Deadly Avalanche in Tahoe National Forest Claims Nine Lives

A devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California, on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, claimed the lives of nine people – six women and three guides – and stands as the deadliest avalanche in the United States in 45 years. The incident occurred near Castle Peak in the Tahoe National Forest, an area popular with backcountry skiers.

The Avalanche and Rescue Efforts

The group of skiers, experienced and equipped with avalanche safety gear, was on the final day of a three-day backcountry tour when the avalanche struck. A blizzard was looming, and warnings of dangerous conditions had been issued. According to Nevada County Sheriff’s Captain Rusty Greene, the avalanche “overtook them rather quickly,” consisting of a massive wave of snow and debris.

A silent text message from an emergency beacon initiated a large-scale rescue operation. Responders faced challenging conditions, including gale-force winds and whiteout visibility, with the added risk of further avalanches. Rescuers were initially two miles from the skiers and had to continue on skis after their snowcats became stuck. Six skiers were rescued, while the bodies of eight victims remain on the mountainside as of February 21, 2026, due to the treacherous conditions. One person remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead.

Victims Identified

The victims have been identified as Liz Clabaugh, Caroline Sekar, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and Kate Vitt. A spouse of a Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue team member, who was assisting in the rescue efforts, was also among those killed. The families of the women released a statement expressing their devastation and requesting privacy as they grieve.

Investigation and Contributing Factors

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is investigating whether criminal negligence contributed to the incident. The tour company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, stated that its guides were highly trained and certified in avalanche education and had warned skiers of the approaching storm on February 16, 2026, urging caution.

On the morning of the avalanche, the Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch, which was later upgraded to a warning. Experts emphasize the complex decision-making involved in backcountry skiing and the importance of understanding avalanche risks. The avalanche was classified as a D2.5 on a five-level scale of destructive potential.

The Allure and Risks of Backcountry Skiing

Despite the inherent dangers, backcountry skiing remains a popular activity. Experts caution against quick judgments and highlight the numerous factors that contribute to avalanche accidents. The area around Frog Lake Backcountry Huts is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful scenery, attracting experienced skiers from across the country. The huts themselves are considered a safe haven during storms, but the group chose to continue their descent on Tuesday morning.

According to the Utah Avalanche Center, survival rates decrease dramatically with time buried in an avalanche. Within 15 minutes, 93% of victims survive; after 45 minutes, the survival rate drops to 20-30%, and few survive after two hours.

Frog Lake Area

Frog Lake and the surrounding 2,914 acres were conserved in 2020 through a partnership between the Truckee Donner Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and The Trust for Public Land. The area offers opportunities for hiking, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing and is known for its subalpine lake, mixed conifer forests, and diverse wildlife habitat. Northern Sierra Partnership

Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog Reintroduction

The Tahoe National Forest is also the site of ongoing efforts to reintroduce the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (SNYLF), a federally endangered species. A multi-year project involving the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and San Francisco Zoo and Gardens aims to restore the frog population to its native habitat. USDA Forest Service