Deadly Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe Claims Nine Skiers, Recovery Efforts Conclude

TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — Recovery efforts concluded Saturday for nine backcountry skiers killed in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe four days prior, authorities announced. The harrowing operation was significantly hampered by intense snowfall. A search team located the bodies of eight victims, and the ninth, who had been missing and presumed dead since Tuesday’s avalanche on Castle Peak, was also recovered.

Victims Identified

Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon on Saturday released the names of the three guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides who perished in the avalanche: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nicole Choo, 42, and Michael Henry, 30. Alissandratos, originally from Tampa, Florida, had lived in the Tahoe area for approximately a decade, according to his biography on the Blackbird Mountain Company website. Henry moved to Colorado in 2016 before relocating to Truckee three years later, and was described as eager to share his love of the mountains. No biography for Choo was available on the website as of Saturday.

Zeb Blais, founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, stated on Wednesday, “This was an enormous tragedy, and the saddest event our team has ever experienced.” He added that the company is focused on supporting the families of those lost and colleagues grieving the loss of friends.

The six other victims were women who were part of a close-knit group of experienced backcountry skiers familiar with the Sierra Nevada wilderness, their families said Thursday. Two skiers were rescued along with four others, including one guide, after the avalanche. The families identified the deceased as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt, all in their 40s. They requested privacy as they grieve and indicated they have “many unanswered questions.”

Timeline of the Tragedy

The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. On Tuesday. Six survivors contacted authorities, describing a sudden avalanche approximately the length of a football field. Three deceased skiers were discovered nearby by the survivors, according to Nevada County Sheriff’s Lt. Dennis Hack. The group of 15 skiers – 11 skiers and four guides – had planned to end their three-day tour early to avoid an approaching snowstorm.

Initial reports indicated that at least two people were not caught in the avalanche, standing separately and relatively close together when the slide hit. Rescuers reached the area approximately six hours after the initial call for help, requiring two separate routes due to the conditions. They initially located the bodies of five skiers, leaving one unaccounted for.

However, conditions were too dangerous to extract the bodies immediately due to heavy snowfall and the continued threat of avalanches. These conditions persisted through Wednesday and Thursday as families awaited improved weather.

Recovery Efforts and Future Access

On Friday, officials used two helicopters from the California Highway Patrol, with assistance from Pacific Gas and Electric, to intentionally trigger snow releases and reduce the risk of further avalanches. Five victims were recovered that evening. The final four bodies were recovered Saturday morning by helicopters using hoisting ropes, battling severe winds. The bodies were then transported via snowcats.

Sheriff Moon stated, “We cannot say enough how tremendously sorry we are for the families that have been affected by this avalanche.”

The area will remain closed to visitors until mid-March, according to Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest. Officials intend to restore public access as soon as the investigation is complete. “This is the public’s land, and they love to recreate on it,” Feutrier said. “The Forest Service doesn’t close public land for every hazard or every obstacle. We trust the American people to use their best judgment when recreating.”