Rescuers Reach 6 Survivors of California Avalanche, 9 Still Missing

Crews battle winter storm to find skiers trapped by snow and ice near Lake Tahoe.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Rescue crews 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

Avalanches in the California mountains are a serious risk, especially during severe winter weather, and can have tragic consequences for backcountry skiers and snowboarders who venture into ungroomed, remote areas. This incident highlights the dangers and the challenges faced by rescue teams in responding to such emergencies.

The details

The skiers were part of a group of 15 on a three-day backcountry skiing trek organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. They were caught in an avalanche at Frog Lake in the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe. Rescue crews were dispatched after a 911 call reported the avalanche and people buried. The extreme winter conditions slowed the rescue effort, but crews were eventually able to reach and evacuate the six survivors.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday.
  • Rescue crews were dispatched on Tuesday after receiving the 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 effort and provided updates on the incident.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

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

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that issued an avalanche warning for the area and provided information about the dangerous 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 at the Sierra Avalanche Center (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Rescue crews will continue searching for the nine missing skiers on Wednesday morning.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by backcountry skiers and the importance of proper training, equipment, and caution when venturing into remote, avalanche-prone areas, especially during severe winter weather.