CAIC: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

2023/07/02 - California - Split Mountain, southwest of Big Pine

Published 2023/07/07 by Spencer Logan - Forecaster, CAIC

Avalanche Details

  • Location: Split Mountain, southwest of Big Pine
  • State: California
  • Date: 2023/07/02
  • Time: 4:30 PM (Estimated)
  • Summary Description: 3 hikers caught, 2 injured, 1 killed
  • Primary Activity: Hiker
  • Primary Travel Mode: Foot

Number

  • Caught: 3
  • Fully Buried: 0
  • Injured: 2
  • Killed: 1

Avalanche

  • Type: WL
  • Trigger: --
  • Trigger (subcode): --
  • Size - Relative to Path: --
  • Size - Destructive Force: --
  • Sliding Surface: --

Site

  • Slope Aspect: E
  • Site Elevation: 12500 ft
  • Slope Angle: --
  • Slope Characteristic: --

Accident Summary

PRELIMINARY: A party of three hikers were caught in a wet avalanche while descending Split Mountain after summiting earlier on July 2, 2023. Two hikers sustained minor to moderate injuries. One hiker sustained major injuries, leading to his death.

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