6 Moms Killed in Tahoe Avalanche

Victims were part of a group that 'cherished time together in the mountains'

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Six women among those killed in an avalanche in Tahoe's backcountry this week were a group of 'mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors,' their families said. The victims were Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse and Kate Vitt of Marin County; Caroline Sekar of San Francisco; Carrie Atkin, a Truckee-Tahoe area resident; and Liz Clabaugh, of Boise, Idaho.

Why it matters

Avalanches in the Tahoe backcountry are a serious risk, especially as more people seek outdoor recreation in remote areas. This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by even experienced outdoor enthusiasts and the impact on local communities when such accidents occur.

The details

The six women were part of a group of eight who were skiing in the backcountry when the avalanche struck. Two of the victims, Clabaugh and Sekar, were sisters. Vitt was also a mother of students at an elementary school in Marin County.

  • The avalanche occurred earlier this week in Tahoe's backcountry.

The players

Danielle Keatley

One of the six women killed in the Tahoe avalanche.

Kate Morse

One of the six women killed in the Tahoe avalanche.

Kate Vitt

One of the six women killed in the Tahoe avalanche, and a mother of students at an elementary school in Marin County.

Caroline Sekar

One of the six women killed in the Tahoe avalanche, and the sister of Liz Clabaugh.

Carrie Atkin

One of the six women killed in the Tahoe avalanche, and a resident of the Truckee-Tahoe area.

Liz Clabaugh

One of the six women killed in the Tahoe avalanche, and the sister of Caroline Sekar.

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The takeaway

This tragic avalanche accident in Tahoe's backcountry serves as a somber reminder of the risks that even experienced outdoor enthusiasts face when venturing into remote areas, and the devastating impact on local communities when such accidents occur.