8 Skiers Found Dead After California Avalanche

Rescue crews continue search for 1 missing skier in Sierra Nevada mountains

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead, and one remains missing following an avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, officials announced. Search crews on Tuesday rescued six other skiers who were part of the same guided group, but faced perilous conditions including heavy snowfall and high avalanche danger.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the extreme dangers of backcountry skiing, especially during periods of high avalanche risk. It raises questions about the safety protocols and decision-making of the guiding company leading the group, as well as the preparedness and experience level of the skiers themselves.

The details

The avalanche occurred on Tuesday around 11:30 a.m. PT in the Castle Peak area at an elevation of 8,200 feet in the Sierra Nevada northwest of Lake Tahoe. A group of 15 skiers, including four guides from the company Blackbird Mountain Guides, encountered the avalanche while returning to the trailhead at the end of a three-day trip. The slide was measured as a D2.5 on the Destructive Force Scale, strong enough to bury or kill a person. Six skiers were rescued with varying injuries, while eight were found dead. Rescue efforts continue for the one remaining missing skier.

  • The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
  • Rescue crews worked through Tuesday evening and continued the search on Wednesday morning.

The players

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The guiding company leading the group of skiers when the avalanche occurred.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency overseeing the search and rescue efforts.

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that forecasts avalanche conditions in the Lake Tahoe area, which had issued a high avalanche danger warning for the region.

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What they’re saying

“The group was in the process of returning to the trailhead at the conclusion of a three-day trip when the incident occurred.”

— Blackbird Mountain Guides (ktlo.com)

“Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches large enough to bury or injure people are very likely.”

— Sierra Avalanche Center (ktlo.com)

What’s next

Authorities will continue search and recovery efforts, and will perform autopsies to determine the cause of death for the eight skiers found deceased. The guiding company and local authorities will also likely review their safety protocols and decision-making around leading groups in high-risk backcountry conditions.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the extreme risks and unpredictability of backcountry skiing, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and high avalanche danger. It underscores the importance of proper training, equipment, and decision-making for both guides and skiers when venturing into remote alpine environments.