Skiers Reported Missing After Castle Peak Avalanche

Nevada County Sheriff's Office responds to incident in backcountry near Truckee

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Nevada County Sheriff's Office received reports of several skiers missing after an avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area north of Truckee on Tuesday, February 17. Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the scene as the incident remains ongoing.

Why it matters

Avalanches in the backcountry around Truckee and Lake Tahoe are a serious risk for outdoor enthusiasts, with a deadly incident occurring in the same area just over a month ago. This latest event highlights the dangers that skiers and snowboarders face when venturing into uncontrolled alpine environments.

The details

According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, the avalanche was reported around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Several members of a group of backcountry skiers were reported missing following the avalanche in the Castle Peak area, about 40 miles west of Reno near Donner Lake. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the scene, and more details will be provided as they become available.

  • The avalanche was reported around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the reported avalanche and is leading the search and rescue efforts.

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What’s next

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office has indicated that more details will be provided as the incident remains ongoing and the search and rescue operation continues.

The takeaway

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks and dangers associated with backcountry skiing, even in areas that are popular with outdoor enthusiasts. It underscores the importance of proper preparation, equipment, and safety precautions when venturing into uncontrolled alpine environments.