Truckee, California — An avalanche near Castle Peak has left ten skiers unaccounted for and six others stranded amid challenging winter conditions, officials reported Tuesday. The event occurred in the backcountry ski area northwest of Lake Tahoe, involving a group of 16 individuals, including four mountain guides.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that six members of the group survived the avalanche and remained at the site, waiting for rescuers to reach them. The situation is fluid, with the sheriff’s office actively working to contact family members of those missing.
Authorities indicated that the avalanche, which was reported around 11:30 a.m., was detected via an emergency beacon as well as a call from the mountain guiding service. As of late Tuesday afternoon, approximately 46 rescuers were en route to the avalanche site, but severe weather conditions had prevented them from arriving.
Rescuers have maintained contact with the survivors using an emergency satellite messaging service, allowing the stranded skiers to send text messages for updates. “It’s a difficult area to navigate,” said Captain Russell Greene from the sheriff’s office. “Progress will be slow to avoid triggering additional avalanches, which remains a significant concern.”
Survivors sought shelter in a wooded area near the site, using available materials to create a makeshift refuge from the harsh elements. Greene noted that they had at least a tarp for minimal protection and that treating the injured would be addressed once rescuers arrive.
The weather in Truckee, with a population of about 17,000, has been treacherous, characterized by blizzard conditions that have hampered search operations. Nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort reported around 30 inches of snow in the previous 24 hours, while the National Weather Service indicated snowfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour in some regions of the Sierras.
Road conditions have deteriorated, prompting the closure of Interstate 80 due to whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility. “These weather factors significantly impacted our response efforts,” Greene added.
An avalanche warning was issued for the Tahoe region, highlighting the heightened risk due to the recent heavy snowfall. The Sierra Avalanche Center had alerted to a “HIGH” danger level, predicting substantial avalanches throughout the day and into early Wednesday morning. The center warned of the potential for massive slides, which could bury vehicles or structures.
Backcountry skiing enthusiasts typically equip themselves with essential safety gear, which includes avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes. These tools are crucial for locating victims and facilitating rescues in the event of an avalanche.
As the rescue operation continues, officials remain vigilant about both the well-being of those stranded and the unpredictable weather conditions that could complicate efforts.