All 9 Tahoe Avalanche Victims Identified and Bodies Recovered

The three backcountry ski guides who died in last week's avalanche were Tahoe-area residents, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office said.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The names of three backcountry ski guides who died in last week's Tahoe avalanche — now the deadliest in modern California history — have been released by the guiding company they worked for, and the bodies of all nine victims have been recovered.

Why it matters

Avalanches in the Tahoe region are a serious threat to outdoor enthusiasts, and this tragedy highlights the risks faced by experienced backcountry guides and skiers. The incident will likely prompt renewed discussions about avalanche safety and rescue protocols in the area.

The details

The Blackbird Mountain Guides employees who were killed are Andrew Alissandratos of Verdi, Nevada; Nicole Choo of South Lake Tahoe; and Michael Henry of Soda Springs, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. Blackbird's news release said they were each 'skilled professionals, colleagues, and friends whose passion for the mountains shaped who we are.'

  • The avalanche occurred last week.
  • The bodies of all nine victims have now been recovered.

The players

Andrew Alissandratos

A backcountry ski guide from Verdi, Nevada who was employed by Blackbird Mountain Guides and died in the avalanche.

Nicole Choo

A backcountry ski guide from South Lake Tahoe who was employed by Blackbird Mountain Guides and died in the avalanche.

Michael Henry

A backcountry ski guide from Soda Springs who was employed by Blackbird Mountain Guides and died in the avalanche.

Blackbird Mountain Guides

The guiding company that employed the three ski guides who died in the avalanche.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that released the names of the three Blackbird Mountain Guides employees who died in the avalanche.

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What they’re saying

“They were each skilled professionals, colleagues, and friends whose passion for the mountains shaped who we are.”

— Blackbird Mountain Guides (Blackbird Mountain Guides news release)

The takeaway

This tragic avalanche incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks involved in backcountry skiing and the importance of comprehensive safety protocols and rescue preparedness in the Tahoe region.