Avalanche Strikes Sierra Nevada Mountains: Nine Missing Skiers, Six Rescued
Nine skiers remain missing after an avalanche hit California’s Sierra Nevada mountains near Truckee on Tuesday. The Castle Peak area is just 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, and the avalanche occurred around 11:30 AM local time, engulfing a group of backcountry skiers engaged in a guided excursion organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides.
Rescuers have so far located six survivors who are recovering from various injuries. Two were transported to hospital for treatment. The remaining four are sheltered in a makeshift structure partially made with tarpaulin sheets, communicating through radio beacons and text messages with rescuers. Authorities have warned that search operations progress slowly due to hazardous weather conditions and the ongoing threat of additional avalanches.
A winter storm has recently deposited several feet of fresh snow across the high Sierra region, leading to a critical warning from the Sierra Avalanche Center. Their avalanche alert remains in effect through Wednesday, cautioning against “high avalanche danger.” Initially believed to be part of 16 people on the trip, the official count was revised to 15 when Nevada County Sheriff’s Office released further details.
Blackbird Mountain Guides reported that the group, comprising four guides and 12 clients, had just completed a three-day journey. The area near Donner Summit is known for heavy snowfall, receiving over 400 inches annually during winter. Founded in 2020, Blackbird provides guided ski and alpine climbing trips across California, Washington state, British Columbia, and other international destinations, including avalanche safety education.
Since the beginning of the season, six avalanche-related fatalities have been recorded nationwide. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident; his office mentioned that state authorities are collaborating with local emergency teams for a comprehensive search-and-rescue effort.
Rescue operations continue to unfold amidst hazardous weather conditions and ongoing threats from avalanches.