Massive avalanche at Mammoth Mountain is a reminder of the danger lurking in the snow

Forecaster urged skiers at Mammoth Mountain to be more cautious than usual. An advisory posted by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center in Mammoth Lakes warned that considerable avalanche danger persisted Sunday. Above, a Mammoth skier Sunday.

Skiers at Mammoth on Sunday. The incident shows that avalanche mitigation remains an inexact science, experts say, with explosions used to clear hazards sometimes sending snow farther downhill than anticipated.

Skiers and boarders on Mammoth Mountain but some terrain remains closed after an avalanche Saturday in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

Skiers looked for powder stashes on Mammoth Mountain, but some terrain remains closed after an avalanche Saturday in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

Untracked powder under Chair 5 on Mammoth Mountain as the lift remains closed after an avalanche Saturday in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

Alpine team member Eric Smith relocates closed markers as some on Mammoth Mountain remains closed after an avalanche Saturday in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.