Squaw Valley Ski Holdings is appealing the decision by CalOSHA that found infractions at the ski resort after the death of ski patroller Joseph Zuiches.

The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration this month said it was fining Squaw $11,250 for “failing to correct an identified unsafe working condition by implementing a procedure for protection against the workplace hazards associated with hang cord entanglement during hang cord blasting operations.” The second fine of $9,000 was for “failing to ensure that all crew members maintained visual contact or awareness of physical location of crew members at all times during avalanche control activities.”

Zuiches died Jan. 24 at the resort working in avalanche control.

Squaw believes the state’s findings are not accurate and the fines not justified. The resort wants to keep investigating the death.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report