A deadly Sierra Nevada avalanche in California has claimed at least eight lives, with a ninth person presumed dead, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The tragedy occurred near Truckee, about 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, making it one of the deadliest single avalanches in US history.
The avalanche struck around 11:30 am Pacific time on Tuesday in the Castle Peak area. It engulfed a group of backcountry skiers who were completing a three-day guided excursion.
According to Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon, rescuers on skis reached six survivors despite severe winter weather. One of the rescued skiers remains hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.
Sierra Nevada Avalanche California Skiers: What Happened
The avalanche stretched roughly the length of a football field. The group had sought shelter using tarpaulin sheets and stayed in contact with rescuers through radio beacons and text messages.
Two rescue teams, totalling about 50 members, approached from both the north and south. A snowcat transported rescuers within two miles of the site, after which they skied the remaining distance through blinding snow and gale-force winds.
A rescue team saved six skiers after an avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, but nine skiers remain missing https://t.co/vUkC7qu2RT pic.twitter.com/hJ5oil8AtX
— Reuters (@Reuters) February 18, 2026Authorities said the eight deceased skiers were found with their beacons active. Recovery of the bodies will proceed when weather conditions allow.
The group had been on a guided trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides. The tour included four guides and 11 clients staying at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts near Donner Summit, at approximately 7,500 feet.
Sheriff Moon noted that weather forecasts had widely predicted the intense storm and heightened avalanche danger. Her office is in discussions with the guide company about whether to proceed with the excursion.
The Sierra Avalanche Centre extended its avalanche warning, stating that a “great” danger level could continue through Wednesday.
Rescuers race to save 6 skiers trapped in Sierra Nevada avalanche that's left 9 more missing https://t.co/iyfG9MJtOR pic.twitter.com/tMp0jqwlr7
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) February 18, 2026Blackbird Mountain Guides said it is cooperating with authorities and supporting rescue efforts. The company, founded in 2020, operates guided ski and alpine trips in multiple locations.
The Sierra Nevada region is known for heavy snowfall, often receiving more than 400 inches in a typical winter. Such conditions can increase avalanche risks, particularly during intense storms.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Centre, avalanches have caused an average of 27 deaths each winter in the US over the past decade. Before this incident, six avalanche fatalities had been recorded this season.
The investigation into the Castle Peak avalanche remains ongoing as authorities assess weather conditions and safety measures in place at the time.
