2023/06/14 - California - Hurd Peak, southwest of Bishop

Published 2023/08/16 by Steve Mace - Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

The Eastern Sierra received record snowfall in the winter and spring of the 2022-23 season. The deep snowpack finally began its spring transition with a pronounced shed cycle and widespread wet loose avalanche activity on April 10th. Another warm-up, April 28th to 30th, caused a significant wet avalanche cycle, including isolated wet slab activity. By June, the transition to an isothermal summer snowpack was mostly complete, but with more than usual snow coverage and depth.

On the slope where the accident occurred, the snowpack was isothermal with variable depth, interrupted by exposed rock features. In the weeks leading up to the accident and on the day of the accident itself, an established boot pack was visible on the face. Public trip reports from the week before the wet weather showed consistent, supportable riding on melt forms (corn snow). 

On the morning of the accident, a solo skier climbed and descended the face at approximately 9:00 AM, observing signs of impending wet snow instability. This skier reported wet surface snow and deep boot penetration on the climb and subsequently triggered a small wet loose avalanche at the top of the path. He carefully descended the bed surface. The skier did not see the second party that would eventually be involved in the accident which occurred later that morning.

On the morning of June 14th, 2023, a party of two was ascending the north side of Hurd Peak when they began to notice signs of instability. Skier 2 reported that they discussed the deteriorating conditions and the possibility of turning around. Soon after this discussion, a natural wet loose avalanche released above the party and swept both individuals down the slope. As the avalanche ran downhill, Skier 1 was carried over a cliff band, and both parties were partially buried. After freeing themselves, Skier 2 was able to locate and extract Skier 1 and initiate Search and Rescue.

After coming to rest, Skier 2 had a hand free and was able to clear their face, dig themselves out, and initiate a search for Skier 1. Skier 1 was partially buried with a leg exposed, and Skier 2 was able to locate and extract them quickly. After assessing Skier 1’s condition, Skier 2 initiated search and rescue via their in-reach device at approximately 11:45 AM. Skier 1 sustained critical injuries during the avalanche, and their condition deteriorated with time.  The rescue was further complicated by continued avalanche threat. At one point during a subsequent avalanche, Skier 2 was forced to retreat from the toe of the debris to nearby safety before returning to uncover Skier 1 a second time. Inyo County Search and Rescue arrived on the scene mid-afternoon and was able to airlift Skier 1 to the hospital. Unfortunately, despite the heroic efforts of Skier 2 and the Search and Rescue team, Skier 1 did not survive their injuries.

Avalanche accidents that result in serious injury or death are all devastating events, and we at ESAC extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased and all of those affected by this tragedy. We offer the following comments in the hope that they will help people avoid future avalanche accidents.

This season’s record-breaking snowfall and abnormally cold spring led to substantial coverage lasting well into the summer months. This allowed for better-than-usual access for backcountry skiers and riders. However, it also meant that the snowpack had been subjected to somewhat atypical weather inputs, including intense solar radiation, summer rain and snow showers, and very warm overnight temperatures. This event is a tragic reminder that the snowpack remains dynamic and destructive avalanches are still possible during the spring and summer months. 

Overnight temperatures measured at the South Lake weather plot (9,600’) near the site of this incident remained near or above freezing for several days leading up to this accident. Increased daylight hours during early summer and the slight eastern tilt of this slope results in the north face of Hurd Peak receiving solar input shortly after sunrise. The shallow nature of this slope and exposed rock features encourage rapid warming while inhibiting overnight radiational cooling. Cloud cover present on the evening of June 13th may have also added a green housing effect, limiting the overnight refreeze potential. It is also important to note that the snow on the approach and lower flanks of the north face have a northwest aspect and are partially protected from the morning sun by surrounding terrain. Snow in the upper start zone warms more quickly than snow along the approach. This means that the first signs of instability may not be observed until fully exposed to overhead hazards.

This accident is a tragic reminder that conditions can change dramatically from one day to the next and that even a relatively small avalanche can have devastating consequences in steep and rocky terrain.