Rescuers Reach 6 Survivors of California Avalanche, 9 Still Missing

Crews battle winter storm to access backcountry skiers trapped by snow and ice.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Rescue crews have pushed through a powerful winter storm in the mountains near Lake Tahoe to reach six backcountry skiers who survived an avalanche, but nine others from their tour group remain missing. Two of the rescued skiers were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Why it matters

Backcountry skiing carries inherent risks, especially during extreme winter weather conditions. This incident highlights the dangers faced by adventurers who venture into ungroomed, avalanche-prone terrain, and the challenges rescue teams encounter in responding to such emergencies.

The details

The skiers were on the last day of a three-day backcountry skiing trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides when the avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe. Rescue crews were dispatched after a 911 call reported the avalanche and people buried. Extreme weather conditions, including heavy snow and high winds, slowed the rescue efforts, which took several hours to reach and evacuate the six survivors.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday.
  • Rescue crews were dispatched on Tuesday after a 911 call.
  • The six survivors were rescued and evaluated by the Truckee Fire Department.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that coordinated the rescue efforts.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The tour company that organized the backcountry skiing trip where the avalanche occurred.

Steve Reynaud

A Tahoe National Forest avalanche forecaster with the Sierra Avalanche Center who had contact with people on the ground.

Brandon Schwartz

The Tahoe National Forest lead avalanche forecaster at the Sierra Avalanche Center, who warned of dangerous backcountry conditions.

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What they’re saying

“It's particularly dangerous in the backcountry right now just because we're at the height of the storm.”

— Brandon Schwartz, Tahoe National Forest lead avalanche forecaster (wral.com)

What’s next

Rescue crews will provide an update on the search for the nine missing skiers at a news conference on Wednesday morning.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in backcountry skiing, especially during extreme winter weather. It underscores the importance of proper training, safety equipment, and heeding avalanche warnings when venturing into ungroomed terrain.