Rescue teams battled through the snowy California wilderness near Lake Tahoe amid a snowstorm to assist six backcountry skiers who survived an avalanche but were trapped by snow and ice while nine others from their group were unaccounted for. Two of the rescued skiers were transported to a hospital for medical attention, according to Ashley Quadros, a representative for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Initially believed to be 16, it was later clarified that there were 15 skiers in total on the excursion.
The incident unfolded following a 911 call reporting an avalanche and individuals buried at Frog Lake in the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe, as a potent winter storm swept through California. Adverse conditions in the Northern California mountains impeded the rescue operation, with search and rescue teams taking several hours to reach the skiers and bring them to safety for evaluation by the Truckee Fire Department.
Authorities were alerted to the avalanche by the tour company responsible for the expedition, Blackbird Mountain Guides, and the emergency beacons carried by the skiers. Due to the risk of further avalanches, rescuers proceeded cautiously to the avalanche site. Blackbird Mountain Guides announced on its website that it was collaborating with authorities in the rescue mission.
California is currently facing severe weather conditions from a powerful winter storm, resulting in hazardous thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy snowfall in mountainous regions. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area, anticipating significant slides through Wednesday.
The town of Soda Springs, near the avalanche site, recorded over 75 centimeters of snow within a 24-hour period. The perilous conditions were attributed to rapidly accumulating snow layers atop fragile snowpack, compounded by intense winds. Various ski resorts in the Tahoe region were either fully or partially closed due to the weather conditions, with backcountry travel strongly discouraged.
Castle Peak, a popular backcountry skiing spot, witnessed the recent incident. Named after the infamous Donner Party, who faced tragic circumstances in the winter of 1846-1847, the mountain poses risks particularly during snowy conditions. Prior to this incident, a snowmobiler lost his life in an avalanche in the same region in January. Avalanche experts stress the importance of avalanche training, safety equipment, and assessment for backcountry skiing, which involves venturing deep into wilderness away from traditional resort skiing.