Three Skiers Caught, 1 Killed In Summer Avalanche
The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) announced yesterday that a party of three hikers was caught in an avalanche while descending Split Mountain near Big Pine, California, on July 2nd.
Two hikers suffered minor to moderate injuries, whereas one was killed in the avalanche after sustaining severe injuries.
ESAC reports that the incident took place at 12,500 feet and involved a wet loose avalanche -- a type of avalanche that typically occurs during warmer weather.
After the slide, the surviving hikers contacted the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, which deployed a Search and Rescue team.
Details of the incident are still scarce, although ESAC speculates that the avalanche was small but dragged the hikers through dangerous, rocky terrain. No one was buried.
This is the second avalanche fatality in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the last month.
In the Instagram post, ESAC posted a reminder that although avalanche activity is more manageable during the summer, wet slides still present a distinct risk:
"Loose, unconsolidated snow on the surface and the lack of a refreeze overnight mean that wet loose avalanches may be very easy to initiate, and arresting a fall in steep terrain may be very difficult... If you decide to venture into the backcountry keep in mind that avalanches are not reserved for the winter season, if there is snow on the ground avalanche activity is possible."
Our deepest condolences are with the family of the deceased. And, as always, please stay safe out there, folks.
For more information on the avalanche from ESAC, click here.
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