Nine American backcountry skiers remain missing after an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe during a massive winter storm, with rescue operations battling whiteout conditions and continued avalanche danger that puts both victims and rescuers at extraordinary risk.
Story Snapshot
- Sixteen backcountry skiers caught in avalanche near Castle Peak; six rescued, nine still missing
- Rescue teams operating in whiteout conditions with 2-4 inches of snow falling per hour
- Sierra Avalanche Center reports 2-3 feet of snow accumulated in just 36 hours before incident
- Interstate 80 closed for 70-mile stretch as avalanche warning remains in effect
Avalanche Strikes During Peak Storm Conditions
Sixteen backcountry skiers were caught in an avalanche near Castle Peak in Nevada County on February 18, 2026, during the height of a powerful winter storm. The group had been staying overnight at Frog Lake Hut in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and was departing when the avalanche struck. Rescue crews successfully reached six survivors by evening, but nine others remained missing as darkness fell and the storm intensified. The incident occurred in the Tahoe area of Northern California, a region known for backcountry skiing but also significant avalanche hazards during heavy snowfall.
Extreme Weather Compounds Rescue Challenges
The Sierra Avalanche Center reported that 2-3 feet of snow had fallen in the 36 hours before the avalanche, creating highly unstable conditions throughout the region. As rescue operations continued, crews faced snowfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour with whiteout visibility severely limiting their effectiveness. Rescue personnel deployed on skis and snowcats to reach the survivors, but the ongoing storm created new avalanche dangers that threatened both the missing skiers and rescue teams. An avalanche warning remained in effect through the morning of February 19, restricting access and forcing officials to discourage all travel in affected areas.
Watch:
https://youtu.be/ipu0o9h2fas?si=vWFdiwfOO3ZLXI3t
Regional Transportation Paralyzed by Blizzard
The same storm system that triggered the avalanche forced the closure of Interstate 80 in both directions from Colfax to the Nevada state line, a 70-mile stretch that represents a critical transportation corridor through the Sierra Nevada. Multiple ski resorts shut down operations due to dangerous conditions, and thousands of customers experienced power outages in mountain communities. California Highway Patrol coordinated the highway closure while Nevada County officials managed the broader emergency response. The combination of transportation disruptions and avalanche danger effectively isolated mountain communities and stranded visitors throughout the region during the peak of the storm.
Search Operations Face Life-Threatening Conditions
Rescue crews confronted compounded hazards as they searched for the nine missing skiers: the original avalanche debris field, new avalanche conditions created by relentless snowfall, near-zero visibility, and approaching darkness. The storm was described as “maxing out” in snow production, with conditions expected to persist through overnight hours. Sierra Nevada terrain efficiently converts atmospheric moisture to heavy snow accumulation, meaning the search area continued experiencing dangerous precipitation rates. This tragedy underscores the inherent risks Americans face when pursuing backcountry recreation during active winter storms, and the extraordinary courage of rescue personnel who risk their own lives to save others. The timing of the group’s departure during peak storm intensity raises questions about decision-making protocols for backcountry expeditions when severe weather warnings are in effect.
Sources:
Rescuers Battle Blizzard After 16 Caught in California Avalanche – Euronews
