A backcountry skiing trip near Lake Tahoe, California, turned tragic on , resulting in the deaths of eight people, with one skier still unaccounted for and presumed deceased. The avalanche, which struck a group of fifteen, is being described as the deadliest skier-involved avalanche in recorded history, surpassing a similar incident in 1982.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon announced the latest figures during a press conference on . Search and recovery operations are ongoing, hampered by continuing dangerous conditions in the rugged terrain north of Interstate 80 near Donner Summit, within the Tahoe National Forest. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, pending family notification.
The avalanche occurred at approximately local time. The group was participating in a guided backcountry ski tour operated by Blackbird Mountain Guides, based in Truckee, California. Six members of the group were rescued from the mountain, contacted by rescue teams around .
This tragedy marks the deadliest avalanche in California since modern record-keeping began, and surpasses the Alpine Meadows avalanche, which claimed seven lives. Both incidents occurred in the Sierra Nevada region near Donner Summit, highlighting the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing in this area.
The scale of the disaster is particularly striking. According to reports, the slide caught fifteen people, a significant number for a backcountry operation. The fact that six survived underscores the effectiveness of avalanche safety equipment and potentially, the swift response of rescue teams, though the conditions clearly remained perilous for an extended period.
Tahoe National Forest lead avalanche forecaster, Brandon Schwartz, emphasized the heightened danger in the backcountry, citing the ongoing winter storm. “It’s particularly dangerous in the backcountry right now just because we’re at the height of the storm,” he stated. Several ski resorts in the region were forced to close, either partially or completely, due to the severe weather conditions.
The group had been on a three-day backcountry skiing trip, spending two nights in huts while navigating mountainous terrain for distances of up to four miles. Participants were required to carry all necessary food and supplies. Blackbird Mountain Guides is cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation and rescue efforts.
This incident raises questions about the increasing risks associated with backcountry recreation, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack. While guided tours aim to mitigate these risks through experienced guides and safety protocols, the inherent unpredictability of avalanches means that danger remains a constant factor.
The announcement that eight skiers had been found dead represents a significant escalation in the severity of the situation. This surpasses the death toll of the Alpine Meadows avalanche, which for decades was considered the deadliest ski-related avalanche in the United States. The ongoing search for the remaining skier underscores the urgency of the situation and the dedication of rescue personnel working in challenging conditions.
The tragedy also recalls the Mount Rainier disaster, where eleven climbers perished in an avalanche – the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. Since that event. This recent incident near Lake Tahoe serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of respecting the risks associated with winter mountain environments.
The rescued skiers reportedly sustained varying injuries, with two requiring hospitalization. They were able to establish communication with rescue teams using radio beacons and text messaging, and had constructed a makeshift shelter using tarps while awaiting assistance. The challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions necessitated a several-hour trek for rescue crews to reach the survivors.
The investigation into the cause of the avalanche is underway. Factors likely to be examined include snowpack stability, weather conditions, terrain features, and the decisions made by the group during the tour. The findings of this investigation will be crucial in informing future safety protocols and risk management strategies for backcountry skiing operations in the region.