Eight backcountry skiers lost their lives and one person is still unaccounted for after an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe during a guided outing. ABC News
Rescue crews have recovered the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near California’s Lake Tahoe and continue searching for one person still missing after a powerful avalanche swept through the area. Authorities described it as the deadliest avalanche in the United States in nearly 50 years.
The avalanche struck Tuesday morning during a guided three-day ski trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains, as a severe winter storm battered the region.
Avalanche Struck Without Warning
Authorities said the group had little time to escape.
“Someone saw the avalanche, yelled avalanche, and it overtook them rather quickly,” said Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Fifteen skiers had set out on the expedition. One person withdrew before the trip began. Of the remaining 14, six survived and were rescued about six hours after the avalanche. Eight died, and one remains missing.
The victims include three guides and several guests. Officials confirmed that seven women and two men, aged between 30 and 55, were among the dead and missing.
Sheriff Shannan Moon said crews shifted their focus from rescue to recovery after notifying families.
“They’re still reeling,” Moon said. “I could not imagine what they’re going through.”
Severe Weather Conditions
Heavy snow had fallen since Sunday, covering the area with three to six feet of fresh snow. Strong winds and freezing temperatures created unstable and dangerous conditions.
The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that the snowpack remained unpredictable and that more avalanches could occur.
Rescue teams could not immediately remove the victims due to extreme weather and safety concerns.
Survivors Waited in Freezing Cold
The six survivors reached safety just before sunset. Each skier carried a beacon designed to send signals during emergencies. At least one guide managed to send text messages for help.
While waiting for rescue, survivors used their equipment to shelter themselves from below-freezing temperatures. They also located three victims who had died during the wait.
Rescuers travelled by snowcat to within two miles of the site, then skied the remaining distance carefully to avoid triggering another avalanche. One of the rescued skiers remains in hospital.
A Treacherous Region
The area near Donner Summit ranks among the snowiest places in the Western Hemisphere, receiving nearly 35 feet of snow annually. The mountainous terrain includes steep slopes and rocky cliffs.
Until 2020, the land trust that manages the region kept it closed to the public. Reaching the remote huts where the group stayed requires strong backcountry skills and avalanche training. Visitors must carry all supplies with them.
This marks the second deadly avalanche near Castle Peak this year. A snowmobiler died in January after being buried by snow in the same region.
The tragedy stands as the deadliest avalanche in the United States since 1981, when 11 climbers died on Mount Rainier in Washington. On average, avalanches claim 25 to 30 lives annually across the country.
As recovery efforts continue, authorities say safety remains their top priority. Officials will investigate the decision to proceed with the trip despite warnings of severe weather.
