Nine killed in deadly Tahoe avalanche as survivors fought to save friends

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Nine people died in the catastrophic Castle Peak avalanche near Lake Tahoe on February 17, 2026. A group of 15 backcountry skiers, including 11 clients and 4 guides from Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides, were caught in the slide as they tried to return to the trailhead from the remote Frog Lake huts. Two survivors, Anton Auzans and Jim Hamilton, described the harrowing ordeal, including the frantic rescue efforts by the three skiers who were not buried. Authorities are investigating the incident, but it remains unclear whether the guides misjudged the risk or were overtaken by rapidly shifting conditions.

Why it matters

The deadly Castle Peak avalanche near Truckee has raised concerns about backcountry safety and decision-making by guides leading ski groups in the Sierra Nevada. The tragedy highlights the inherent risks of winter sports in the mountains and the importance of proper training, equipment, and risk assessment, especially as climate change may be increasing the frequency and severity of avalanche events in the region.

The details

The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. on February 17 on a north-facing slope below Perry's Peak in the Castle Peak area of Tahoe National Forest. Of the 15 skiers in the group, 12 were caught in the slide. Three skiers who were not buried immediately began a companion rescue using avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels. Survivor Anton Auzans described digging through snow hardened "more like cement" than powder to uncover two women who were still breathing and a male guide who was not responsive. After about an hour, with the storm still raging and the threat of another slide looming, the survivors made the difficult decision to stop searching for others and focus on the two women they knew were alive.

• The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. on February 17, 2026.
• Search-and-rescue teams reached the site around 5:30 p.m. on February 17 and escorted the survivors on skis back to the Frog Lake huts before transporting them by snowcat.
• Two survivors were treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Cal/OSHA are investigating the incident, and authorities have not announced any findings or alleged wrongdoing.