Rescuers recover eight bodies after a deadly avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada, with one skier still missing amid treacherous blizzard conditions.
CALIFORNIA: Eight of the nine skiers missing after an avalanche in California have been found dead.
One person remains missing as rescuers battle horrific blizzard conditions on Castle Peak in the Tahoe area.
The group was caught in the avalanche early Tuesday during a backcountry skiing trip. Six skiers were found alive earlier, with two requiring hospital treatment.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed the ongoing search for the final missing individual. She cautioned that the severe storm is hampering all rescue movement.
“Extreme weather conditions I would say is an understatement: lots of snow, gale-force winds, winds making it impossible to see,” Moon said.
The trip was led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The company stated the 11 clients and four guides had been staying at the Frog Lake huts since Sunday and were returning to base when the avalanche struck.
Over 40 first responders joined the search operation. Teams included highly skilled rescue ski units from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center.
Multiple victims were linked to the private Sugar Bowl Academy. The ski-focused school confirmed the connection in a statement.
“We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us,” said the school’s executive director, Stephen McMahon.
Experts had warned of severe avalanche risk in the area prior to the incident. Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo pleaded with the public to avoid mountain travel.
“Please avoid the Sierras during this current storm and in the upcoming days, avoid mountain travel. It’s treacherous,” Woo said.
A powerful storm continues to pummel the Sierra Nevada range with several feet of snow. Sugar Bowl Resort reported 67 inches of snowfall in the past week.
The National Weather Service forecasts up to eight feet of snow for parts of the Sierra Nevadas above 3,500 feet. Wind gusts could reach 55 miles per hour.
Sheriff’s office Captain Russell Green told local media that backcountry skiing is inherently dangerous. He noted such trips are not uncommon despite the risks.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has recorded six US avalanche fatalities this season. This includes one previous death on Castle Peak in January.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the search and recovery operation.
