Deadly Avalanche Strikes Backcountry Skiers in Sierra Nevada

At least 8 killed in one of the deadliest avalanche incidents in the U.S. in over 40 years

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A group of backcountry skiers from Blackbird Mountain Guides was struck by a deadly avalanche on February 17th near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada mountains, resulting in at least 8 fatalities. The group had set out despite a 'high danger' avalanche warning from the Sierra Avalanche Center. Two other skiers who had been staying at the nearby Frog Lake Huts narrowly avoided the tragedy by leaving the area a day earlier as the major storm approached.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the inherent risks and challenges of backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and groups. It raises questions about decision-making processes, avalanche forecasting, and the balance between adventure and safety in the mountains. The tragedy has deeply impacted the tight-knit outdoor community in the region.

The details

The Blackbird Mountain Guides group of 15 was on a north-facing slope near Perry's Point when a large slab of snow broke loose, sweeping the entire party downhill. Six survived, eight were confirmed dead, and one remains missing. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a 'high danger' warning before dawn that day, specifically citing a 'weak layer' that was expected to fail. Meanwhile, a smaller group of four skiers who had been staying at the nearby Frog Lake Huts opted to leave a day earlier, narrowly avoiding the deadly incident.

  • On Sunday, February 15th, the group of four skiers from the Frog Lake Huts departed the area before the major storm hit.
  • On Monday, February 16th, Blackbird Mountain Guides posted a video on Instagram warning of 'atypical layering' and a 'particularly weak layer' on many north-facing slopes.
  • On Tuesday, February 17th, the Blackbird Mountain Guides group was struck by the deadly avalanche around noon.

The players

Kurt Gensheimer

A trail builder and backcountry veteran from Verdi, Nevada, who was part of the group that left the Frog Lake Huts a day earlier.

Tom Beckering

A project manager for a landscape company and an experienced backcountry skier who was also part of the group that left the Frog Lake Huts a day earlier.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

A highly respected guiding company whose group was struck by the deadly avalanche.

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that issued the 'high danger' avalanche warning before the incident.

David Reichel

The executive director of the Sierra Avalanche Center who explained the dangerous snow conditions that led to the tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“Wherever you are on Tuesday, is where you want to stay.”

— Kurt Gensheimer (New York Times)

“Right now is not a time to be critical. It's a time to support.”

— Tom Beckering (New York Times)

“To the best of their abilities, the forecasters determined that conditions were lethal.”

— David Reichel, Executive Director, Sierra Avalanche Center (New York Times)

What’s next

The Sierra Avalanche Center and other authorities will continue investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances and decision-making process that led the Blackbird Mountain Guides group to embark on their fatal trip. The victims' families and the outdoor community are awaiting the results of this investigation.

The takeaway

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers of backcountry skiing, even for experienced guides and groups. It underscores the importance of heeding avalanche warnings, carefully evaluating conditions, and prioritizing safety over adventure when navigating the mountains during severe winter storms.