All 9 Skiers Recovered After Deadly California Avalanche
- The search for nine backcountry skiers caught in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, has concluded with the recovery of all nine bodies.
- Authorities confirmed on Saturday, February 21, 2026, that the final victim had been located, bringing a somber end to the efforts.
- The avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
The search for nine backcountry skiers caught in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, has concluded with the recovery of all nine bodies. The devastating event, which occurred on , prompted a five-day search and rescue operation hampered by challenging weather conditions and significant snowfall.
Authorities confirmed on , that the final victim had been located, bringing a somber end to the efforts. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon expressed gratitude for the collaborative response, stating, “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.” The operation involved numerous agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, the National Guard, Pacific Gas and Electric and 42 volunteers.
The avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada mountains, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The group of 15 skiers, including four guides from Blackbird Mountain Company, were on a three-day backcountry ski trip when the avalanche struck. Six individuals survived the incident.
The victims have been identified as Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada. Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, California; Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho; Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California; Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California; Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco; Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California; Michael Henry, 30, from Soda Springs, California; and Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, California. Alissandratos, Henry, and Choo were guides with Blackbird Mountain Company.
The Sierra Avalanche Center classified the avalanche danger as between a D2 and D3 on its scale. Sheriff Moon explained that a D2 avalanche can knock down a person, while a D3 can destroy a house, indicating the significant force of the slide. The avalanche path was described as approximately the length of a football field.
Recovery efforts were complicated by ongoing winter storms and hazardous conditions. Helicopters from the California National Guard and the California Highway Patrol were utilized to hoist the bodies from the mountain. Pacific Gas & Electric assisted in reducing avalanche risk, allowing crews to safely access the area.
Avalanches are a serious hazard in mountainous regions, and understanding the risks is crucial for anyone venturing into backcountry terrain. Several factors contribute to avalanche formation, including snowpack instability, steep slopes, and weather conditions. The weight of new snowfall, changes in temperature, and wind loading can all destabilize the snowpack, increasing the likelihood of an avalanche.
Backcountry skiers and snowboarders are advised to check avalanche forecasts before embarking on a trip, carry appropriate safety equipment – including an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe – and receive avalanche safety training. An avalanche transceiver emits a signal that can be detected by other transceivers, allowing rescuers to locate buried individuals. A shovel is essential for digging out victims, and a probe is used to pinpoint their location.
The Castle Peak area will remain closed to visitors for several weeks as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the avalanche. This closure is intended to ensure the safety of both the public and investigators as they assess the conditions and gather information.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with backcountry recreation and the importance of preparedness and caution. While the joy of experiencing the wilderness is undeniable, respecting the power of nature and taking appropriate safety measures are paramount.