Crews Hope to Resume Recovery of 8 Bodies from California Avalanche

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

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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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 and one still missing in an avalanche earlier this week. The victims were part of a close-knit group of experienced backcountry skiers, as well as their guides, who were caught in the deadly slide. Authorities are now investigating what the guides and their tour company knew about the avalanche warnings prior to the trip.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced adventurers, and raises questions about how tour companies assess and communicate avalanche dangers to their clients. The deadliest avalanche in the U.S. since 1981 has devastated multiple communities and left many families grieving.

The details

Six of the victims were part of a group of close friends who were experienced backcountry skiers, while the other three were guides leading the expedition. The group of 15 skiers began their three-day trip on Sunday, just as avalanche warnings were intensifying. By early Tuesday, officials cautioned that avalanches were expected, but the guides and their tour company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, decided to press on. Authorities are now investigating what the guides and their company knew about the warnings and why they continued the trip.

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

The players

Carrie Atkin

One of the victims, a former corporate executive and Division I Track & Field athlete who lived with her husband and two children.

Liz Clabaugh

One of the victims, a sister of Caroline Sekar, who worked for St. Luke's Health System in Boise, Idaho.

Caroline Sekar

One of the victims, a mother of two who lived in San Francisco.

Kate Vitt

One of the victims, a San Francisco resident who previously worked at SiriusXM and Pandora.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The tour company leading the expedition, whose guides were trained or certified in backcountry skiing and avalanche education.

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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, California Governor

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. Investigations by local authorities and a state agency that regulates workplace safety are ongoing to determine what the guides and their tour company knew about the avalanche warnings prior to the trip.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for the most experienced adventurers. It also raises important questions about how tour companies assess and communicate avalanche dangers to their clients, and whether more can be done to ensure the safety of those venturing into the backcountry.