6 Skiers Rescued After California Avalanche, 9 Still Missing

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Authorities in California's Nevada County have rescued 6 skiers after an avalanche in the Soda Springs area near Lake Tahoe, but 9 members of a tour group remain missing. The group was skiing in the backcountry when the avalanche struck, burying an unknown number of people. Rescue teams are still searching for the missing individuals amid challenging winter weather conditions.

Why it matters

Avalanches are a serious risk for backcountry skiers and snowboarders, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and high winds. This incident highlights the dangers of venturing into uncontrolled alpine environments and the importance of proper safety precautions and rescue preparedness.

The details

The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 17th in an area near Frog Lake and Castle Peak. A group of 15 skiers from a tour company were skiing in the backcountry when the slide struck, burying an unknown number of people. Six skiers were rescued, but 9 others remain missing as of Wednesday morning. Rescue teams from the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, and other agencies are continuing their search efforts, hampered by ongoing winter weather conditions including heavy snow and high winds.

• The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
• Rescue efforts began immediately after the avalanche and are still ongoing as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Rescue teams will continue searching the area for the 9 missing skiers as long as weather conditions allow. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office has stated they will provide updates on the status of the search operation.