Hazardous Weather Hampers Recovery of Avalanche Victims at Castle Peak

Nevada County Sheriff's Office unable to safely extract victims due to dangerous conditions.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Nevada County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) has reported that hazardous weather conditions are preventing them from safely extracting the victims of a deadly avalanche that occurred near Castle Peak in California on February 17. Recovery efforts are expected to continue into the weekend as the NCSO and its mutual aid partners work tirelessly to bring the victims home.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of backcountry skiing and the challenges faced by search and rescue teams in adverse weather conditions. The loss of life is devastating for the local community, and the recovery efforts will be closely watched as authorities work to provide closure for the victims' families.

The details

The avalanche occurred as a group of 15 backcountry skiers and guides were wrapping up a three-day trip to the Frog Lake huts and skiing out. Six people were rescued, eight were found deceased, and one person is still missing. The group included four guides and 11 guests, with nine women and six men. This was an annual trip for mothers of some Sugar Bowl Academy skiers and students.

  • The deadly avalanche occurred on February 17 near Castle Peak, north of Donner Summit.
  • On February 19, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office said they cannot safely extract the avalanche victims from the mountain due to hazardous weather conditions.
  • Recovery efforts are expected to carry into the weekend.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the recovery efforts and coordinating with mutual aid partners.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The guiding company that organized the ill-fated backcountry skiing trip.

Sugar Bowl Academy

The school that some of the victims' children attended, with the trip being an annual event for mothers of the students.

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What they’re saying

“Until the recovery mission is completed, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office is unable to confirm the identifications, ages, affiliations, or cities of origin for the victims.”

— Nevada County Sheriff's Office (Facebook)

What’s next

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office said no additional press conferences are scheduled at this time, as they continue the recovery efforts in the hazardous weather conditions.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in backcountry skiing and the critical role that search and rescue teams play in responding to such emergencies. The community will anxiously await the safe return of the victims as the recovery mission continues.