Eight Backcountry Skiers Killed, One Missing in California Avalanche

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (Journos News) – Crews in Northern California have recovered the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe and are continuing the search for one more after they were caught in a massive avalanche, authorities said Wednesday. The incident marks the deadliest avalanche in the United States since 1981.

Officials reported that the skiers had little time to react when the avalanche struck on Tuesday morning during a three-day trek in the Sierra Nevada. Six participants were rescued about six hours after the slide, while the remaining victims, including three guides, were found nearby. Ages of the deceased and missing range from 30 to 55.

Nevada County authorities confirmed that extreme winter conditions, including three to six feet of snow, subfreezing temperatures, and high winds, complicated rescue efforts. Investigators are reviewing the decision to proceed with the trip despite an avalanche watch issued Sunday and upgraded to a warning hours before the incident.

Avalanche Strikes Backcountry Skiers Quickly

Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene of the Nevada County sheriff’s office said someone in the group shouted “Avalanche!” just before the snow swept over them. The skiers were on their final day of a backcountry expedition organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, returning from huts near Frog Lake.

All participants had emergency beacons, and at least one guide was able to send texts during the incident. Rescuers, guided by these signals and a snowcat vehicle, reached the survivors after carefully skiing in to avoid triggering further slides. One of the rescued remains hospitalized.

Challenging Winter Conditions Hamper Recovery

Authorities described the snowpack in the area as unstable and unpredictable. The Sierra Avalanche Center warned of ongoing avalanche risks on Wednesday, emphasizing the steep and rugged terrain around Donner Summit, one of the snowiest locations in the Western Hemisphere.

Survivors sheltered themselves in the snow while waiting for help, locating three of the deceased during the delay. Rescuers have not yet been able to remove the victims from the mountain due to hazardous conditions.

Historical Context and Safety Concerns

The Donner Summit region, historically closed for nearly a century, reopened in 2020 under the Truckee Donner Land Trust, which manages huts used by the group. The area averages nearly 35 feet of snowfall annually, and the current storm had raised concerns about avalanche risk days in advance.

This event is the second fatal avalanche near Castle Peak this year, following a January incident involving a snowmobiler. Each winter, avalanches claim 25 to 30 lives in the United States, according to the National Avalanche Center.

Sheriff Shannan Moon emphasized the emotional toll on families and rescuers. “They’re still reeling. I could not imagine what they’re going through,” she said, explaining the need to withhold victims’ names until relatives are notified.

The incident highlights ongoing risks for backcountry skiers, even for those with experience and safety equipment, as unpredictable winter conditions continue to affect mountainous regions across the West Coast.