Deadly Avalanche at Castle Peak Claims Ninth Victim in California’s Worst Slide

Truckee, California – February 22, 2026 – Rescue teams have recovered the body of the ninth and final person missing following a devastating avalanche near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced. The tragedy, which occurred on February 17, 2026, marks the deadliest avalanche in California’s recorded history.

Search and Rescue Efforts

The search operation began on Tuesday after the avalanche swept through a guided backcountry ski trip near Donner Pass. The group consisted of four guides and eleven clients. Six survivors, including five clients and one guide, were able to call for support, but challenging white-out conditions and the ongoing risk of further slides hampered initial rescue attempts for several hours.

The Avalanche and Location

The avalanche occurred on a north-facing slope near Perry Peak, just east of Castle Peak, above Frog Lake in the Central Sierra Nevada . The area is close to the Pacific Crest Trail and is considered an iconic landmark of Donner Summit due to its visibility from Interstate 80 . The slide covered an area roughly the size of a football field .

Victims and Investigation

Families of six of the victims released a statement late Thursday identifying them as women who shared a passion for skiing and the outdoors. They were described as “mothers, wives and friends” . The families expressed grief and a desire for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

State workplace safety officials have launched an investigation into the guiding company responsible for the trip .

Castle Peak and Sierra Nevada Climate

Castle Peak, located in the Tahoe National Forest, is a mountain in the Sierra Nevada range, near I-80 and the Nevada border . The peak, originally named Mount Stanford, is known for its conical shape . The region experiences an alpine climate with significant snowfall, averaging 411.5 inches annually at Donner Pass , making it one of the snowiest locations in the contiguous United States . Weather fronts originating in the Pacific Ocean contribute to heavy precipitation due to orographic lift as they move over the Sierra Nevada peaks .

Sheriff’s Statement

“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,” said Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon .