Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe Leaves Ten Skiers Missing, Six Rescued
Six backcountry skiers have been rescued alive, but ten remain missing after an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe in Northern California on Tuesday, . The incident occurred as a powerful winter storm brought heavy snow and dangerous conditions to the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The group of sixteen skiers – comprised of four guides and twelve clients – were skiing in the Castle Peak area near Truckee when the avalanche occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Nearly 50 first responders are currently involved in the search and rescue operation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the six skiers who were rescued were awaiting further assistance at the avalanche site. Authorities instructed them to shelter in place as rescue teams worked to locate the ten still unaccounted for. “There’s no quick way for [the skiers] to come out,” Nevada County sheriff’s Captain Rusty Greene said. “They’re having to wait there. They have emergency beacons, some of them that communicate via text, so we’re in contact with them and doing our best to get in there.”
The powerful winter storm impacting California is bringing treacherous thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall to mountain areas. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office stated that conditions in the mountains remain “highly dangerous.” An avalanche warning had been issued by the Sierra Avalanche Center prior to the incident.
The search efforts are complicated by the ongoing severe weather. Rescuers are facing challenging conditions as they attempt to reach those still missing. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as they become available.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of heeding avalanche warnings, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and unstable weather conditions. Authorities continue to urge caution for anyone venturing into the backcountry.
