Tahoe Avalanche Near Truckee Kills Several; Recovery Efforts Underway
Tahoe Avalanche Near Truckee Kills Several; Recovery Efforts Underway
An avalanche near Castle Peak in the Tahoe National Forest has claimed multiple lives with responders still searching for a missing person as families await updates.
A deadly avalanche struck the Tahoe region near Castle Peak on Feb. 17, trapping skiers and snowboarders in fresh powder. Authorities say multiple people were killed and at least one person remained unaccounted for as search-and-rescue teams worked around the clock to locate others and recover victims.
In a move to aid recovery efforts, the Tahoe National Forest announced that the area is closed to all visitors while crews clear debris and search for the missing. The closure aims to keep the area safe for responders and prevent further risk in the backcountry.
Among the victims identified is a Marin County mother of two and a former radio executive, underscoring how families and communities are touched by the tragedy. Relatives and friends described a tight-knit group of moms and wives, expressing heartbreak and a desire for answers about what happened.
Officials stressed that backcountry travel in the area remains dangerous and urged residents and visitors to heed closures and avalanche forecasts. Weather conditions and ongoing avalanche debris work complicate the search, but authorities say every effort is being made to locate the missing and recover companions.
Search teams will continue as weather allows, with authorities promising updates as information becomes available.
