injured in avalanche

At about 7.30 am on Friday, December 26, for the second time in less than a year, two ski patrollers were caught in an avalanche. 

According to Joani Lynch, vice president for marketing and sales, the two were performing "avalanche mitigation work" when a sudden slide occurred on Lincoln Mountain, before the resort in eastern California opened.

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."

The avalanche occurred on Lincoln Mountain following an intense winter storm that dumped more than five feet of snow on the resort since December 23.

The ski area, which has received more than 5 feet of snow since Christmas Eve, will remain closed for the rest of the day, she said.

Mammoth Mountain braces for more hazardous conditions

The incident comes as Mammoth Mountain faces intense winter conditions, with powder snow, a 44-inch base at Main Lodge, and heavy snowfall in the forecast.

Weather officials warn of up to 18 inches of additional snow, strong winds with gusts up to 55 mph, freezing fog, and a 90% chance of precipitation.