Nine Skiers Recovered from Avalanche
The bodies of all nine skiers killed in last week's California avalanche near Lake Tahoe have now been recovered. Rescue and recovery efforts were delayed by intense winter storms, with authorities releasing new details confirming the scale of the tragedy. The event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of avalanche preparedness and proper safety gear for backcountry adventurers.
- The avalanche occurred on February 17, 2026, near Castle Peak and Frog Lake, north of Lake Tahoe, during a guided backcountry excursion. The group consisted of 15 people, including four guides and 11 clients. - This event is the deadliest avalanche in modern California history, with nine fatalities. The victims included six female clients, who were described as mothers and experienced skiers, and three male professional mountain guides. - An avalanche warning was in effect for the Lake Tahoe region at the time of the incident, with forecasts of heavy snow and strong winds. The Sierra Avalanche Center had rated the danger as "high," indicating that large avalanches were likely. - The six survivors, five clients and one guide, were able to contact authorities using emergency beacons and satellite phones. They attempted to rescue their buried companions before first responders arrived on the scene. - Rescue and recovery operations were significantly hampered by blizzard conditions, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and the risk of further avalanches. It took several days for crews to safely recover the bodies of all nine victims. - Backcountry adventurers are advised to carry essential safety gear, including an avalanche beacon (transceiver), a probe for locating buried individuals, and a shovel. Taking an avalanche safety course is also strongly recommended to understand and identify risks.
