Search crews are actively seeking nine backcountry skiers who remain missing after an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday morning. The group was on a three-day trek in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when they were caught in the avalanche, which occurred during a severe winter storm affecting the West Coast. As of Wednesday, six members of the group have been rescued, while the search continues for the others.
Efforts to locate the missing skiers have been hampered by heavy snowfall and the risk of further avalanches in the area around Castle Peak, located northwest of Lake Tahoe. Ashley Quadros, spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, reported that two of the rescued skiers required hospital treatment. The rescue teams faced challenges due to the unstable snowpack created by multiple feet of recent snow and high winds.
According to the Sierra Avalanche Center, the avalanche risk in parts of the Sierra Nevada remains high. The center has issued warnings against traveling in the area as conditions continue to be dangerous. While the storm that triggered the avalanche is beginning to subside, the effects on the snowpack are still being assessed, leading to unpredictable situations for those in the backcountry.
Initial reports suggested that 16 skiers were involved, but the sheriff’s office later clarified that 15 skiers had been on the trip. Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office indicated that authorities were alerted about the avalanche through emergency beacons activated by the skiers and reports from Blackbird Mountain Guides, which led the expedition.
The group had completed two nights in huts and was navigating challenging terrain on their final day. Steve Reynaud, an avalanche forecaster with the Sierra Avalanche Center, emphasized the importance of training in avalanche assessment and safety equipment for individuals participating in backcountry skiing. This type of skiing requires specialized gear, as backcountry skis are typically wider and heavier to handle ungroomed terrain.
In a statement, Blackbird Mountain Guides expressed its commitment to assisting authorities in the ongoing search. The ski guides were reportedly leading the group back to the trailhead when the avalanche occurred.
Resorts in the Tahoe area have faced closures due to the adverse weather conditions. Avalanche mitigation programs in place at resorts along highways are expected to minimize risks compared to backcountry areas, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.
Castle Peak, rising to 9,110 feet (2,800 meters) north of Donner Summit, is a well-known destination for backcountry skiing. Notably, the summit bears historical significance, named after the ill-fated Donner Party, who resorted to cannibalism after being trapped there during the winter of 1846-1847.
Tragically, this incident marks a grim reminder of the dangers associated with avalanches. In January, a snowmobiler lost his life in an avalanche in the same region. Statistics from the National Avalanche Center indicate that annually, between 25 to 30 people die in avalanches across the United States.
The search continues as authorities and rescue teams remain hopeful for the safe recovery of the missing skiers.
