Avalanche closes Mammoth Mountain, three partially buried

An avalanche at Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes partially buried three people in snow Saturday morning, officials said.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol was performing avalanche hazard mitigation around 10:15 a.m. when an avalanche released. The avalanche was on the upper part of the mountain and flowed towards the High Five Express -- chair five.

Crews initiated avalanche patrol immediately. They searched with transceivers, avalanche dogs and a RECCO search. Officials said three people where partially buried but were able to free themselves.

There has been no reports of missing persons or injuries. 

The mountain will be closed for the remainder of the day.