Ski Patroller Caught in Mammoth Mountain Avalanche Dies of Injuries
A Deadly Avalanche on Valentine’s Day
A ski patroller caught in a Valentine’s Day avalanche at Mammoth Mountain has died from the injuries she sustained, resort officials announced on Saturday.
Avalanche Mitigation Efforts
Claire Murphy was one of two patrollers conducting “avalanche mitigation” at Lincoln Mountain after an atmospheric river storm dumped 6 feet of snow on the ski resort in 36 hours. The area had been closed to the public when the avalanche hit around 11:30 a.m. Her patrol partner was extracted uninjured, but Murphy was not as fortunate.
A Resort Community Rallies Together
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller, Claire Murphy, who was hospitalized last Friday, passed away as a result of her injuries,” said a statement posted on the resort’s website. The avalanche shut down the resort temporarily and attracted an outpouring of support from the local ski community. Ski patrols from other resorts, such as Bear Mountain and Palisades at Tahoe, raced to be by Murphy’s side and helped fill in at Mammoth as the resort prepared for an influx of skiers, according to the Orange County Register and posts on the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol Alumni Assn.’s Facebook page.
Avalanche Statistics
On average, more than 20 people die every year in avalanches in the United States, according to data from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Most victims are backcountry skiers and snowmobilers who take their chances on remote slopes not served by ski patrollers.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in ski resort operations, particularly in areas prone to significant snowfall. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Claire Murphy, as well as the entire Mammoth Mountain community, during this difficult time.
FAQs
* What happened to Claire Murphy?
Claire Murphy, a ski patroller, was caught in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain on Valentine’s Day and died from her injuries.
* Who was Claire Murphy?
Claire Murphy was a ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain.
* How many people die in avalanches each year in the United States?
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, more than 20 people die annually in avalanches in the United States.
* Who was affected by the avalanche?
The avalanche shut down the resort temporarily and attracted an outpouring of support from the local ski community, with ski patrols from other resorts racing to be by Murphy’s side and helping to fill in at Mammoth.
