Tahoe Avalanche Victims Remain Unreachable

Dangerous conditions hamper recovery efforts in Sierra Nevada mountains.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Heavy snowfall has prevented search and rescue teams from recovering the bodies of victims killed in an avalanche near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Officials say the recovery efforts are likely to continue through the weekend as the treacherous weather conditions persist in the area.

Why it matters

Avalanche incidents in the Tahoe region are not uncommon, but this latest tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by outdoor enthusiasts and the challenges of search and rescue operations in remote, high-elevation areas during severe winter weather.

The details

The avalanche occurred earlier this week, burying an unknown number of victims under deep snow. Rescue crews have been unable to access the site due to the heavy snowfall and dangerous conditions, which include poor visibility and the risk of additional avalanches. Authorities are closely monitoring the weather and will resume recovery efforts as soon as it is safe to do so.

  • The avalanche occurred earlier this week.
  • Heavy snow has been falling at the site since Thursday.

The players

Donner Summit

A mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada range near Lake Tahoe, where the avalanche occurred.

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What’s next

Once the weather conditions improve, search and rescue teams will resume efforts to recover the victims' bodies from the avalanche site.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of outdoor activities in the mountains, especially during the winter months, and the challenges faced by emergency responders in conducting search and rescue operations in such treacherous environments.