Deadly Avalanche in California Claims Eight Lives, One Still Missing

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (AP) — A devastating avalanche in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe has claimed the lives of eight backcountry skiers, with one still missing as of Thursday, February 19, 2026. The incident, which occurred Tuesday, is the deadliest skiing avalanche in the United States in nearly half a century.

Avalanche Details and Rescue Efforts

The avalanche struck a group of 15 skiers as they were returning from a three-day trek in the Castle Peak area, near Donner Pass. Authorities were alerted to the incident on Tuesday morning and initiated a search and rescue operation amidst blizzard conditions. Six skiers were rescued on Tuesday, even as three bodies were found by the survivors. The remaining five bodies were discovered on Wednesday.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon stated that the mission has shifted from rescue to recovery, as the missing skier is presumed deceased. The victims, ranging in age from 30 to 55, include seven women and two men. The bodies remain in the avalanche area due to ongoing hazardous conditions.

Extreme Weather Conditions and Avalanche Warnings

The avalanche occurred after significant snowfall in the region, with three to six feet accumulating since Sunday. Subfreezing temperatures and gale-force winds further complicated rescue efforts. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch on Sunday morning, which was upgraded to a warning by 5 a.m. Tuesday, indicating that avalanches were expected.

Connection to Local Ski Community

The ski group had strong ties to the alpine recreation community in Lake Tahoe, including the Sugar Bowl Academy. The academy released a statement mourning the loss of individuals with “strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit and the backcountry community.” Four of the skiers involved were guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, with one of the guides among the survivors. The company has paused field operations and launched an investigation into the incident.

Historical Context and Safety Concerns

This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. Since 1981, when 11 climbers were killed on Mount Rainier in Washington state [ABC7 News]. Nationally, avalanches kill between 25 and 30 people each winter, according to the National Avalanche Center [ABC7 News]. The area near Donner Summit is known for its heavy snowfall and has a history of tragic events, including the story of the Donner Party, who were trapped there in the winter of 1846-1847.

Investigation and Ongoing Concerns

Authorities are investigating the decision to proceed with the ski trip despite the avalanche warnings. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is working to recover the bodies of the victims and continue the search for the missing skier. The Sierra Avalanche Center warns that the threat of further avalanches remains high, leaving the snowpack unstable and unpredictable.

Reporting by Brooke Hess-Homeier, Julie Watson, and John Seewer of the Associated Press.