Ten Skiers Missing, Six Stranded in California Avalanche

Rescue teams dispatched as heavy snow hits Sierra Nevada mountains

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A group of 16 skiers, including 4 guides and 12 clients, were caught in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California's Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday. At least 6 survived and remained at the avalanche site awaiting rescue, while 10 others were unaccounted for. Rescue teams have been dispatched, but weather conditions remain highly hazardous with additional avalanche activity expected.

Why it matters

Avalanches pose a serious threat to backcountry skiers, with an average of 27 fatalities per winter in the United States over the past decade. This incident could rank among the deadliest single avalanches on record if all 10 missing skiers perish. It highlights the dangers of skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains during severe winter storms.

The details

The avalanche struck the Castle Peak area of Truckee, California, about 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, at around 11:30 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday. The group consisted of 4 ski guides and 12 clients. At least 6 survived and remained at the avalanche site awaiting rescue, while the other 10 were unaccounted for. Rescue ski teams were dispatched from nearby ski resorts, and dozens of emergency personnel have arrived at the scene.

  • The avalanche occurred at around 11:30 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • A winter storm warning was in effect for much of northern California on Tuesday, with heavy snow forecast in the upper elevations of the Sierra Nevada.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that posted a Facebook statement about the avalanche incident.

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that had posted an alert before dawn on Tuesday warning of a "high avalanche danger" in the backcountry ski region.

Boreal Mountain Ski Resort

One of the ski resorts that dispatched rescue ski teams to the avalanche zone.

Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center

Another ski resort that dispatched rescue ski teams to the avalanche zone.

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What’s next

Rescue efforts are ongoing, and authorities will continue to search for the missing skiers. The Sierra Avalanche Center has warned of additional avalanche activity expected through Tuesday night and into Wednesday, making the rescue efforts even more challenging.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of backcountry skiing during severe winter storms, and the importance of heeding avalanche warnings and taking proper safety precautions when venturing into the mountains.