Deadly California Avalanche Highlights Backcountry Risks

Recovery efforts continue after the deadliest U.S. avalanche in nearly 45 years.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A deadly avalanche in California's remote Sierra Nevada wilderness has claimed the lives of eight skiers, with one person still missing. The recovery efforts have been challenging due to ongoing storms and the inherent dangers of the backcountry. Experts say that while avalanche forecasts and safety precautions are crucial, the risks in the backcountry can shift quickly, and even experienced skiers and guides can be caught off guard.

Why it matters

This tragic incident underscores the inherent dangers of backcountry winter sports and the importance of proper preparation, risk assessment, and safety protocols. It also highlights the challenges faced by rescue teams in remote, hazardous areas, and the need for continued education and awareness around avalanche safety.

The details

The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, catching a group of 15 skiers in the backcountry. Six people survived, but eight were killed, making it the deadliest U.S. avalanche in nearly 45 years. Rescuers faced the same potential perils that killed the skiers, as they pursued a sport with inherent risks that were compounded by several feet of new snow. Recovery efforts were set to resume on Friday, but the ongoing storm system meant more avalanches were possible in the area.

  • The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Recovery efforts were set to resume on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Anthony Pavlantos

A representative from Utah-based Prival USA, which makes avalanche safety equipment and runs mountain safety programs.

Dale Atkins

An expert involved in mountain rescues and avalanche forecasting and research in Colorado for five decades.

Anthony Stevens

The chief adviser for the search and rescue team in Teton County, Wyoming, home to Grand Teton National Park.

Ethan Greene

The director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

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What they’re saying

“What's really hard to say is like 'why were they moving?' You can't ever start placing blame on events like this because we can all be there.”

— Anthony Pavlantos, Representative, Prival USA

“It's really easy to be fooled by the snow and avalanches. We keep going out even in the worst of storms because that's what we did last time, and then our luck runs out.”

— Dale Atkins, Avalanche Expert

“Rarely will people survive being buried for long. Atkins said he knew of two people who survived being buried 22 and 24 hours respectively following an avalanche in the 1990s in Washington state. A third member of their party did not survive.”

— Dale Atkins, Avalanche Expert

What’s next

Authorities are expected to provide more details on the recovery efforts and the investigation into the causes of the deadly avalanche in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in backcountry winter sports and the importance of thorough preparation, risk assessment, and adherence to safety protocols. It also highlights the challenges faced by rescue teams in remote, hazardous areas and the need for continued education and awareness around avalanche safety.