Crews Hope to Resume Recovery of 8 Bodies from California Avalanche

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Crews in California's Sierra Nevada mountains hope to resume efforts on Friday to recover the bodies of eight people killed in an avalanche, after days of dangerous weather conditions that have made access to the area difficult. Six of the victims were part of a close-knit group of experienced backcountry skiers, while the other three were guides. Two from the group of friends survived and were rescued along with four others.

Why it matters

This avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. since 1981, when 11 climbers were killed on Mount Rainier in Washington state. It raises questions about avalanche safety protocols and decision-making by the guides and tour company leading the expedition, given the known avalanche warnings at the time.

The details

The 15 skiers began their three-day trip just as warnings about the storm were intensifying. By early Tuesday, officials cautioned that avalanches were expected. Blackbird Mountain Guides, which was leading the expedition, said the guides who were on the trek were trained or certified in backcountry skiing and instructors with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. Authorities are now investigating what the guides and tour company knew about the avalanche warnings and why they pressed on.

• The 15 skiers began their three-day trip on Sunday.
• By early Tuesday, officials cautioned that avalanches were expected.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Avalanche warnings are set to expire early Friday, and dryer and milder conditions are predicted for the weekend, which could allow crews to resume recovery efforts.