Deadly Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe Claims Eight Lives, California’s Worst in History
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A devastating avalanche struck near Castle Peak, northwest of Lake Tahoe, on Tuesday, killing eight skiers and marking the deadliest avalanche in California’s recorded history. The tragedy unfolded as a group of 15 backcountry skiers, guided by Blackbird Mountain Guides, were returning from a three-day Hut Trip when the avalanche swept through the area near Frog Lake. Six members of the party survived, but one remains missing as officials await clearer weather to resume recovery operations.
The group consisted of four professional guides and 11 participants, all experienced in backcountry skiing. According to Zeb Blais, founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, five participants and one guide survived the incident. The avalanche struck suddenly, catching the group off guard despite ongoing avalanche warnings issued by the U.S. Forest Service for the region.
Authorities have been hampered by a powerful storm system expected to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds through Thursday, forcing a temporary halt to search and recovery efforts. The National Weather Service has issued avalanche warnings across the Sierra Nevada, emphasizing the increased risk due to recent snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions.
Rescue teams from multiple agencies, including the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and local search and rescue units, have been coordinating efforts to locate the missing skier and recover the victims. The challenging terrain and ongoing weather hazards have made the operation particularly dangerous.
This tragic event surpasses previous avalanche fatalities in California, underscoring the inherent risks of backcountry winter sports. Experts from the American Avalanche Association have noted that while California’s avalanche incidents are less frequent than in some other western states, the combination of steep terrain and variable weather can lead to deadly outcomes.
Officials are urging all backcountry enthusiasts to remain vigilant, adhere to avalanche warnings, and carry appropriate safety equipment such as beacons, probes, and shovels. The California Department of Parks and Recreation continues to monitor conditions closely and provide updates to the public.
As the community mourns the loss of these eight individuals, the search for the missing skier continues under difficult conditions. Recovery teams are prepared to resume operations as soon as weather permits, prioritizing safety and thoroughness in this somber mission.
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