Eight Skiers Found Dead After California Avalanche Disaster

Published: 19 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Tragedy struck the Sierra Nevada mountains of California as authorities confirmed that eight backcountry skiers have been found dead following a massive avalanche, with one person still missing and presumed dead in what has become one of the deadliest snowslides in recent United States history. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning near Castle Peak, just north of Lake Tahoe, during a powerful winter storm that had blanketed the region in heavy snow and created highly unstable conditions.

The group, consisting of 15 skiers — including four professional guides and 11 clients — were returning from a three-day backcountry skiing expedition when the avalanche struck at around 11:30 a.m. local time. They were part of a guided tour organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, an adventure company that had posted warnings about dangerous snow conditions just days earlier.

Rescue teams were alerted shortly after the avalanche hit, with emergency services and sheriffs from Nevada County mobilizing search operations that continued through worsening weather. Six skiers were found alive; two of them sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. However, the mission soon shifted from search to recovery as the severity of the avalanche became clear.

The eight deceased skiers were located with their emergency beacons active, and officials say they will recover their bodies when weather conditions improve and it is safe to do so. Heavy snowfall, whiteout conditions, and the ongoing risk of further avalanches significantly complicated efforts at the scene, forcing rescue teams to proceed with extreme caution.

Authorities noted that the avalanche occurred amid a major winter storm that had dropped several feet of snow over the Sierra Nevada region in recent days, creating an unstable snowpack. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings ahead of the storm, highlighting the elevated risk of avalanches across much of the backcountry.

Officials have not yet released the names of the victims as they continue to notify families and coordinate recovery efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed condolences to the loved ones of those affected, acknowledging the immense loss and the dangerous conditions emergency personnel faced while responding to the disaster.

The tragedy has reignited conversations about the risks associated with backcountry skiing, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and extreme weather. Despite warnings from avalanche forecasters, groups and guided tours sometimes continue into high-risk zones where conditions can shift rapidly, leaving little time for escape when disaster strikes.

Search and rescue officials continue to urge outdoor enthusiasts to stay informed and heed avalanche advisories, especially during severe winter storms that can dramatically destabilize mountain terrain. As recovery operations proceed, authorities are reminding the public of the hazards that persist in remote mountain regions and the importance of safety precautions when planning expeditions in avalanche-prone areas.

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