Eight skiers lost their lives, and one is missing, following a tragic avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada on February 17. A group of 15, including four guides and 11 clients, were caught in a massive slide near Castle Peak, just north of Lake Tahoe. The distress call came in around 11:30 a.m., and search efforts quickly began.
The skiers were returning from a three-day backcountry trip when the avalanche struck—a slide as large as a football field. Six members managed to take shelter using tarps and communicated with rescuers through emergency beacons until help arrived. The rescue operation involved about 46 personnel, with teams dispatched from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner.
By 5:30 p.m., rescuers found the six survivors. Four were able to walk to safety, while two required assistance. However, the bodies of the deceased remain on the mountain due to ongoing dangerous conditions.
Avalanche beacons are critical for safety in backcountry skiing. These devices continuously transmit signals that help locate buried individuals. Skiers should always carry these beacons along with probes and shovels to aid in rescue efforts.
This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. in nearly 45 years. The last significant event occurred in 1981 on Mount Rainier, claiming 11 lives. Data from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center notes that, on average, 27 fatalities occur each year due to avalanches.
Avalanches happen when snow, ice, and rock suddenly slide down a slope, often triggered by storms or unstable snowpack. The recent California avalanche was caused by a powerful winter storm that brought heavy snow and high winds, marking the strongest winter weather of the season for Lake Tahoe. The region experienced up to 30 inches of snow, leading to road closures and heightened avalanche risks.
As the investigation continues, this event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by backcountry skiing and the unpredictable nature of avalanches. For more detailed safety protocols and equipment information, check out resources like the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
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