Nine Skiers Remain Missing After Avalanche Strikes California Backcountry Group
Rescue crews are engaged in a desperate search operation for nine skiers who are still missing after a devastating avalanche trapped a group near Lake Tahoe in California. The incident occurred late Tuesday morning on Castle Peak, approximately 40 miles from Mt. Rose, as the skiers were caught in a slide amid a massive storm that dumped heavy snow across the region.
Six Survivors Rescued After Creating Makeshift Shelter
A group of 15 backcountry skiers, led by Blackbird Mountain Guides, was hit by the avalanche during their expedition. Six of the skiers managed to survive by creating a makeshift shelter using a tarp, but they were subsequently trapped by snow and ice. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office reported that these six individuals were rescued on Tuesday evening, sustaining varying injuries in the ordeal.
Two of the rescued skiers required hospital treatment for their injuries, highlighting the severity of the situation. Captain Russell Green of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office informed KCRA that the survivors had been awaiting rescue under their improvised tarp shelter, which provided crucial protection from the elements.
Governor Newsom Coordinates All-Hands Rescue Effort
California Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged to find the remaining missing skiers as mountain rescue teams confront treacherous conditions. In a statement posted on X, Newsom's office emphasized that the state is coordinating an all-hands search and rescue effort with local partners, deploying additional resources to support the active response.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the northern and central Sierra Nevada, forecasting heavy snowfall and wind gusts reaching up to 55 mph. These hazardous weather conditions are complicating rescue operations and increasing the urgency of the search.
Tour Company's Eerie Warning Before the Avalanche
Just two days before the avalanche struck, Blackbird Mountain Guides had issued a warning about incoming inclement weather. A ski guide from the company, stationed at Mt. Rose, posted on the company's Facebook page, noting 'atypical layering' in the snow pack due to an extended dry season that caused faceting—a process that weakens snow structure.
The guide urged snow sports enthusiasts to 'use extra caution this week,' stating, 'As we move into a large storm cycle this week, pay close attention to places where faceting has been particularly strong - avalanches could behave abnormally, and the hazard could last longer than normal.' Despite this warning, the group of 15 skiers led by Blackbird Mountain Guides was on Castle Peak when the avalanche hit.
Rescue efforts continue as teams battle the severe winter storm, with hopes pinned on locating the nine missing skiers. The community and authorities remain on high alert, monitoring developments closely in this ongoing emergency situation.
