Deadly Avalanche Kills Marin County Residents Near Lake Tahoe

Victims included mothers from Mill Valley ski group, mayor says

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A deadly avalanche near Castle Peak in the Lake Tahoe region has claimed the lives of several residents from Marin County, California, including mothers from the city of Mill Valley, according to local officials. The ski group of four guides and 11 clients was on a three-day trip run by Blackbird Mountain Guides when the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, leaving eight dead and one person presumed dead. Search and rescue teams were able to reach six survivors, but the recovery efforts have been hampered by dangerous conditions and the risk of additional avalanches.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the need for thorough safety precautions, especially in areas prone to avalanche activity. It also underscores the close-knit nature of communities like Mill Valley, where the loss of local residents will be deeply felt.

The details

The ski group, which appeared to be a group of mothers from the Sugar Bowl youth ski team, was on the third day of a guided trip when the avalanche struck. Search and rescue teams reached the site by snowcat and then skied the final two miles to reach the survivors. Authorities are in contact with the guide company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, about their decision to proceed with the trip despite forecasts warning of high avalanche danger.

  • The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Search and rescue teams reached the site and six survivors around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The players

Max Perrey

The mayor of Mill Valley, an enclave in Marin County, who confirmed that some of the victims were residents of his city.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The Truckee-based guide company that was leading the three-day ski trip when the avalanche struck.

Shannan Moon

The Nevada County Sheriff, who provided details about the ski group and the rescue efforts.

Don O'Keefe

The California Office of Emergency Services law enforcement chief, who said one of his personnel was in communication with one of the guides during the rescue.

Rusty Greene

A captain with the rescue team, who warned about the ongoing risk of additional avalanches.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a huge tragedy and a huge loss.”

— Max Perrey, Mayor of Mill Valley (Marin Independent Journal)

“The backcountry, it's beautiful. There's not a lot of people out there, and that's where a lot of people like to recreate — I myself like to recreate in that area. But to Mother Nature, it doesn't seem to matter.”

— Shannan Moon, Nevada County Sheriff (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Officials said they are still working to notify the next of kin and will release the names of the victims once that process is complete. The recovery efforts have been hampered by the dangerous terrain and ongoing snowfall, and it's unclear when the bodies will be able to be removed from the mountain.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced groups, and the need for thorough safety planning and preparation when venturing into remote, avalanche-prone areas. The loss of local residents from Marin County will be deeply felt by their close-knit community.