Six Avalanche Victims Identified, Including Greenbrae Mother

A group of eight close friends were caught in the deadly Sierra-Tahoe avalanche, leaving six dead and two injured.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A family representative has identified six of the eight skiers killed in an avalanche on Tuesday morning in California's Sierra-Tahoe region. The victims include a mother of two from Greenbrae, as well as two sisters from San Francisco and Idaho. The group of friends were on a professionally guided backcountry ski trip when the deadly avalanche struck.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks and dangers involved in backcountry skiing, even for experienced skiers. It has left the local communities in the Bay Area and Tahoe region in shock and mourning the loss of these vibrant individuals. The investigation will likely focus on the decision-making and safety protocols of the guiding company leading the trip.

The details

The group of eight friends were on a three-day backcountry ski trip to Castle Peak near Lake Tahoe, organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. On their final day, an avalanche described as the size of a football field struck, catching all 15 skiers in the group. Six women were killed, including a mother of two from Greenbrae, two sisters from San Francisco and Idaho, and three other close friends. Two other skiers were injured but survived, and one person is still missing and presumed dead.

  • The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Rescue efforts continued late into Tuesday evening, with six survivors found taking refuge under a tarp and communicating via emergency beacon.
  • On Thursday, February 20th, the six victims were officially identified by a family representative.

The players

Kate Vitt

A 45-year-old mother of two from Greenbrae, California, who was among the six victims killed in the avalanche.

Caroline Sekar

A 45-year-old woman from San Francisco who was killed in the avalanche, along with her sister Liz Clabaugh.

Liz Clabaugh

A 52-year-old woman from Idaho who was killed in the avalanche, along with her sister Caroline Sekar.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The guiding company that was leading the backcountry ski trip when the deadly avalanche struck.

Nevada County Search and Rescue

The search and rescue team that responded to the avalanche incident.

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What they’re saying

“Such a good neighbor. Kind, walked kids to school.”

— Sheryl Longman, Neighbor of victim Kate Vitt (KTVU)

“She was a good mom.”

— Cynthia Leibson, Neighbor of victim Kate Vitt (KTVU)

“The idea that they are both gone is, I don't even know how to put it into words.”

— McAlister Clabaugh, Brother of victims Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh (New York Times)

What’s next

Cal/OSHA has launched an investigation into the deadly avalanche and the role of the guiding company, Blackbird Mountain Guides. Authorities will also continue the search for the one remaining missing person presumed dead.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche has devastated the close-knit communities of the Bay Area and Tahoe region, leaving families and friends grappling with unimaginable loss. It serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in backcountry skiing, even for the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts, and will likely prompt renewed discussions around safety protocols and decision-making for guided adventure trips.