Deadly Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe: Rescue Efforts Conclude, Investigations Begin

TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — Rescue operations transitioned to recovery efforts Friday as authorities worked to mitigate further avalanche risks near Castle Peak in California’s Sierra Nevada, allowing crews to safely retrieve the bodies of those killed in Tuesday’s devastating avalanche. The incident, which occurred northwest of Lake Tahoe, claimed the lives of eight skiers and left one missing, presumed dead.

Avalanche Response and Recovery

On Friday, rescue crews utilized a snow vehicle and skis to access the avalanche site, supported by helicopters providing aerial oversight. Avalanche mitigation work, involving controlled explosions, was conducted to intentionally release unstable snowpack and reduce the risk to rescue personnel. The Novel York Times reported on the ongoing efforts.

Brutal weather conditions and the continued threat of avalanches initially hampered recovery efforts. The avalanche, described as roughly the size of a football field, struck on Feb. 17 around 11:30 a.m. The Reno Gazette Journal detailed the timeline of events.

Investigations Launched

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the avalanche, including whether any criminal negligence contributed to the tragedy. Both the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and a state agency regulating workplace safety have initiated investigations. CBS News confirmed the opening of multiple investigations.

Key questions under consideration include why the backcountry ski trip, organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, proceeded despite intensifying storm warnings and what information the guides possessed regarding the deteriorating weather conditions.

Victims Identified

Six of the deceased skiers were identified as experienced backcountry enthusiasts and close friends. They were named as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. The remaining victims have not yet been publicly identified.

The families of the six women released a statement expressing their devastation. They described the women as mothers, wives, and friends who shared a passion for the outdoors and were well-prepared for backcountry travel, carrying avalanche safety equipment.

Details about the victims emerged from local news reports:

• Danielle Keatley lived in Larkspur, California, with her family and co-owned a wine business.
• Kate Morse resided north of San Francisco and worked in the biotech industry.
• Kate Vitt lived north of the city with her two sons and husband and previously worked at SiriusXM, and Pandora.
• Carrie Atkin, a former corporate executive, lived in Lake Tahoe with her husband and two children.
• Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh were sisters. Sekar was a mother of two from San Francisco, and Clabaugh was a nurse in Boise, Idaho.

Trip Details and Background

The group of 15 skiers – four guides and 11 clients – began their three-day trip on Sunday, Feb. 15, as storm warnings were increasing. They were staying at Frog Lake huts and were en route back to the trailhead when the avalanche occurred. USA Today provided a graphic overview of the incident.

Blackbird Mountain Guides stated that its guides were trained and certified in backcountry skiing and avalanche safety by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. Founder Zeb Blais acknowledged the lack of immediate answers and expressed support for those affected.

This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. Since 1981, when 11 climbers were killed on Mount Rainier in Washington state.