Eight backcountry skiers have died and one remains missing, presumed dead, following an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in Northern California, officials confirmed on Wednesday, . The incident marks the deadliest avalanche in the United States in more than four decades.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday afternoon in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada range, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Six skiers were rescued on Tuesday, with one remaining hospitalized as of Wednesday. The search for the missing skier continued throughout Wednesday, but officials have since stated they do not expect to find a survivor.
Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office stated that the eight recovered victims were found in close proximity to one another. The group included seven women and two men, ranging in age from 30 to 55. Three of the four guides accompanying the skiers were among those who perished. The fourth guide was among those rescued.
The avalanche occurred as a powerful winter storm brought significant snowfall to the region. Dangerous conditions, coupled with the ongoing threat of further avalanches, hampered initial search and rescue efforts. Authorities received a 911 call indicating that 15 skiers had been caught in the slide.
The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings of very dangerous avalanche conditions in the Lake Tahoe area, forecasting the risk to remain high through Thursday morning. The Castle Peak area, known for receiving substantial snowfall, was previously closed to the public for several years, reopening only recently.
Global Affairs Canada has stated that It’s currently unaware of any Canadian citizens involved in the incident. The nationalities of the deceased and missing skiers have not been fully released by authorities.
This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. Since , when eleven climbers were killed on Mount Rainier in Washington state. The group involved in Tuesday’s avalanche was undertaking a three-day guided trek in the Sierra Nevada.
The challenging terrain and weather conditions significantly complicated the recovery operation. Officials have not yet been able to remove the victims from the mountain due to the extreme environment. Further details regarding the recovery process are expected to be released as conditions allow.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing and snowboarding, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack. Avalanche safety experts consistently advise skiers and snowboarders to check avalanche forecasts, carry appropriate safety equipment – including beacons, shovels, and probes – and travel with experienced companions.
The scale of this tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern within the skiing community and beyond. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the avalanche to determine contributing factors and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, search and rescue teams, and medical personnel. The challenging conditions required a coordinated and sustained effort to locate and assist those affected by the avalanche.
The area near Donner Summit is renowned as one of the snowiest regions in the Western Hemisphere. The recent storm deposited several feet of new snow, creating a heightened avalanche risk across the Sierra Nevada.
