Over this past winter break in Mammoth Mountain, California, a series of avalanches occurred on December 26 causing the mountain to close down. Tragically, a ski patroller died from an intense avalanche. Karolina Bonilla ‘28 experienced the tragedy firsthand on her ski trip.

The Tragedy

“Chaotic, powerful, and deadly,” Bonilla says. “These three words align perfectly considering the damage this horrible situation caused. One person got seriously injured and was taken to the hospital in severe and critical condition. One patrolman died after getting caught in the avalanche, unable to make it out. That took a major toll on the mountain.”

Sadly, a ski patroller for the mountain was in critical condition and died shortly after. Mammoth Mountain reports, “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.”

Murphy’s ski patrol family shaped who he was, gave him his confidence, and shared a bond shaped by snow, service, and unwavering camaraderie, according to his family. His family noted, “That brotherhood meant more to him than words can ever express.”

Mountain Closure Effects

Karolina Bonilla reports that the mountain was closed for two days, and once all the lifts reopened, the lines were chaotic. Bonilla explains, “Some lines were short, while others took around 30–45 minutes just to get on.” Upsetting some, and making others anxious, everyone was happy overall to finally be able to go back on the slopes for some ski and snowboard time.

NBC Los Angeles reports that the ski area would be closed until Saturday, December 27.

Future for Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain will take caution against avalanches by creating diversion structures, dams, retarding structures, and zone structure designs to ensure safety for their people. Make sure to always look out for safety signs and stay on the slope’s paths to be safe next time you head up to the snow. Even though they have experienced an unfortunate amount of damage, their slopes are back to normal, and ready to be visited by tourists.