Sierra Nevada avalanche kills group of outdoor-loving moms

Families mourn loss of six friends who bonded over shared love of skiing and adventure

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The families of six friends and mothers who were killed in a Sierra Nevada avalanche this week identified the victims on Thursday and said they were 'devastated beyond words.' The women, who were experienced skiers, were on a guided two-night trip to the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts outside Truckee, California when the deadly avalanche struck.

Why it matters

The tragedy has shaken the close-knit communities in the Bay Area and Marin County, where many of the victims lived. The women were part of a group that regularly took ski trips together, and their deaths have left a 'crater' in the local community.

The details

The victims were identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt. They were all mothers, wives and friends who shared a passion for the outdoors and skiing. The group was fully equipped with avalanche safety gear when the accident occurred.

  • The avalanche occurred this week.
  • The victims' families identified them on Thursday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Carrie Atkin

A 46-year-old leadership coach who lived in the Bay Area before moving to Soda Springs in the Sierra Nevada.

Liz Clabaugh

The 52-year-old sister of Caroline Sekar, who lived in Boise, Idaho.

Caroline Sekar

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who was married with two children.

Kate Vitt

A 43-year-old vice president of product operations and customer success at SiriusXM, who lived in Greenbrae, Marin County.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The company that led the guided ski trip where the avalanche occurred, resulting in the deaths of three of their guides.

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What they’re saying

“Caroline spent her final days doing what she loved best, with the people who loved her most, in her favorite place. She was with me, her children and our puppy, and then on one last adventure with her sister and close friends, who she now rests with.”

— Kiren Sekar, Husband of Caroline Sekar (The New York Times)

“The kids and I are shattered by this tragedy. But even in our grief, we are committed to living a life that would make her proud — a life filled with the adventure, kindness and dedication to others that defined her.”

— Pete Atkin, Husband of Carrie Atkin (The New York Times)

What’s next

Rescue workers have not yet been able to retrieve the eight people who were found dead on the mountain because of severe storm conditions, which were expected to continue at least through Thursday. The U.S. Forest Service announced it would close the Castle Peak area, including the avalanche zone, until March 15 due to unstable snowpack conditions and the need for search and rescue crews to recover the bodies.

The takeaway

This tragedy has devastated the close-knit communities in the Bay Area and Marin County, where many of the victims lived. It serves as a somber reminder of the risks and dangers inherent in outdoor activities, even for experienced enthusiasts. The loss of these vibrant, adventure-loving mothers has left a profound impact on their families, friends and local neighborhoods.