2 Sisters Killed in California Avalanche During Ski Trip with College Friends

The victims were identified as Caroline Sekar, 45, of San Francisco, and Liz Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Two sisters, Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh, were among the victims killed in a deadly avalanche in the Tahoe National Forest in California on February 17. The sisters frequently went on ski trips with a group of friends from college, many of whom attended Stanford University. Their brother, McAlister Clabaugh, described them as "two of the best people I've ever known" and said the group was a close-knit community that has now lost multiple members.

Why it matters

Avalanche-related deaths are a tragic but not uncommon occurrence in the backcountry skiing community, highlighting the inherent risks involved. This incident has devastated the close-knit group of friends who regularly took these ski trips together, many of whom lost their wives in the avalanche.

The details

The avalanche took place in the Castle Peak area of the Tahoe National Forest on the morning of February 17. Authorities have confirmed that eight people were found dead, with one person still unaccounted for and presumed deceased. While officials have not yet released the names of the victims, the sisters' brother identified them as Caroline Sekar, 45, of San Francisco, and Liz Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho.

  • The avalanche occurred on the morning of February 17, 2026.
  • Recovery efforts are expected to continue through the weekend of February 19-21, 2026.

The players

Caroline Sekar

A 45-year-old woman from San Francisco who was one of the victims killed in the avalanche. She was a mother of two and previously worked in the tech industry.

Liz Clabaugh

A 52-year-old woman from Boise, Idaho who was one of the victims killed in the avalanche. She was the sister of Caroline Sekar.

McAlister Clabaugh

The brother of Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh, who identified the two sisters as victims of the avalanche.

Sugar Bowl Academy

A ski school affiliated with the nearby Sugar Bowl Resort, which confirmed that multiple members of their community were among those killed in the avalanche.

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What’s next

Recovery efforts are expected to continue through the weekend as authorities work to safely extract the avalanche victims from the mountain.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the inherent risks and dangers of backcountry skiing, even for experienced skiers. It has devastated a close-knit community of friends who regularly took these ski trips together, underscoring the importance of safety precautions and the fragility of life.