Eight backcountry skiers died when a massive avalanche swept through their tour group in a remote section of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, and a ninth skier is presumed dead in one of the deadliest avalanche events in U.S. history, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The group of 15 skiers, including four guides from outfitter Blackbird Mountain Guides, was concluding a three-day excursion near Castle Peak, approximately 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, when the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday. Six survivors were rescued after using emergency beacons and text messaging to guide responders through life-threatening conditions.
What Caused the Deadly California Avalanche?
A football field-sized slide struck around 11:30 a.m. PT Tuesday as the group returned to trailhead after a three-day trip from Frog Lake Backcountry Huts at 7,500 feet near Donner Summit. Nine women and six men, including four Blackbird Mountain Guides pros, faced one of U.S. history’s deadliest avalanches. Recent storms dumped feet of unstable fresh snow, triggering high danger warnings.
Who Were the Victims and Survivors?
Eight confirmed dead; ninth presumed lost, including one guide among fatalities. Six survivors, one a guide, hunkered in a tarpaulin shelter using beacons and texts for location. One injured skier receives hospital treatment for non-life-threatening wounds. One deceased was spouse of a search-and-rescue member. Bodies await safer weather recovery.
How Did Rescuers Reach Avalanche Survivors?
Two rescue teams totaling approximately 50 personnel were dispatched from the Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and the Tahoe Donner resort’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. Responders approached the avalanche zone from the south and north, facing what Sheriff Moon described as extreme conditions.
“Extreme weather conditions, I would say, is an understatement,” Moon said during a press conference.
Rescuers used a snowcat vehicle to get within two miles of the site, but were forced to switch to skis for the final approach to mitigate the risk of triggering another deadly slide. A winter storm had dumped several feet of fresh, unstable snow in recent days, keeping the avalanche danger critically high. The bodies of the deceased skiers will remain at the site until weather permits safe recovery.
Why was the avalanche danger so high?
The tour group had been staying at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts near Donner Summit, northwest of Truckee, at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet. The area is one of the snowiest locations in the Western Hemisphere, typically receiving more than 400 inches of snow per winter.
The Sierra Avalanche Center extended its avalanche warning through Wednesday, stating that a “high” danger level might persist. Sheriff Moon noted that the storm and resulting avalanche danger were predicted, adding that her office is in discussions with Blackbird Mountain Guides regarding the decision to take the group out despite the forecast.
Why Questions for Blackbird Mountain Guides?Â
Blackbird Mountain Guides, founded in 2020, operates in California, Washington State, and British Columbia, offering guided ski trips, alpine climbing, and avalanche education. The company issued a statement on Tuesday confirming it is working with authorities to support the rescue operation but has referred further questions to local law enforcement.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, avalanches have claimed an average of 27 lives per winter in the U.S. over the past decade. Prior to this incident, there had been six U.S. avalanche fatalities this season.
FAQ: California Avalanche
Q: How many skiers are dead?
A: Eight skiers are confirmed dead. A ninth skier is presumed dead, bringing the potential total to nine.
Q: Were there any survivors?
A: Yes. Six skiers survived, including one of the guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides. One injured skier is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Q: Where did the avalanche happen?
A: The avalanche struck near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, near Truckee, California.
Q: Why are the bodies still in the avalanche zone?
A: Extreme weather conditions, such as blinding snow and gale-force winds, make retrieval very risky, according to authorities. There is still a significant chance of causing another avalanche.
Q: Did the guides know about the avalanche risk?
A: The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings. Sheriff Moon stated her office is talking with the guide company about the decision to take the group out amid the forecasted danger.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
