Crews Hope to Resume Recovery of 8 Avalanche Victims in California

Dangerous weather has hampered efforts to recover bodies from deadly Sierra Nevada slide

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Crews in California's Sierra Nevada mountains hope to resume efforts on Friday to recover the bodies of eight people killed and one still missing in a deadly avalanche earlier this week. The avalanche struck a group of 15 experienced backcountry skiers, killing six members of a close-knit group of friends and three guides. Dangerous weather has prevented safe access to the area, but conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, allowing the recovery operation to continue.

Why it matters

This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. since 1981, when 11 climbers were killed on Mount Rainier in Washington. It raises questions about the risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced groups, and the role of guides and tour companies in assessing avalanche conditions and making decisions about when to proceed with outdoor activities.

The details

The six friends killed in the avalanche were identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt. They were part of a close-knit group of experienced backcountry skiers who were carrying avalanche safety equipment and prepared for their trip. Two members of the group survived and were rescued, along with four others including a guide. Investigations are now underway to determine what the guides and their tour company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, knew about the avalanche warnings and why they decided to proceed with the trip.

  • The 15 skiers began their three-day trip on Sunday, just as warnings about the storm were intensifying.
  • By early Tuesday, officials cautioned that avalanches were expected in the area.
  • Avalanche warnings were set to expire early on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Dryer and milder conditions were predicted for the weekend of February 22-23, 2026.

The players

Carrie Atkin

One of the six friends killed in the avalanche, a former corporate executive and Division I Track & Field athlete who lived with her husband and two children.

Liz Clabaugh

One of the six friends killed in the avalanche, the sister of Caroline Sekar, who worked for St. Luke's Health System in Boise, Idaho.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The tour company leading the expedition, whose guides were trained or certified in backcountry skiing and instructors with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.

Zeb Blais

The founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, who stated that while in the field, guides are in communication with senior guides at the company's base to discuss conditions and routing based on those conditions.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who said some of his wife's 'old family friends' were on the ill-fated trip.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These were some experienced guides that were out there, and that's what's even more concerning and disturbing.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (News conference)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced groups, and the need for thorough assessment of conditions and clear communication between guides, tour companies, and participants to ensure the safety of outdoor enthusiasts.