10 Skiers Missing After Avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe

Rescuers race to find survivors as dangerous conditions persist in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:31am

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An avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe region has left 10 backcountry skiers missing, with six more people stranded and awaiting rescue. The group of 16, made up of four guides and 12 clients, was caught in the avalanche near the town of Truckee. Highly-skilled rescue teams have deployed from nearby ski resorts, but weather conditions remain dangerous with a high chance of additional avalanches.

Why it matters

Avalanches pose a serious threat to backcountry skiers and snowboarders, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains where heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions can lead to deadly incidents. This incident highlights the risks inherent in venturing into uncontrolled alpine terrain, and the challenges facing rescue teams operating in such treacherous environments.

The details

The avalanche was reported around 11:30am PST in the Castle Peak area near Truckee. The group of 16 skiers included four guides and 12 clients. Six of the skiers have been located and directed to shelter in place, while the remaining 10 are still unaccounted for. Rescue teams from nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Alder Creek Adventure Center are attempting to reach the site, but dangerous weather conditions including high winds and low visibility are hampering efforts.

  • The avalanche was reported around 11:30am PST on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The Sierra Avalanche Center has forecast large avalanches to occur on Tuesday, Tuesday night, and into early Wednesday morning.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency coordinating the rescue efforts.

Boreal Mountain Ski Resort

A nearby ski resort that has deployed rescue teams to the avalanche site.

Alder Creek Adventure Center

A nearby outdoor recreation center that is also assisting with the rescue efforts.

Sierra Avalanche Center

The regional avalanche forecasting organization that has issued a high avalanche danger warning for the area.

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What they’re saying

“Rescue efforts remain in progress now with 46 emergency first responders. Weather conditions remain highly dangerous.”

— Nevada County Sheriff's Office

“Large avalanches are expected to occur Tuesday, Tuesday night, and into at least early Wednesday morning across backcountry terrain.”

— Sierra Avalanche Center

What’s next

Rescue teams will continue searching for the 10 missing skiers as weather conditions allow, with a focus on finding any survivors sheltering in place. The Sierra Avalanche Center has warned that the high avalanche danger is expected to persist for at least the next 24 hours, complicating and delaying rescue efforts.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and adventurers. It underscores the importance of heeding avalanche warnings, exercising extreme caution in unstable snow conditions, and having proper training and equipment for navigating alpine terrain. The ongoing rescue efforts also highlight the bravery and dedication of first responders who put themselves in harm's way to save lives.