Thread: Sierra Slide Catches 3 and Kills 1

From the San Francisco Chronicle

02-02) 16:02 PST Bridgeport, Calif. (AP) --


An avalanche in the Sierra Nevada killed a skier and injured two others, authorities said Thursday.


A 31-year-old Mammoth Lakes woman with a broken back, broken leg and other injuries was pronounced dead Wednesday after being flown to a Fresno hospital, said Shannon Kendall, spokeswoman for the Mono County Sheriff's Department.


The victim's identity was not immediately released pending notification of relatives.


Joshua Feinburg, 30, and Christopher J. Pearson, 27, both of Mammoth Lakes, survived.


The three friends were skiing in the back country near Black Smith Canyon in the Twin Lakes area when they were caught in the avalanche, Kendall said.


"All three skiers were extremely experienced and carried avalanche beacons with them," Kendall said.


Pearson was able to hold on to a tree until it subsided, then dug his friends out of the snow and moved them to a safer location, she said.


Feinburg was not breathing but Pearson cleared his airway and he revived. He had a large cut to his jaw that was treated after his rescue.


The woman slipped in and out of consciousness, Kendall said.


Pearson skied about a half-hour to Mono Village and used a store telephone to call for help. Sheriff's deputies and more than a dozen members of the volunteer search and rescue team went to the remote area with snowmobiles, snowshoes and first aid equipment, Kendall said.


Bridgeport is 184 miles east of San Francisco.

Positive thoughts to friends and family. Anyone have further avy details?

http://www.esavalanche.org/

click advisories.

They appear to be keeping rumors under control until they have a chance to investigate the site.

Ironicly all 3 are Mammoth ski patrol; well trained w/ all gear.
Apparently the 3 had reached a mid-level bowl at which time one of the males "J" traversed a subject slope while the 2 others stayed by some trees, out of a typical avy path, to observe. The first person triggered a small avy which in turn led to a near climax slide. The other two were hit by the slide which had an approx. 4-6ft crown over 1,000ft wide. The 2 male "C" was able to hang on to the trees while the female "jo" was swept away and taken through the trees. RIP, way too young and nice. The rest is in the article.
A really nasty base layer lurks around these parts this winter.

Several vulnerable layers that are buried deeper than most people are going to dig...Folks skiing on these steeper N, NW, and NE aspects need to be very careful. Many of the storms have been accompanied by major wind events. Really sad story. Thoughts and prayers to the families and friends.

on the website Telenater mentioned under 'incidents.'

a usfs group investigated the site and has posted a commentary.

if you head out into the eastern sierra backcountry this year, please keep yourself updated on previous and current weather patterns.

she was a friend to all and a rippin' skier. it hurts to see her go.

Picture now up on the site!