Crews Search for Skiers After Avalanche in California Mountains

Rescue teams respond to reported incident near Lake Tahoe as powerful winter storm hits the region.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Search and rescue crews were looking for multiple backcountry skiers feared missing after a reported avalanche in Northern California's Castle Peak area as a powerful winter storm moved through the state, authorities said. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call about the incident, which occurred in a popular backcountry skiing destination northwest of Lake Tahoe.

Why it matters

Avalanches pose a serious threat to outdoor enthusiasts in mountainous regions, especially during extreme winter weather conditions. This incident highlights the dangers faced by backcountry skiers and the importance of avalanche safety and rescue preparedness in California's Sierra Nevada range.

The details

According to the sheriff's office, a group of backcountry skiers was involved in the incident, with several members of the party missing at the time. The area was facing high avalanche danger due to rapidly accumulating snowfall, weakening snowpack layers, and gale-force winds. Several ski resorts around Lake Tahoe were fully or partially closed due to the extreme weather.

  • The 911 call about the avalanche was received at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • The powerful winter storm was expected to continue through late Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency that received the 911 call and coordinated the search and rescue response.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

The state agency that assisted in the search and rescue efforts.

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that provided avalanche danger information for the Central Sierra Nevada region, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area.

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What they’re saying

“It has been reported that a group of back country skiers was involved in the incident, with several members of the party missing at this time.”

— Nevada County Sheriff's Office (Facebook post)

What’s next

The search and rescue teams will continue their efforts to locate any missing skiers, and the authorities will assess the extent of the avalanche and its impact on the area.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of avalanche awareness, proper equipment, and caution when engaging in backcountry skiing, especially during extreme winter weather conditions. It also highlights the critical role of search and rescue teams in responding to such emergencies in remote mountain regions.