High Sierra Topix

On the morning of Wednesday, June 14, two skiers ascending the north face of Hurd Peak were caught in a wet snow avalanche. One skier was able to extricate themselves from the avalanche debris and then dig out the second skier. Authorities were alerted via a satellite messaging device, and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, Inyo County Search and Rescue, and the California Highway Patrol Inland Division Air Operations extracted the skiers from the backcountry. Unfortunately, despite the heroic efforts of their partner, the second skier did not survive their injuries. The members of Inyo County Search and Rescue extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.

This year’s historic snow pack presents unusual dangers for late-spring and summer avalanches. In addition to record-breaking snowfall this winter, the eastern Sierra has had a relatively cool spring, resulting in a large snow pack remaining that is now exposed to intense solar radiation and summer rain. This is a recipe for wet snow avalanches, glide avalanches, and cornice fall.

Backcountry travelers should be wary of the possibility of summer avalanches. Snow conditions can change rapidly over the course of the day as the sun warms and weakens the snowpack. Snow stability can change dramatically over short distances due to differing slope angle and aspect. Be wary of cornices on ridges, and the development of ‘glide cracks’ across snow slopes indicating a snow pack creeping downslope that may slide.