At least eight skiers were killed in a powerful avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, while a ninth person is believed to have died, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident is being described as one of the deadliest single avalanches in US history.
Rescue teams managed to reach six survivors despite a severe winter storm that had recently brought several feet of fresh snow to the region. One skier is still missing. The avalanche, which authorities said stretched roughly the length of a football field, struck near the Castle Peak area of Truckee, about 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, at around 11:30 am on Tuesday. The victims were part of a group of backcountry skiers completing a three-day guided trip.
One of the rescued individuals remains in the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon. Survivors had built a temporary shelter using tarpaulin sheets and were able to contact rescuers through radio beacons and text messages.
Around 50 rescuers from two teams were deployed from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. They approached the site from both the north and south. Rescue crews faced extremely harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds. A snowcat vehicle was able to get within two miles of the stranded group, after which rescuers continued on skis to reach them.
Authorities said the eight deceased skiers were found with their emergency beacons turned on. Their bodies will be recovered once weather conditions improve. Tragically, one of those who died was married to a member of the local search-and-rescue team.
The group had been on a guided tour organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The excursion included four guides and 11 clients, who were staying at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts near Donner Summit, at an elevation of around 7,500 feet. The area typically receives more than 400 inches of snow each winter, making it one of the snowiest regions in the western hemisphere.
Officials noted that weather forecasts had warned of strong storm conditions and a high avalanche risk. Authorities are reviewing the decision to proceed with the trip under those circumstances. The Sierra Avalanche Center extended its avalanche warning on Wednesday, stating that the danger level could remain extremely high.
Blackbird Mountain Guides said in a statement that it is cooperating fully with authorities and supporting rescue efforts. Founded in 2020, the company operates guided ski tours, alpine climbing trips, and avalanche education programs in several locations, including California, Washington state, British Columbia, and international destinations.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, avalanches have caused an average of 27 deaths per winter in the United States over the past decade. Before this tragedy, six avalanche-related deaths had been reported in the US this season.
