Deadly Avalanche in Sierra Nevada Claims Eight Lives, Search for Ninth Skier Continues

Truckee, Calif. – A devastating avalanche in the backcountry near Truckee, California, has claimed the lives of eight skiers, with a ninth skier still missing and presumed dead, authorities confirmed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The incident, which occurred near Lake Tahoe, is the deadliest avalanche in the United States in nearly half a century.

What Happened?

The avalanche struck a group of 15 people – consisting of 11 guests and four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides – during a three-day excursion to the Frog Lake Huts. The group was returning to the trailhead when the avalanche hit in the Castle Peak area of Nevada County, described as extremely remote and rugged terrain. A 911 call reporting the avalanche was received at approximately 11:30 a.m. Local time.

According to Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene of the Nevada County sheriff’s office, witnesses reported seeing the avalanche and yelling a warning, but the snow overtook the skiers quickly. Six skiers were rescued approximately six hours after the avalanche occurred.

Extreme Conditions Hampered Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations were significantly hampered by extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy snowfall. Approximately 50 search and rescue personnel from multiple agencies, including Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Truckee Fire, Tahoe Nordic, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office and Placer County Sheriff’s Office, were deployed to the scene. Sheriff Shannan Moon emphasized the severity of the conditions, stating that winds made visibility nearly impossible and slowed the movement of equipment.

Avalanche Warnings Issued Prior to Trip

The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch on the morning of February 16, 2026, indicating that large avalanches were likely in the next 24 to 48 hours. The watch was upgraded to a warning hours before the avalanche struck. Authorities are investigating whether the guides were aware of the warning before beginning the trip on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Victims and Investigation

The victims include seven women and two men, ranging in age from 30 to 55. Three of the deceased were guides. Authorities have notified the families of the victims and have shifted the focus from rescue to recovery. An investigation is underway to determine the factors that contributed to the tragedy, including the decision to proceed with the trip despite the avalanche forecast.

Deadliest Avalanche in Decades

This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. In more than 45 years. The scale of the avalanche was described as football-field sized. The extreme conditions have delayed the removal of the victims from the mountain.

Sources: The Modern York Times, The Orange County Register, KRNV, Australian Financial Review