A dedicated ski patroller died performing the dangerous work of avalanche mitigation that keeps slopes safe for American families, highlighting the heroic sacrifices made by those who protect our outdoor recreation freedoms.
Story Highlights
- Cole Murphy, 30, died from injuries sustained during avalanche mitigation work at Mammoth Mountain on December 26, 2025
- Second patroller injured with possible broken bones during the same avalanche incident on Lincoln Mountain
- Resort received over five feet of snow in 72 hours, creating extreme avalanche conditions that forced closure
- This marks the second ski patroller death at Mammoth Mountain in 2025 during mitigation work
Fatal Avalanche Claims Dedicated Patroller
Cole Murphy, a 30-year-old ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain, died Sunday evening from injuries sustained during an avalanche that occurred while he performed mitigation work Friday morning, December 26, 2025.
Murphy and another patroller were conducting pre-opening avalanche control operations at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Lincoln Mountain when the avalanche struck. The second patroller sustained injuries and was being evaluated for possible broken bones, according to resort officials.
BREAKING UPDATE 🚨🚨#MammothMountain #California
Mammoth Mountain Resort has confirmed that 1 of the Ski Patrol members injured in an avalanche on Friday has passed away as a result of injuries sustained. Cole Murphy was 30 years old. Attached is a message from his family. https://t.co/ZzbS3S5Ksr pic.twitter.com/yHH2GH0zKF
— OC Scanner 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 (@OC_Scanner) December 29, 2025
Extreme Weather Creates Dangerous Conditions
The avalanche followed an intense storm system that dumped more than five feet of snow on Mammoth Mountain within 72 hours, accompanied by relentless winds throughout the region. These extreme conditions forced resort management to suspend all operations Friday and Saturday due to high avalanche danger.
The same weather system brought heavy rain, snow, and powerful winds across other parts of California, creating hazardous conditions throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Pattern of Risk in Essential Safety Work
This tragedy marks the second ski patroller fatality at Mammoth Mountain in 2025, as another patroller died in February while performing similar avalanche mitigation duties.
The repeat incidents underscore the inherent dangers faced by ski patrol professionals who risk their lives to ensure mountain safety for recreational users. Murphy’s family described his patrol work as “a calling” rather than merely a job, emphasizing his wholehearted devotion to protecting others on the mountain.
Mountain’s Challenging Terrain and Location
Mammoth Mountain operates as California’s highest lift-served resort, reaching 11,053 feet at its summit along the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains near Yosemite National Park’s border.
Lincoln Peak, where the avalanche occurred, features a volcanic dome structure with avalanche chutes on its northern face, remnants of a massive 500-meter by 350-meter landslide that created a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bowl.
These geological features contribute to the complex avalanche conditions that make mitigation work particularly hazardous at this location.
