2006 Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol Deaths

Last updated
2006 Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol Deaths
MammothMountain PatrolMemorial.jpg
DateApril 6, 2006
Time11:29 a.m. (Pacific Time Zone)
Location Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Coordinates 37°37′50″N119°01′57″W / 37.63056°N 119.03250°W / 37.63056; -119.03250
CauseToxic gas exposure from volcanic fumarole
DeathsCharles Walter Rosenthal, James Juarez, and John Scott McAndrews

On April 6, 2006, three members of the Mammoth Mountain ski patrol team died after falling into a volcanic fumarole near the summit during safety operations. The incident occurred while patrollers were securing a snow-covered geothermal vent following record snowfall. This event highlighted the risks associated with volcanic gases in the area and prompted investigations into safety protocols, as well as memorial efforts to honor the victims.

Contents

Background

Mammoth Mountain, located in California's Sierra Nevada range, is an active stratovolcano and a popular destination for skiing and other recreational activities. [1] Volcanic activity in the region gives rise to fumaroles, which are natural vents that emit gases such as carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. [2] [3] [4] These gases can accumulate in snow-covered depressions, creating an asphyxiation risk.

The fumaroles in the area had been a known hazard for years. A similar incident occurred in 1995 when a skier fell into a fumarole at Lassen Volcanic National Park and died from inhaling toxic gases. A 1998 incident at nearby Horseshoe Lake also involved a cross-country skier who died from carbon dioxide poisoning after inhaling gas from one of the fumaroles. [5]

Officials said severe winter storms with a record amount of snow on the mountain contributed to the incident. [6] There had been a record 52 feet of snow. [7] Before this incident, five people had died on or near Mammoth during that year alone. [8]

Incident details

On Thursday, April 6, 2006, four Mammoth ski patrollers were working to secure a geothermal vent on Christmas Bowl run (east of Chair 3, now Face Lift Express). [9] Ski patrol had worked around the vents for years. [10] The area had been closed due to heavy snowfall earlier that day. The ski patrol had been digging out fencing that had been buried around the fumarole to prevent skiers from accessing the hazardous vent, which was small but deep. [5] [11] According to Mammoth Lakes Mayor Rick Wood, the vent was about 12 feet wide and 22 feet deep. He told the LA Times: "The gas levels were very high. When the patrollers first went to fence it off, there was a lot of snow, but the opening was quite small." [5]

The snow above the fumarole gave way, causing two of the patrollers, James Juarez and John "Scott" McAndrews, to fall into the vent. The two men's cries for help could be heard for a few minutes and then stopped. [11] Charles Walter Rosenthal, the first rescuer to enter the fumarole, carried a small bottle of oxygen for the fallen patrollers but none for himself. He quickly succumbed to the fumes and died. Jeff Bridges then donned an oxygen mask and entered to help, but was also overcome by the toxic gases. A third rescuer, Steve McCombs, used a rope to enter, pulled Bridges to safety, and managed to escape the fumes. Bridges was treated at Mammoth Lakes Hospital for oxygen deprivation and lung irritation. [6] Rosenthal died while attempting the rescue. [5]

The bodies of the fallen patrollers were recovered, and seven other patrollers—six of whom had responded to the accident—were taken to Mammoth Hospital for treatment of injuries. [5] The Mono County, California Coroner determined that the three men died of asphyxiation from the volcanic gases. [12] [13]

Victims

Charles Walter Rosenthal

Charles Walter Rosenthal was a scientist and member of the Mammoth Ski Patrol. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended Burbank High School (Burbank, California) and University of California, Los Angeles. [14] [15] He held a master's degree in snow hydrology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and worked as a researcher for the Institute for Computational Earth System Science and as a teaching at UCSB. [16] [17] He published articles on remote sensing of snow and avalanche forecasting methods and worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in the summers. [16] On the ski patrol, he served as the Snow and Avalanche Analyst and president of the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, which he helped to establish. He was known for his first ascents in Yosemite Valley and first ski descents in the High Sierra. He began working at Mammoth Mountain in 1972–73 and joined the ski patrol in the 1981–82 season. [14] [18]

Rosenthal was posthumously recognized by the Carnegie Hero Fund for his actions. [19]

Scotty McAndrews

John Scott McAndrews, 37, known as "Scotty" joined the Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol in October 2005. [14] A lifelong outdoors enthusiast from Scranton, Pennsylvania, [20] McAndrews had previously worked for Outward Bound as an outdoor educator after earning his degree from Penn State University in 1991. Although he earned a master's degree in Special Education, McAndrews was drawn to ski patrol work. His peers recognized him as "Rookie of the Year," an award he received just two days before his death. [14] Scholarship and legacy funds were created in his memory. [21] [22]

James Juarez

James Juarez, 35, was a member of the ski patrol since 2002. Originally from Granada Hills, California, he graduated from John F. Kennedy High School (Los Angeles) in 1989 and joined the United States Marine Corps. [14] He attended Los Angeles Pierce College and finished his education at a community college in San Diego. [14] He had a background in both ski patrolling and lifeguarding, including at Solana Beach, California. He suffered a serious back injury while working on ski runs that took him a year to recover from. Earlier in the year, his girlfriend, Sara Johanna Carlsson, a fellow ski patroller, was killed in an avalanche while off-duty. In addition to his work as a ski patroller, Juarez enjoyed surfing, leather work, and cooking. [14]

Response and aftermath

The aftermath of the incident raised questions regarding whether the geothermal vent should have been labeled a hazardous "confined space," which would have necessitated different safety protocols. Confined spaces, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), are areas that pose specific dangers such as limited entry or exit points, poor ventilation, or the presence of hazardous materials like toxic gases. Had the fumarole been designated a confined space, the ski patrol workers would have been required to use breathing equipment and to be tethered with a rope for safety. This would have ensured that rescuers could have been pulled to safety in case of emergency. [11]

In the immediate wake of the incident, a Cal/OSHA spokesperson said: "This is not the first time we've been at this site. The first time was in 1995, when we were looking at this exact area and helping the ski area understand why it needs to be avoided. The hazards of this location are well-known." [6]

Cal/OSHA investigation and lawsuit

Cal/OSHA's investigation found that Mammoth Mountain Ski Area failed to properly assess hazards, provide training, and implement safety measures. The resort was fined $50,000 for multiple violations, including lack of hazard evaluation, improper training, and missing warning signs. Additionally, the resort received general citations for not conducting atmosphere tests or providing proper safety equipment. Mammoth Mountain intended to appeal the citations. [23]

Two families filed a civil lawsuit against the federal government in connection to the incident. [24]

Memorials

Days after the accident, a memorial was held on the mountain. [25] In 2007, Mammoth dedicated a stone monument at the summit in memory of the three men. Designed by Larry Walker, the memorial was placed at a summit location. The site was chosen for its inspiring view and year-round accessibility. [18]

In 2016, hundreds attended a memorial service that marked the 10th anniversary of the accident. [26]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Long Valley Caldera</span> Geologic depression near Mammoth Mountain, California, United States

Long Valley Caldera is a depression in eastern California that is adjacent to Mammoth Mountain. The valley is one of the Earth's largest calderas, measuring about 20 mi (32 km) long (east-west), 11 mi (18 km) wide (north-south), and up to 3,000 ft (910 m) deep.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fumarole</span> Volcanic opening that emits hot gases

A fumarole is a vent in the surface of the Earth or another rocky planet from which hot volcanic gases and vapors are emitted, without any accompanying liquids or solids. Fumaroles are characteristic of the late stages of volcanic activity, but fumarole activity can also precede a volcanic eruption and has been used for eruption prediction. Most fumaroles die down within a few days or weeks of the end of an eruption, but a few are persistent, lasting for decades or longer. An area containing fumaroles is known as a fumarole field.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mount Shasta</span> Stratovolcano in California, United States

Mount Shasta is a potentially active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Cascade Range in Siskiyou County, California. At an elevation of 14,179 ft (4,322 m), it is the second-highest peak in the Cascades and the fifth-highest in the state. Mount Shasta has an estimated volume of 85 cubic miles, which makes it the most voluminous volcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. The mountain and surrounding area are part of the Shasta–Trinity National Forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geothermal areas of Yellowstone</span> Geyser basins and other geothermal features in Yellowstone National Park

The geothermal areas of Yellowstone include several geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park as well as other geothermal features such as hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The number of thermal features in Yellowstone is estimated at 10,000. A study that was completed in 2011 found that a total of 1,283 geysers have erupted in Yellowstone, 465 of which are active during an average year. These are distributed among nine geyser basins, with a few geysers found in smaller thermal areas throughout the Park. The number of geysers in each geyser basin are as follows: Upper Geyser Basin (410), Midway Geyser Basin (59), Lower Geyser Basin (283), Norris Geyser Basin (193), West Thumb Geyser Basin (84), Gibbon Geyser Basin (24), Lone Star Geyser Basin (21), Shoshone Geyser Basin (107), Heart Lake Geyser Basin (69), other areas (33). Although famous large geysers like Old Faithful are part of the total, most of Yellowstone's geysers are small, erupting to only a foot or two. The hydrothermal system that supplies the geysers with hot water sits within an ancient active caldera. Many of the thermal features in Yellowstone build up sinter, geyserite, or travertine deposits around and within them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammoth Mountain</span> Lava dome in the Sierra Nevada of California, United States

Mammoth Mountain is a lava dome complex partially located in the town of Mammoth Lakes, California, in the Inyo National Forest of Madera and Mono Counties. It is home to a large ski area primarily on the Mono County side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mono–Inyo Craters</span> Volcanic chain in eastern California, United States

The Mono–Inyo Craters are a volcanic chain of craters, domes and lava flows in Mono County, Eastern California. The chain stretches 25 miles (40 km) from the northwest shore of Mono Lake to the south of Mammoth Mountain. The Mono Lake Volcanic Field forms the northernmost part of the chain and consists of two volcanic islands in the lake and one cinder cone volcano on its northwest shore. Most of the Mono Craters, which make up the bulk of the northern part of the Mono–Inyo chain, are phreatic volcanoes that have since been either plugged or over-topped by rhyolite domes and lava flows. The Inyo volcanic chain form much of the southern part of the chain and consist of phreatic explosion pits, and rhyolitic lava flows and domes. The southernmost part of the chain consists of fumaroles and explosion pits on Mammoth Mountain and a set of cinder cones south of the mountain; the latter are called the Red Cones.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammoth Mountain Ski Area</span> Ski resort in California, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lassen Peak</span> Active volcano in California, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazuku</span> Pocket of carbon dioxide–rich air that can be lethal

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammoth Yosemite Airport</span> Regional airport in Mono County, California

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References

  1. ↑ "Mammoth Mountain | U.S. Geological Survey". www.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  2. ↑ Cantrell, Lee; Young, Michael (2009). "Fatal fall into a volcanic fumarole". Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 20 (1): 77–79. doi:10.1580/08-WEME-CR-199.1. ISSN   1080-6032. PMID   19364170.
  3. ↑ "Fumarole gas geochemistry and tree-ring radiocarbon data at Mammoth Mountain, California (1989-2016) | U.S. Geological Survey". www.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  4. ↑ "Global Volcanism Program | Report on Long Valley (United States) — June 2006". volcano.si.edu. doi:10.5479/si.GVP.BGVN200606-323822 . Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Covarrubias, Amanda (2006-04-07). "3 Die in Mammoth Ski Patrol Accident". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  6. 1 2 3 "Questions arise in deaths of patrollers | The Seattle Times". archive.seattletimes.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  7. ↑ "Ex-Valley man a ski patrol victim". Daily News. 2006-04-08. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  8. ↑ "Deaths of 5 Skiers Stun Mammoth". Los Angeles Times. 2006-02-06. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  9. ↑ "Remember | Ski Patrol | Mammoth Mountain". www.mammothmountain.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  10. ↑ Hymon, Steve; Covarrubias, Amanda (2006-04-09). "How Routine Turned to Tragedy at Mammoth". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  11. 1 2 3 Hymon, Steve; Covarrubias, Amanda (2006-04-08). "Mammoth Ski Patrol Deaths Hit Swiftly". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  12. ↑ "Coroner Says Mammoth Ski Patrollers Suffocated By Volcanic Gases - myMotherLode.com". 2006-04-13. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  13. ↑ "Ski patrol members asphyxiated". Wilmington Star-News. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Keller, Michelle (2006-04-08). "THE VICTIMS". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  15. ↑ Palmer, Cathy (2019-06-26). "Burbank High Blog: Charles Walter Rosenthal, BHS '65, Passed Away in 2006". Burbank High Blog. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  16. 1 2 "Geography Grad Student Dies in Ski Patrol Accident | UC Geography" . Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  17. ↑ "UC Santa Barbara Researcher Dies in Mammoth Mountain Gas Vent Accident". The Current. 2006-04-08. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  18. 1 2 SnowBrains (2020-04-07). "Remembering The Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrollers Who Lost Their Lives on the Mountain April 6, 2006". SnowBrains. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  19. ↑ Fund, Carnegie Hero (2008-12-22). "Carnegie Medals awarded to 19 for extraordinary acts of heroism". Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  20. ↑ "Scott McAndrews Obituary (2006) - Albany, NY - Albany Times Union". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  21. ↑ "Remembering Scott McAndrews with a Scholarship Endowment". 2016-02-29. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  22. ↑ "Legacy Donors". www.outwardboundcalifornia.org. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  23. ↑ "Mammoth Fined in Patroller Deaths". SAM Ski Area Management. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  24. ↑ "Families Sue USA for Fatal Fumarole". www.courthousenews.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  25. ↑ Archives, L. A. Times (2006-04-14). "Memorial Scheduled for 3 Members of Ski Patrol". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
  26. ↑ "Ten years after". thesheetnews.com. Retrieved 2025-01-05.
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