Deadly California avalanche claims 8 lives, rescue teams search for 1 missing skier
On Wednesday, authorities recovered 8 of the 9 bodies of the backcountry skiers who were missing near Lake Tahoe after an avalanche. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said the group was on a 3-day trek in Northern California's Sierra Nevada.
— KNX News 97.1 FM (@knxnews) February 18, 2026
Video: AP pic.twitter.com/MMFUwWgno7
TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA: A massive avalanche near Lake Tahoe has killed at least eight backcountry skiers, with one more still missing. Officials said it is the deadliest avalanche in the United States in nearly 50 years. Out of 15 skiers in the Castle Peak area, six survived, eight died, and one is still missing but is presumed dead due to extreme cold and strong winds.
The group was skiing near Truckee when a wall of snow swept down on the morning of February 17. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said the avalanche was reported around 11:30 am, but harsh weather and difficult terrain delayed rescue crews from reaching the scene promptly.
8 skiers found dead in California avalanche, 1 still missing
Authorities said the avalanche struck quickly. “Someone saw the avalanche, yelled ‘Avalanche!’ and it overtook them rather quickly,” said Captain Russell “Rusty” Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
The skiers were on a guided three-day backcountry trip in the Sierra Nevada when the storm hit. That morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch warning of possible large avalanches over the next 24 to 48 hours. Rescue teams traveled two miles by snowcat before skiing the remaining distance to avoid triggering another avalanche.
There was a massive avalanche near Castle Peak, California, struck on February 17, 2026.
— Athishay Srinivas (@pre_historic) February 19, 2026
Eight skiers died, one remains missing, and six were rescued during this historic winter storm. pic.twitter.com/6877JY9n7c
Skiers caught off guard as California avalanche strikes
Six survivors were found, including a Black Mountain Guides employee and five clients. The group had built a makeshift shelter while awaiting help. Two of the survivors were injured and required assistance to reach safety.
All skiers carried avalanche beacons, which helped rescuers locate them, though only one guide could send text messages for help. Investigators will review why the trip continued despite the storm warning issued on February 15.
Details about the backcountry skiing group involved
The skiers had been staying at the Frog Lake huts and were returning to the trailhead when the avalanche hit. The survivors included four men and two women, aged 30 to 55. The eight who died included seven women and two men.
Black Mountain Guides is coordinating with rescue teams and keeping families updated. One survivor has been treated and released from the hospital, while another remains in care with non-serious injuries.
