During a fierce, powerful winter storm near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Lake Tahoe, a massive avalanche struck a backcountry skiing group on February 17, 2026. With a total of 15 skiers, four ski guides, and 11 clients caught in the avalanche, six survived and were rescued while nine others were confirmed dead. Sitting at 7,600 feet, the miles-long journey from the trailhead has an elevation gain of more than 1,000 feet.

Local News Matters states, “They were experienced backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains. They were trained and prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip.”

With ages ranging from 30-55 and some with beloved families and spouses, Governor Gavin Newsom offered his own words of grief, “Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives and a community of skiers and a community of families from the Bay Area.” Local News Matters also states that Newsom spoke about this at a press conference in Colma.

With numerous deaths stemming from avalanches recently, NPR News mentions, “As the climate warms, scientists are trying to better understand avalanche risks. They say risks for major avalanches at high elevation could be growing while the risk is decreasing at low elevations.” The recent avalanche that shook Lake Tahoe is among the fourth deadliest in U.S history, and the deadliest in California history. Scientists suspect that climate change is making them even worse.

CBS News reports that there was a predicted avalanche advisory, yet the backcountry skiing touring group continued anyway. “The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said they are questioning the touring company and are working to learn more about the group’s decision to head into the backcountry during this predicted storm cycle.”

Even though this group experienced these tragedies, Lake Tahoe is still a great place to go traveling for skiing. Some cautionary advice when heading out to go backcountry skiing is to wear proper avalanche gear, such as beacons, probes, and shovels, and carry satellite phones in case of an emergency. Especially when accessing this zone with snowcats, snowmobiles, or hiking, protection is highly recommended for one’s ultimate safety.