10 Skiers Missing, 6 Stranded After California Avalanche

Rescue teams dispatched to Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe as heavy snow hits the region

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Ten skiers were reported missing and another six were stranded after an avalanche struck a backcountry slope near Lake Tahoe in California's Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday. The group of 16 skiers, including four guides and 12 clients, were caught in the avalanche around 11:30 a.m. Pacific time. At least six survived and remained at the avalanche site awaiting rescue, while the others were unaccounted for.

Why it matters

Avalanches pose a serious risk to backcountry skiers, especially during heavy snow conditions like those seen in the Sierra Nevada mountains this week. This incident highlights the dangers of skiing in remote, uncontrolled areas and the importance of proper safety precautions and rescue preparedness.

The details

Rescue teams from nearby ski resorts were dispatched to the avalanche zone, and dozens of emergency personnel arrived at the scene. Weather conditions remain highly hazardous, with additional avalanche activity expected through Tuesday night and into Wednesday. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation and state authorities are coordinating a search-and-rescue effort with local emergency teams.

  • The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. Pacific time on Tuesday, February 17, 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 Sierra Avalanche Center had posted an alert before dawn on Tuesday warning of a 'high avalanche danger' in the backcountry ski region.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

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

Boreal Mountain Ski Resort

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

Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center

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

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who was briefed on the avalanche incident and coordinating the state's search-and-rescue efforts.

Colorado Avalanche Information Center

An organization that has tallied six U.S. avalanche fatalities so far this season.

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What’s next

Rescue teams will continue searching for the missing skiers, and authorities will monitor weather conditions for any additional avalanche activity in the area.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of exercising extreme caution and following safety protocols when skiing in remote, uncontrolled backcountry areas, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk.