Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe Leaves Nine Skiers Missing, Six Rescued
NEVADA CITY, Calif. — Rescue efforts are ongoing for nine skiers reported missing after an avalanche struck near Castle Peak, northwest of Lake Tahoe, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Six skiers have been rescued and are safe, with two receiving hospital treatment, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Avalanche Details and Rescue Efforts
The avalanche occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. Near Frog Lake in the Castle Peak area, a popular backcountry skiing destination. Search and rescue teams faced challenging conditions, including blizzard conditions, to reach the survivors. Castle Peak is a 9,100-foot mountain located on Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada [1].
The initial report indicated 10 missing skiers, but the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office updated the number to nine in a Facebook post at 10:40 p.m. On February 17th [1]. The search for the missing skiers is dependent on weather conditions.
Blackbird Mountain Guides Involved
Blackbird Mountain Guides, a Truckee-based mountain guide company, released a statement confirming their involvement in the incident. The company stated that 12 clients and four guides were staying at the Frog Lake huts since February 15th and were returning to the trailhead when the avalanche occurred [3]. They are fully coordinating with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada County Search and Rescue.
The company is in contact with the emergency contacts of those affected and providing updates as verified information becomes available [3].
Dangerous Backcountry Conditions
Authorities have warned of dangerous backcountry conditions due to a powerful winter storm bringing heavy snow and high winds to the Lake Tahoe region. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for the area, anticipating large slides through Wednesday [2]. The avalanche occurred at an elevation of roughly 8,200 feet [3].
Steve Reynaud, a Tahoe National Forest avalanche forecaster with the Sierra Avalanche Center, noted that the skiers had been navigating “rugged mountainous terrain” for up to 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) while on their three-day trip [2].
Ongoing Search and Weather Impact
Search crews are planning to use aircraft on Wednesday, February 18th, to continue the search for the nine missing skiers, weather permitting [2]. The area has a history of perilous conditions, notably as the site where the Donner Party was trapped in the winter of 1846-1847.