Wild Snow

Front Yard at Pear LakeThey were experienced, they had the right equipment, they knew how to deal with avalanche danger. — Park spokeswoman Alexandra Picavet

Avalanches do not happen by accident, and most human involvement is a matter of choice, not chance. — Avalanche forecaster Sue Barak

John Muir (1911):In all my mountaineering I have enjoyed only one avalanche ride... [It] was the most spiritual and exhilarating of all the modes of motion I have ever experienced.

Jason Gardner: It was gymnastics like I can't describe.

Early details from the Fresno Bee.

The full report.

How to get to the Pear Lake Ski Hut.