Mammoth Nordic Ski Patrol

03/09/2026

02/18/2026

Snowpack Summary February 18, 2026
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 10:11am (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.

Important Statement – Our hearts and thoughts are with the people involved, family, friends, loved ones and rescue personal in the tragic avalanche incident in Tahoe Ca. We are maintaining hope for the best possible outcome. At this time negative comments, judgement and criticism are in no way helpful. Please refrain from posting and sharing those thoughts on any outlets.

The Bottom Line –
Another 14” to 24” of fresh snow had been recorded at the 8,000’ elevations.

With increased snow and strong winds avalanche danger has done nothing but increase. We suggest danger for Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs especially at elevations where snow previously existed is HIGH! And possible at all elevations.

Travel in, near or beneath avalanche terrain is not advised at this time!!!

Significant snow in the past 48 hours has created dangerous avalanche conditions. Storm slab and Wind Slab avalanches will be possible at all elevations and could be large enough to injure or kill you.
Avalanches will be likely especially at upper elevations and on all aspects.
Avalanche Danger at this time is high.

For the full Snowpack Summary visit the Website http://www.socalsnow.org

We need observations please share to the center through our observation page http://www.socalsnow.org/submit-observation.html

02/18/2026

02/18/2026

TRUCKEE, CA –A group of 16 skiers reportedly encountered an avalanche in the Castle Peak area of Truckee at approximately 11:30 a.m. today. At least six of the skiers have survived the avalanche and remain at the avalanche site, awaiting rescue, with the remaining ten unaccounted for at the time o...

02/17/2026

02/14/2026

Load and go saving lives

02/06/2026

https://mammothlakesrecreation.org/mlr-news/nordic-patrol

Getting to Know Nordic Patrol: Our primary roles are to provide safety, guidance, first aid, and rescue services to backcountry skiers and the broader community. We are on the trails for anyone in need, offering assistance ranging from injury treatment to coordinating rescues off the mountain. We

02/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/MammothLakesRecreation/posts/pfbid0UaYo1h5tnenUcWEungBQYaSXR2Fx6FGNfTQFBFFT9f7Aofj5X3PVVqL1mXmgeK4zl

01/23/2026

Fatality on Mount Whitney
On Monday, January 19, 2026, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) Team received a report of an overdue hiker on Mount Whitney.
Two hikers began their ascent at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, continuing through the night and into the following day. At approximately 3:30 p.m., while near the 12,500-foot elevation, one hiker determined it was safest to turn around and descend. The second hiker continued ascending toward the summit.
When the second hiker failed to return by the following morning, the reporting party contacted the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and a SAR response was initiated.
Six rescuers assembled in Lone Pine and coordinated with the California Highway Patrol Inland Division helicopter (H-82) out of Apple Valley, which arrived shortly before 2:00 p.m. One rescuer was inserted with the flight crew to conduct an aerial search. After a thorough search, the subject was located on the north face of Mount Whitney, below the “Final 400” on the Mountaineers Route, and was confirmed deceased.
A second rescuer was flown in to assist with recovery operations. All rescuers were safely returned to Lone Pine by approximately 5:50 p.m.
The incident occurred within Tulare County jurisdiction, and proper notification was made to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.
This incident, along with recent fatalities on Mount Whitney and Mount Baldy, serves as a reminder that winter ascents are serious mountaineering endeavors, not hikes. Winter conditions leave little margin for error, and the consequences can be severe.
Additionally, many fatalities occur when individuals travel solo or when groups separate. If someone in your group expresses safety concerns, those concerns should be taken seriously.
Fatigue is also a critical contributing factor. Extended periods of exertion negatively impact decision-making and increase the likelihood of missteps and falls. Knowing when to turn around can save lives.
Please be respectful in your comments. The victim’s family and friends may be following this post, and some comments may be hurtful. Thank you!
Inyo SAR is an all-volunteer, unpaid professional non-profit 501(c)3 organization in cooperation under the authority of the Inyo County Sheriff's Office. Providing search and rescue services to Inyo County residents and visitors is made possible through community donations. Learn more or contribute at Inyosar.com/donate