Skier Tragically Killed By Summer Avalanche

Ian Greenwood
·1 min read
8

Earlier this week, June 14th, a backcountry skier was killed by an avalanche on the north face of Hurd Peak, a mountain in the Bishop Area of California's Sierra Nevada Range.

Inyo County Search And Rescue, which participated in recovery efforts, uploaded a detailed report of the incident yesterday, Thursday, June 15th.

The now-deceased skier was ascending the north face of Hurd Peak with a partner on the morning of June 14th when a wet loose avalanche released above the party.

Both skiers were caught and buried by the avalanche. One, who survived, managed to dig themself out, notify local rescue teams via a satellite messaging device, and successfully extricate the second, still-buried skier. However, the second skier ultimately succumbed to their injuries after being recovered from the avalanche debris.

The Inyo County Sheriff's Office, Inyo County Search and Rescue, and the California Highway Patrol Inland Division Air Operations removed both skiers from the backcountry.

According to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC), "Initial reports suggest this was a naturally occurring loose wet avalanche D2 in size." ESAC intends to investigate the avalanche site and publish a full report in the coming days.

A historically deep snowpack in the Sierra Nevada range and relatively cool temperatures have made backcountry travel in the area this spring and early summer unusually risky.

"This is a recipe for wet snow avalanches, glide avalanches, and cornice fall. Backcountry travelers should be wary of the possibility of summer avalanches," wrote Inyo County Search and Rescue in its incident report, describing the uniquely dangerous snow conditions.

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