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Controlled blasts set off near Castle Peak avalanche site
Officials work to lower risks of more deadly slides as recovery efforts continue
Feb. 21, 2026 at 2:04am
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Officials in California's Sierra Nevada set off controlled explosions near the Castle Peak avalanche site on Friday to lower the risks of more deadly slides and allow crews to safely recover the bodies of the eight people killed and one still missing from Tuesday's avalanche. Rescue crews and helicopters are working in the area as authorities investigate the incident, including whether criminal negligence played a role.
Why it matters
The Castle Peak avalanche was the deadliest in the U.S. since 1981, highlighting the dangers of backcountry skiing and the need for proper safety precautions. Authorities are looking into whether the tour company that organized the ski trip made the right call in not canceling the trip despite severe weather warnings.
The details
Rescue crews loaded up a snow vehicle with skis and other supplies and headed toward the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe, while helicopters circled overhead. Avalanche mitigation work is designed to intentionally release unstable snowpack to reduce the risk when rescue crews go in. The avalanche was roughly the size of a football field and killed eight people, with one still missing. Authorities are investigating whether criminal negligence played a role, including whether the tour company that organized the backcountry ski trip should have canceled it in the face of a powerful storm.
- Officials conducted controlled explosions near the Castle Peak avalanche site on Friday to aid recovery efforts.
- The deadly avalanche occurred on Tuesday in California's Sierra Nevada.
The players
Blackbird Mountain Guides
The tour company that organized the backcountry ski trip where the deadly avalanche occurred. Authorities are investigating whether the company made the right call in not canceling the trip despite severe weather warnings.
Nevada County Sheriff's Office
The sheriff's office leading one of several investigations into the Castle Peak avalanche, including whether criminal negligence played a role.
What they’re saying
“We don't have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do. In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.”
— Zeb Blais, Founder, Blackbird Mountain Guides
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the tour company to continue operating while the investigation is ongoing.
The takeaway
This tragic avalanche highlights the need for strict safety protocols and weather monitoring in the backcountry skiing industry, as well as the potential legal consequences for tour companies that fail to prioritize the safety of their clients.
