Avalanche Watch Issued for Tahoe Backcountry

Warning comes ahead of incoming Pineapple Express storm system

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued an avalanche watch for the Tahoe backcountry, forecasting 'high' avalanche danger (level 4 of 5) on Tuesday. This comes as a Pineapple Express storm system is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to the region.

Why it matters

Avalanches pose a serious risk to backcountry skiers, snowmobilers, and other outdoor enthusiasts in the Tahoe area, especially after heavy snowfall. The 'high' avalanche danger level is the same as the day a deadly avalanche occurred near Castle Peak in the past.

The details

The National Weather Service has warned that the incoming Pineapple Express storm system, which is expected to bring heavy rain and snow to the Tahoe region, will also significantly increase the avalanche risk in the backcountry. Avalanche danger is forecast to reach level 4 out of 5 on Tuesday, the same level as the day a deadly avalanche occurred near Castle Peak in the past.

  • The avalanche watch is in effect for Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A newsroom meteorologist at The San Francisco Chronicle, Edwards previously served as the president of the campus weather forecasting team and an editor at the student newspaper at the University of Washington.

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What’s next

Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to check the latest avalanche forecasts and exercise caution when venturing into the Tahoe backcountry during the storm.

The takeaway

This avalanche warning highlights the importance of being prepared and informed when engaging in winter sports in the Tahoe region, especially after heavy snowfall that can increase the risk of dangerous avalanche conditions.