Rescuers in California’s Lake Tahoe region have confirmed that eight skiers who went missing in a massive avalanche have died. The search continues for a ninth missing skier, though authorities now presume that person is also dead.
The incident came to light through BBC News, which reported that Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed the fatalities. Officials said the tragedy has taken a significant emotional toll on the rescue teams working in the area.
One of the deceased was the spouse of a search and rescue team member, adding to the strain on crews’ continuing recovery efforts. Authorities have extended condolences to the families as operations remain ongoing.
The avalanche struck at the end of a guided trip
The avalanche, described as football field-sized, tore through the Castle Peak area around 11:30 AM PST on Tuesday. Initially, 15 skiers were reported missing, though six were later rescued.
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo confirmed that nine people were ultimately believed to have been caught in the most dangerous section of the slide. He offered condolences to the victims’ families as crews worked in difficult conditions.
The rescue operation involved two teams and roughly 50 personnel navigating extreme weather with specialized equipment. Searchers reached a point about two miles from where survivors had sheltered in makeshift tents by 5:30 PM, then skied the remaining distance to reach them. Elsewhere, Tesla Autopilot marketing changes were also being reported.
Among the six survivors, two suffered injuries that left them unable to walk and required evacuation by rescue teams. Both were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The group consisted of 11 recreational skiers and four ski guides, and the avalanche struck as they were returning from a three-day trip. One survivor was a guide, and five were clients of Blackbird Mountain guided tours.
The bodies of the eight confirmed victims remain buried in the snow as recovery efforts continue. Officials described conditions as horrific, noting that an additional three feet of snow had fallen since the avalanche.
Chris Feutrier, supervisor of Tahoe National Forest, warned that the hazard remains high and that recovery will proceed once conditions improve. The bodies will be transported to the Placer County morgue, and families have been notified, though authorities have not yet released the victims’ names.
Sheriff Woo described the climate as treacherous and urged the public to avoid the backcountry while crews focus on recovery operations. He said it is critical that rescue teams are able to dedicate all available resources to bringing the victims home.
The Sierra Avalanche Center rated the slide as a D2.5 on a destructive potential scale ranging from D1 to D5, indicating it stretched more than half a mile and left deposits of roughly 6.5 feet of snow. The broader storm system has also disrupted the region, with Boreal Mountain Ski Resort reporting more than 30 inches of snowfall since Tuesday and closing due to high winds and low visibility.
Several major highways, including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, have been closed because of severe weather conditions. In Washington, Senate election overhaul bill developments were also unfolding as California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said on X that state authorities are coordinating an all-hands search and rescue effort with local emergency teams.
Published: Feb 18, 2026 07:30 pm