At Least 8 Skiers Dead After Avalanche in Northern California

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At least eight skiers were killed and one remains missing after an avalanche struck a ski area in Northern California's Sierra Nevada mountains on Tuesday, according to local authorities. The incident occurred in a remote backcountry area near the town of Truckee.

Why it matters

Avalanches are a major risk for skiers and snowboarders in mountainous regions, especially during periods of heavy snowfall. This tragedy highlights the need for improved safety protocols and education to prevent such deadly incidents in the future.

The details

The avalanche struck a group of experienced skiers who were exploring the backcountry terrain near the Squaw Valley ski resort. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene but were hampered by poor weather conditions. Eight victims were recovered from the snow, while one skier remains unaccounted for.

• The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

What’s next

Authorities will continue search and recovery efforts in the coming days, while also investigating the cause of the avalanche and reviewing safety protocols for backcountry skiing in the region.