At least eight backcountry skiers have been confirmed dead and one person remains missing after a massive avalanche struck the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday morning.
Authorities said the avalanche occurred during a severe winter storm that produced heavy snowfall and high winds, leading to unstable snowpack conditions.
The avalanche tore through the Castle Peak area as heavy snow and gale-force winds battered the region, hampering rescue operations.
Six skiers were located and rescued by Tuesday evening, with two taken to a hospital for treatment. However, nine others remained missing, and rescue efforts continued amid blizzard-like conditions.
The avalanche hit around 11:30 a.m. as a group of 15 backcountry skiers — including four guides and clients of Blackbird Mountain Guides on a three-day trek — was returning to the trailhead in rugged Sierra Nevada terrain.
The Reno Gazette-Journal continued:
On its website Tuesday night, the outfitter posted that, “The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has informed Blackbird Mountain Guides they will be taking the lead on all direct communications and status updates from this point to ensure families rapidly receive the most current details.”
The company said it, “remains fully engaged in assisting the search and rescue efforts on the ground as we navigate this incredibly difficult situation alongside those involved.”
The avalanche hit during the strongest winter storm of the year for the Lake Tahoe area. Strong winds and blowing snow closed Interstate 80 over the Donner Pass as up to 30 inches of snow was reported. Overnight temperatures Tuesday were expected to drop to the low teens.
Interstate 80 eastbound remained closed over Donner Summit on Wednesday morning.
Search and rescue teams, including volunteer groups, are navigating deep snow, poor visibility, and the threat of additional avalanches, which have slowed progress and heightened danger for responders.
Authorities have issued avalanche warnings for large swaths of the Sierra Nevada, citing rapidly accumulating snow on weak layers of the snowpack that make the terrain highly unstable. The National Weather Service has forecast continued high avalanche danger through at least Thursday, Feb. 19.
Officials plan further updates as conditions allow and have urged backcountry travelers to avoid high-risk areas while search operations for the last missing skier continue.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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