8 Skiers Dead, 1 Missing After Tahoe Avalanche
8 Skiers Dead, 1 Missing After Tahoe Avalanche
An avalanche struck a Lake Tahoe–area guided ski tour on Feb 17, leaving eight dead and one missing in early reports, while rescuers continue searching amid evolving casualty figures.
Rescuers are scrambling to account for skiers after an avalanche struck a Lake Tahoe–area guided ski tour on Feb 17. The blast hit the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California, around 11:30 a.m. local time, catching members of a three-day guided group in a harsh and fast-moving snow event. Crews on the ground and in the air have been working through an increasingly complex scene, as officials try to determine who remains unaccounted for and who has been found. The backcountry conditions in the Tahoe region have already been described as dangerous due to ongoing winter weather, which complicates efforts to reach the avalanche site and deliver aid to those affected.
Initial casualty reports painted a grim picture, tallying eight dead and one missing. However, subsequent updates cited different figures, including ten people reported missing and at least six rescued with nine still unaccounted for. Officials stressed that casualty tallies in evolving avalanche incidents can change as search efforts continue and more survivors or victims are located. The mixed reports underscore the fluid and challenging nature of backcountry rescues when snowpack conditions are unstable.
Authorities have issued an avalanche warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area that remains in effect through the morning of Thursday, Feb 19. The Castle Peak zone and surrounding backcountry areas are known for heavy snowfall and persistent avalanche risk, particularly during active storm cycles. Rescue teams are coordinating with local ski patrols to systematically sweep the area and verify each person’s status, while families and community members await updates.
As the search unfolds, officials are urging caution for anyone considering backcountry travel. The Tahoe region’s tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers posed by avalanches in high-elevation terrain and the importance of heedful planning, proper safety gear, and adherence to warnings before venturing into uncontrolled backcountry routes.
