Eight backcountry skiers have been confirmed dead and one remains missing after a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe, marking the deadliest avalanche in California’s recorded history and the fourth deadliest in the United States.
The avalanche struck near Castle Peak in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains as a 15-member group was concluding a three-day skiing trip. Authorities said the group was heading back to the trailhead Tuesday morning when a massive wall of snow, ice, rocks and debris swept down the slope, burying several of them.
Rescue crews have recovered eight bodies, while one skier remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon described the tragedy during a somber press briefing, confirming ongoing search efforts under dangerous conditions.
Six other members of the group survived with varying injuries, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Two were hospitalized for treatment, and one has since been released, said Capt. Rusty Greene.
In a statement posted on X, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) said it is leading a coordinated statewide response to support Nevada County. The agency said additional resources are being mobilized to assist in the search and recovery operation near Castle Peak.
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