Truckee, California — Rescuers have successfully reached six backcountry skiers who survived an avalanche in Nevada County, while the search continues for 10 others still unaccounted for. The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Castle Peak area, impacting a group that initially included 16 skiers, composed of four guides and 12 clients.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported that extreme weather conditions hampered search and rescue operations, which engaged 46 emergency responders from various agencies, including specialized ski teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. Two of the skiers who were rescued sustained injuries serious enough to require hospitalization.
Initially sheltering in place at the site of the avalanche, the six survivors were instructed to remain where they were until help arrived. Authorities have clarified that the total number of individuals involved in the trip has been adjusted to 15, not 16, as previously reported. A press briefing is scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. to provide further details on the ongoing situation.
The avalanche occurred amidst a significant winter storm that is currently affecting the Sierra region, depositing heavy snowfall and creating hazardous conditions for both backcountry travelers and roadways. Just hours before the avalanche, the Sierra Avalanche Center issued a warning for the Lake Tahoe area, emphasizing the risks linked to unstable snowpack conditions resulting from a recent dry spell.
Brandon Schwartz, a lead forecaster, noted that the area had received an alarming amount of snow—two to three feet—in just 48 hours, leading to heightened avalanche risks. He remarked on the critical need for backcountry travelers to understand terrain safety, stressing that adventurous skiers must avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees and carry essential rescue gear like transceivers and shovels.
This avalanche is not an isolated incident, as the region has seen other troubling accidents this winter. Last month, a snowmobiler from Oregon tragically lost his life in a separate avalanche in Nevada County. The 42-year-old was part of an experienced group equipped with safety gear when they were caught in an avalanche triggered on the mountain’s backside.
As rescue efforts continue, emergency teams are closely monitoring weather conditions that could further impact operations. Repeated snowfall makes the situation risky for those involved in the search, as the avalanche path is primed for new slides.
The governor’s office has been briefed on the incident and is in touch with local authorities to address needs arising from the developing situation. As efforts to locate the missing individuals proceed, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.