Deadly Avalanche on Castle Peak Claims Ninth Victim, Marking California’s Deadliest Slide

Search and rescue teams have recovered the body of the ninth and final skier missing after a devastating avalanche struck Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains on February 17, 2026. The incident, which occurred near Lake Tahoe, is now considered the deadliest avalanche in California’s history.

Avalanche Details and Rescue Efforts

The avalanche swept through a group of 15 skiers – four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides and 11 clients – during a three-day backcountry ski trip to the remote Frog Lake huts near Castle Peak. Six individuals survived the initial slide, including five clients and one guide, and were able to call for help. However, challenging white-out conditions and the ongoing risk of further avalanches hampered rescue operations for several hours.

“Nine individuals who lost their lives in the Castle Peak avalanche on 17 February have been safely recovered from the mountain,” stated the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office in a press release according to the Mercury News. Sheriff Shannan Moon expressed the profound sorrow felt by the department, stating, “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.”

Victims and Investigation

Families of six of the victims identified them as women who were close friends and shared a passion for skiing. ABC7 News reported that the women were mothers, wives, and friends who connected through their love of the outdoors. The families released a statement expressing their grief and seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

State workplace safety officials have launched an investigation into Blackbird Mountain Guides, the company that led the ski trip. The investigation will focus on the decisions made leading up to the avalanche, according to the Mercury News. The company has paused all field operations while cooperating with the investigation and providing support to the victims’ families.

About Castle Peak

Castle Peak is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, near I-80, Donner Pass, and the Nevada border. It is part of the Tahoe National Forest and lies close to the Pacific Crest Trail and Castle Pass. According to Wikipedia, the peak, originally named Mount Stanford, derives its name from its conical shape. The elevation of Castle Peak is 9,109 feet (2,776 meters). The area is known for heavy snowfall, with Donner Pass averaging 411.5 inches (10.45 meters) of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest places in the contiguous United States.

Avalanche History and Climate

This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. In more than four decades, surpassing the 1982 Alpine Meadows disaster, which resulted in seven fatalities. Castle Peak is located in an alpine climate zone, where weather systems originating in the Pacific Ocean bring significant precipitation to the Sierra Nevada range. Orographic lift – the forcing of air upwards by the mountains – contributes to heavy snowfall in the region.