Avalanche Prompts Closure of Mammoth Mountain; No Missing People Reported

Avalanche Prompts Closure of Mammoth Mountain; No Missing People Reported

Officers are seen at Mammoth Mountain after an avalanche prompted officials to close the area on March 3, 2018. (Credit: Melissa Pamer/KTLA)

An avalanche prompted the closure of Mammoth Mountains Saturday morning, according to the ski community’s official Twitter account.

Ski patrol was performing hazard mitigation when the avalanche came down toward the High Five Express area at around 10:15 a.m., a tweet said.

“All rescue measures are in place and the mountain is currently closed,” the message said. “At this time, there are no confirmed missing people.”

Three people who were partially buried in the avalanche were able to free themselves, according to Mammoth Mountains staff.  Lift operations have been suspended for the rest of the day to allow 

crew “to focus full efforts on the site.”

Those who want to report any missing individuals could call 760-934-0611.

Here are some shots from Chair 2 lot at @MammothMountain two hours after avalanche on upper mountain. pic.twitter.com/1hcAip1jSu

— Melissa Pamer (@mpamer) March 3, 2018

1/2 At approximately 10:15AM on March 3, 2018, Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol was performing avalanche hazard mitigation work when an avalanche released on the upper part of the mountain traveling towards the High Five Express [Chair 5] area. All rescue measures are in place and…

— MammothMountain (@MammothMountain) March 3, 2018

and the mountain is currently closed. At this time, there are no confirmed missing people. If members of the public are aware of missing friends or family, please contact 760.934.0611. More information to follow.

— MammothMountain (@MammothMountain) March 3, 2018

(1/3) 11:50AM – Avalanche protocols were initiated immediately. The first searches with transceivers, avalanche dogs and a RECCO search have not produced any results. The third stage of the avalanche protocol involving a manual probe search is underway.

— MammothMountain (@MammothMountain) March 3, 2018

(2/3) Three individuals were partially buried in the avalanche and were able to free themselves. Lift operations at Mammoth will be halted for the remainder of the day to focus full efforts on the site.

— MammothMountain (@MammothMountain) March 3, 2018

(3/3) 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.

— MammothMountain (@MammothMountain) March 3, 2018

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 Source : http://ktla.com/2018/03/03/avalanche-prompts-closure-of-mammoth-mountain-no-missing-people-confirmed/