Nine skiers still missing after US avalanche near Lake Tahoe prompts ongoing search effort

Authorities are continuing the search for nine skiers still missing after an avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The incident occurred near Castle Peak, about 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, involving a group of 15 skiers. Six survivors were rescued, but adverse weather is complicating ongoing efforts.

Authorities continue searching for nine skiers who went missing following an avalanche in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The event occurred on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m., roughly 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, involving a backcountry group composed of four guides and eleven clients.

Rescue of Stranded Skiers

Six skiers who had been stranded survived and were successfully rescued. They had taken refuge in a temporary shelter constructed partially from tarpaulin sheets and stayed in contact with rescue teams using a radio beacon and text messaging. Rescue operations faced delays due to severe weather conditions, requiring several hours for teams to reach the stranded skiers and transport them safely to a secure location. Upon arrival, the rescued individuals were examined by Truckee Fire personnel, with two requiring hospital treatment.

Ongoing Search Efforts

The search for the remaining nine missing skiers continues but remains constrained by adverse weather. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office updated the group size to fifteen, reduced from an initial estimate of sixteen. Experts warn that if all nine missing skiers are not found, this could rank among the deadliest single avalanches in U.S. history. The area recently experienced heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low visibility, which the Central Sierra Snow Lab described as some of the most hazardous conditions in recent years.

Deployment of Emergency Teams

Rescue units were deployed from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center to assist the survivors. In total, forty-six emergency first responders participated in the search effort, according to the sheriff's office. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported six avalanche-related fatalities in the U.S. so far this season, while the decade-long annual average is twenty-seven deaths.

Conditions at the Avalanche Site

The avalanche struck during a winter storm warning covering much of northern California. Soda Springs, located near the site, recorded at least thirty inches of snow within a twenty-four-hour period. The combination of rapidly accumulating snow on fragile snowpack layers and gale-force winds created highly hazardous conditions. Prior to the avalanche, the Sierra Avalanche Center issued a high avalanche danger warning. Lead forecaster Steve Reynaud stated that the timing of the avalanche coincided with the peak of the winter storm, making backcountry skiing especially dangerous.

The group had been on the final day of a three-day backcountry trek, during which they spent two nights in mountain huts and traversed up to four miles of rugged terrain while carrying all necessary food and supplies.

Authorities and Investigation

Nevada County Sheriff Captain Russell Greene confirmed the avalanche was reported by the ski tour company leading the expedition. He questioned the decision to guide clients into such hazardous conditions, noting that full details of the planning remain under investigation. Castle Peak, with a summit elevation of 9,110 feet north of Donner Summit, is a well-known backcountry skiing area. The region has historical significance due to the Donner Party, who were trapped in severe winter conditions during 1846-1847.

State Coordination

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. State authorities are coordinating with local emergency teams to conduct a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation. Efforts to locate the missing skiers continue as weather conditions permit.

Sources:

• Nine skiers still missing after US avalanche near Lake Tahoe prompts ongoing search effort
• Search for nine skiers missing after avalanche in California
• Nine skiers remain missing after avalanche near Lake Tahoe
• Search continues for nine skiers missing after US avalanche near Lake Tahoe