Deadly Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe Claims Eight Lives, One Still Missing

TRUCKEE, Calif. – Eight backcountry skiers are dead and one remains missing following a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe’s Donner Summit on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The incident, which occurred on Castle Peak, is being described as the deadliest skiing avalanche in California history and the nation’s deadliest in nearly half a century [1].

Search and Rescue Efforts

The group of 15 people, comprised of 11 skiers and four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, was on the final day of a three-day backcountry ski trip to Frog Lake huts near Castle Peak when the avalanche struck [1], [4]. Six skiers were rescued on Tuesday evening, with two requiring hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries [1]. The search for the missing skier transitioned to a recovery operation on Wednesday, as authorities confirmed the deaths of eight individuals [2].

Avalanche Conditions and Investigation

The avalanche, estimated to be the size of a football field, occurred after a winter storm that dumped three to six feet of snow on the region since Sunday [2]. Subfreezing temperatures and gale-force winds contributed to unstable snowpack conditions [2]. The Sierra Avalanche Center warned of continued high avalanche risk in the area and advised against backcountry travel [2].

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon stated that investigators will review the decision to proceed with the trip given the weather forecast [2].

Victim Information

The identities of the eight victims have not yet been formally released by Nevada or Placer County officials [1]. However, authorities confirmed that seven of the victims are women and two are men, ranging in age from 30 to 55 [2]. Three of the deceased were guides with Blackbird Mountain Guides [1], [2]. Some of the victims were members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community [1].

Castle Peak and Backcountry Skiing

Castle Peak, a 9,110-foot mountain north of Donner Summit, is a popular destination for backcountry skiing [4]. Backcountry skiing differs from resort skiing, requiring specialized training in avalanche assessment, rescue techniques and safety equipment [1].