Crews Resume Recovery Efforts After Deadly California Avalanche

Eight killed, one missing in Sierra Nevada disaster that has hampered rescue operations

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Crews in California's Sierra Nevada mountains are preparing to resume efforts to recover the bodies of eight people killed in an avalanche, after days of dangerous weather conditions that have hindered the recovery operation. 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 survived the incident, along with four other skiers. Authorities are now investigating what the guides and their tour company knew about the avalanche warnings prior to the deadly outing.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the risks and challenges of backcountry skiing, even for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The avalanche is the deadliest in the U.S. since 1981, raising questions about avalanche safety protocols and decision-making by guides leading such expeditions. The victims' families are now grieving the loss of their loved ones, who were mothers, wives and friends connected by their passion for the outdoors.

The details

The 15 skiers were part of a three-day trip that began on Sunday, just as avalanche warnings were intensifying in the region. By early Tuesday, officials cautioned that avalanches were expected. The guides leading the expedition were trained and certified in backcountry skiing, but it's unclear what they knew about the warnings and why they decided to proceed. Investigations are now underway by local authorities and a state agency that regulates workplace safety.

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

The players

Carrie Atkin

A former corporate executive and Division I Track & Field athlete who lived with her husband and two children.

Liz Clabaugh

A woman who worked for St. Luke's Health System in Boise, Idaho, and was the sister of Caroline Sekar.

Danielle Keatley

One of the six victims who were part of a close-knit group of experienced backcountry skiers.

Kate Morse

One of the six victims who were part of a close-knit group of experienced backcountry skiers.

Caroline Sekar

A mother of two who lived in San Francisco and was the sister of Liz Clabaugh.

Kate Vitt

A San Francisco resident who previously worked at SiriusXM and Pandora, and whose two sons are safe with their father.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

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

Zeb Blais

The founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides.

Gavin Newsom

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

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated beyond words.”

— Families of the victims

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

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“While in the field, guides 'are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions.'”

— Zeb Blais, Founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides

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.

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche incident underscores the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. It raises important questions about avalanche safety protocols, decision-making by guides, and the need for continued education and precautions to prevent such devastating disasters in the future.