Mariposa Gazette

Popular Categories

WINTER RECREATION

Sierra avalanche deaths prompt safety warnings



A traveler in the southern portion of Yosemite National Park photographed these wet slab avalanche traces near 8,400 feet last April.Two deaths caused by Sierra avalanches on Christmas Eve have prompted snow-safety experts to issue renewed calls for caution.
Avalanches happen when thick snow layers break free and slide on steep slopes. The deadly slides can occur after heavy snowfall, but also happen in spring as winter’s snowpack melts.
Last month’s fatalities occurred at Donner Sk...

An online subscription is required to view news content on this website.

To continue reading please enter your username and password below. Not a subscriber? Please click here to order a subscription. Existing print subscribers receive free access to the online edition; current subscribers please click here to request your free access.