TRUCKEE, Calif. — Search and rescue operations reached a fever pitch Tuesday night as emergency crews scrambled to locate nine skiers missing after a massive avalanche struck the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The incident, which occurred at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet, was reported around 11:30 a.m. local time. Authorities were alerted via a mountain guide service and an emergency satellite beacon. While six members of the original party have been successfully rescued and transported to local hospitals, nine individuals remain unaccounted for in the backcountry.
A Treacherous Rescue Effort
The slide was categorized as a D2.5 avalanche, a rating indicating a force powerful enough to bury or kill a person. Rescue efforts have been hampered by extreme weather and the volatile nature of the snowpack.
“It’s in a tough area,” said Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s just going to be slow going so we don’t trigger any other avalanches, because that is definitely a possibility.”
The initial six survivors managed to find shelter in a wooded area, utilizing a tarp to protect themselves from the elements. They remained in contact with dispatchers via an emergency satellite messaging service for nearly 12 hours before rescuers could reach them.
Perfect Storm of Conditions
The region has been pummeled by a relentless winter storm, with the nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort reporting 30 inches of fresh snow in the last 24 hours. At the peak of the storm, snowfall rates reached four inches per hour.
An active avalanche warning was in effect at the time of the slide. Experts warned that conditions were ripe for “house-sized” slides capable of catastrophic damage.
| Incident Details | Statistics |
| Location | Castle Peak (near Lake Tahoe) |
| Elevation | 8,200 Feet |
| Avalanche Rating | D2.5 |
| Total in Party | 15 (6 Rescued, 9 Missing) |
| Recent Snowfall | 30 Inches |
Backcountry Trip Ends in Disaster
The group was finishing a three-day backcountry excursion organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The skiers had been staying at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts since Sunday and were reportedly returning to the trailhead when the snow gave way.
In a statement, Blackbird Mountain Guides confirmed the incident occurred at the conclusion of their trip and stated they are fully cooperating with the nearly 50 rescue personnel currently on the scene.
As of Tuesday night, the situation remains fluid. Authorities have begun the difficult process of notifying the family members of those still missing.
