Nine Skiers Recovered From Tahoe Avalanche
All nine skiers who were caught in last week's avalanche near Lake Tahoe have now been recovered. Search efforts were hampered by severe winter storm conditions. The incident underscores the importance of avalanche awareness and checking local advisories before venturing into mountain terrain during winter.
- The avalanche occurred on February 17, 2026, near Castle Peak and Frog Lake, north of Lake Tahoe, during a guided backcountry ski trip. - The group consisted of 15 skiers, including four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides; six individuals survived the incident. - Among the nine fatalities were three professional guides: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nicole Choo, 42, and Michael Henry, 30. - The other six victims were identified as Carrie Atkin, 46, Liz Clabaugh, 52, Danielle Keatley, 44, Kate Morse, 45, Caroline Sekar, 45, and Kate Vitt, 43. - A powerful winter storm had brought 3 to 6 feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada region, with winds gusting up to 60 mph at the time of the avalanche. - The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for the area on the day of the incident, rating the danger as "HIGH." - This event is considered the deadliest avalanche in modern California history, surpassing the 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche that killed seven people. - Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if there was any criminal negligence involved in the decision to proceed with the ski tour despite the severe weather forecasts.
