Marin County Officials Probe Sierra Avalanche for Local Victims
Authorities in Marin County are investigating an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada due to concerns that local residents may be among the victims. Officials are currently working to identify anyone affected by the incident. The impact on the Marin community is still being assessed.
- The avalanche struck a guided group of 15 backcountry skiers on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, near Castle Peak, a popular area for advanced skiers in the Sierra Nevada. - Eight skiers were killed, and one remains missing and is presumed dead, making it the deadliest avalanche in the United States in over 40 years. - Many of the victims were parents, primarily mothers, with connections to the Sugar Bowl Academy, a competitive ski school near Donner Summit that attracts many families from the Bay Area. - Max Perrey, the mayor of Mill Valley in Marin County, confirmed that some of the deceased were mothers from his city. - The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a "HIGH" avalanche danger warning for the backcountry on the day of the incident, following heavy snowfall and gale-force winds. - The group was on the final day of a three-day trip, staying at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts when the football-field-sized avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. - Six members of the party survived and were rescued after making contact with authorities via a satellite device and avalanche beacons. - Recovery of the victims was delayed by the severe storm and continued high risk of further avalanches in the steep terrain.
