Eight Skiers Confirmed Dead, One Missing in California Avalanche
Eight backcountry skiers have been confirmed dead, and one remains missing after a powerful avalanche struck a guided expedition near Lake Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, authorities announced on Wednesday. The tragedy has prompted a shift from rescue to recovery operations, with families of the victims notified.
Avalanche Strikes Amid Severe Winter Weather
The avalanche occurred on Tuesday morning in the Castle Peak area near Donner Summit, an avalanche-prone destination popular among backcountry enthusiasts. The region was engulfed by severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall and high winds, which contributed to unstable snow conditions.
According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews received a distress call around 11:30 am reporting multiple skiers buried under snow. Nearly 50 rescuers were deployed, but they faced significant challenges such as low visibility, gale-force winds, and ongoing avalanche dangers.
Rescue Efforts and Survivors
After hours of searching in extreme conditions, six members of the group were located alive. Two of these survivors were taken to the hospital with injuries. One was discharged on Tuesday night, while the other was expected to be released on Wednesday, officials confirmed.
The skiers were on the final leg of a three-day guided backcountry trip when the avalanche, described as a massive slide of snow, ice, and debris stretching roughly the length of a football field, tore across the slope. The expedition was led by Blackbird Mountain Guides, which stated it is cooperating fully with local authorities. The company had previously warned of unstable snow conditions due to a powerful winter storm sweeping across the Sierra Nevada.
Causes and Avalanche Risk
Avalanche experts attributed the deadly slide to a persistent weak layer in the snowpack that was overloaded by fresh snowfall. At the time of the incident, the area was under a 4 out of 5 avalanche threat rating, with forecasters warning that both natural and human-triggered avalanches were very likely.
The broader Lake Tahoe region has been experiencing heavy snowfall, leading to road closures, travel disruptions along Interstate 80, and heightened avalanche risks across backcountry terrain. Officials emphasized that unlike ski resorts, which use controlled blasts to manage snow buildup, remote areas carry significantly higher and unpredictable risks.
Historical Context and Community Impact
Castle Peak, near Donner Summit, has a history of deadly avalanches. Data from avalanche authorities indicate that backcountry travelers account for the majority of avalanche-related fatalities in the United States each year, with approximately 25 to 30 deaths recorded annually.
The scale of this tragedy, involving a large, organized, and professionally guided group, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit backcountry skiing community. It underscores the dangers posed by extreme weather and unstable snow conditions, even to experienced adventurers.
