New Details Emerge on Deadly Tahoe Avalanche

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A new report provides a comprehensive account of the events leading up to a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe region that killed nine people in February 2026. The report details the dangerous weather conditions, the group's actions that may have increased their risk, and the failure of some victims' avalanche airbags to deploy.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks of backcountry skiing and the importance of proper safety protocols, even for experienced groups. The report's findings raise questions about the effectiveness of avalanche safety equipment and the need for improved training and decision-making in the backcountry.

The details

The avalanche occurred on February 17, 2026, as a group of 15 skiers, including 11 clients and 4 guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, were returning from a trip to the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts. The group was traveling through an avalanche run zone below Perry Peak in the Tahoe National Forest when the avalanche was triggered, running about 400 vertical feet down the mountain. The report states that the group was traveling through avalanche terrain when an avalanche was 'likely to very likely,' going against standard backcountry protocol. Additionally, the group size of 15 people increased their likelihood of being caught in an avalanche. Some victims were wearing avalanche airbags, but the devices were never deployed.

• On February 17, 2026, the avalanche occurred around 11 a.m.
• In the hours before the avalanche, wind speeds in the area averaged 75 mph with gusts up to 125 mph.
• Approximately 40 inches of snow had fallen during the storm in the preceding days, with 4 inches per hour falling between 9 and 11 a.m. on the day of the avalanche.

What’s next

State and local investigations are underway to determine if any criminal charges are warranted in the deadly avalanche.