Deadly Tahoe avalanche claims 9 lives

Names of victims, including two sisters, start to emerge as recovery efforts continue

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A deadly avalanche near Truckee, California on February 18, 2026 claimed the lives of 9 skiers, including two Bay Area mothers, two sisters, and three professional ski guides. The victims were part of a backcountry skiing trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides when the avalanche struck. Recovery efforts are ongoing as authorities work to identify all of the victims and notify their families.

Why it matters

The Tahoe avalanche tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local communities, with the victims including prominent members of the Bay Area and Boise, Idaho. The incident highlights the risks inherent in backcountry skiing and the importance of proper training and safety precautions, especially given the severe winter weather conditions that contributed to the avalanche.

The details

The avalanche occurred on a backcountry mountainside near Truckee, California during a severe blizzard. Seven women and two men were killed, marking the deadliest American avalanche in decades. Six survivors were rescued from the mountain, but one victim has not yet been located. The victims included Bay Area mothers whose kids attend Sugar Bowl Academy, two sisters, and three professional ski guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides leading the backcountry trip.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Recovery efforts are expected to continue into the weekend.

The players

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The company leading the three-day backcountry ski trip during which the avalanche occurred. The company has not identified the guides who were killed during the excursion.

Caroline Sekar

A San Francisco resident and tech consultant who was killed in the avalanche. She was described as the "sunshine" of her Bernal Heights neighborhood, known for her positivity, helpfulness, and active involvement in the community.

Liz Clabaugh

The sister of Caroline Sekar, who was also killed in the avalanche. Liz worked as a labor and delivery nurse in Boise, Idaho.

Kate Vitt

A Marin County resident and mother who previously worked as an executive at SiriusXM radio. She was described as "vibrant" and "devoted" to her two young sons.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The agency overseeing the recovery efforts, which they say will "carry into the weekend" due to the hazardous weather conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Even when talking about a topic that could potentially be negative, she was positive. I never heard her say an unkind word about any person. She was always smiling, always polite, would do any little thing to help out a neighbor.”

— Jen Wofford, Neighbor of Caroline Sekar (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Those guides that were leading that group are some of the best mountain people I know. They are consummate professionals ... Nobody was new at this — this was no one's first rodeo.”

— John Lauer, Avid backcountry splitboarder (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office says the recovery efforts are expected to continue into the weekend due to the hazardous weather conditions.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and skiers. It underscores the importance of proper training, safety precautions, and vigilance when venturing into the mountains, especially during severe winter storms. The Tahoe community is now grappling with immense grief as they mourn the loss of these vibrant individuals.