Nine Backcountry Skiers Recovered After Deadly California Avalanche

Truckee, Calif. – All nine victims have been recovered following a devastating avalanche that struck near Lake Tahoe, California, earlier this week. The recovery efforts concluded Saturday, February 21, 2026, after days of challenging conditions and hazardous weather, according to Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon.

Avalanche Details and Recovery Efforts

The avalanche, estimated to be roughly the size of a football field, occurred on Tuesday on Castle Peak near Lake Tahoe. Initial searches were hampered by heavy snowfall and the ongoing threat of additional avalanches. Five bodies were recovered Friday night, with the remaining four located Saturday morning CBS News. A Black Hawk helicopter was utilized in the recovery operation, hoisting the bodies from the mountain to snowcats for transport.

Victims Identified

The victims included six women who were experienced skiers and close friends, along with three professional guides. Sheriff Moon formally identified the deceased as:

• Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada
• Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe
• Michael Henry, 30, of Soda Springs, California (Blackbird Mountain guide)
• Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, California
• Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho
• Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California
• Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California
• Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, California
• Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California

Mitigation Efforts and Response

Authorities employed avalanche mitigation techniques, including using water to break up unstable snowpack, to create a safer environment for rescue crews Spectrum Local News. The recovery operation involved multiple agencies, including the California Highway Patrol air operations, Nevada County Sheriff’s search and rescue, Tahoe Nordic search and rescue, Pacific Gas & Electric and the Sierra Avalanche Center KMPH.

Deadliest Avalanche in Decades

This avalanche is considered the deadliest in the United States since 1981. Six survivors were able to call for help after the avalanche, reporting the initial discovery of three bodies KMPH.

“There are no words that truly capture the significance of this loss and our hearts mourn alongside the families of those affected by this catastrophic event,” Sheriff Moon stated during a news conference. “The weight of this event is felt across many families, friends, and colleagues, and we stand together with them during this difficult time.”

A temporary flight restriction remains in place over the avalanche site, barring unauthorized aircraft, and is set to expire at 5 p.m. Sunday.