Deadly Avalanche Kills 9 Near Donner Summit

Final report details tragic incident during fierce winter storm

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:54am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of white, grey, and blue, with the details of the mountainous terrain obscured by a heavy snowstorm, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.A powerful winter storm sweeps across the rugged Sierra Nevada, underscoring the extreme dangers of backcountry travel in avalanche-prone terrain.Verdi Today

A powerful avalanche during a fierce winter storm in February swept across a backcountry slope near Donner Summit, burying 13 skiers and killing 9 of them, according to a final report released by the Sierra Avalanche Center. The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 17 on a north-facing slope near Perry Peak, above the Frog Lake backcountry huts in the Castle Peak area of the northern Sierra Nevada.

Why it matters

This tragic incident underscores the extreme dangers of backcountry travel during major winter storms, particularly in avalanche-prone terrain. The report highlights the need for heightened safety precautions and avalanche awareness, especially when guiding large groups through hazardous conditions.

The details

The avalanche ran roughly 400 vertical feet through sparsely treed terrain and carried enough snow to bury all 13 members of a guided group traveling below the slope. Rescuers later determined the avalanche was likely a soft slab measuring between D2 and D2.5 in destructive force, though the exact trigger remains unknown. At the time of the slide, the region was in the midst of a powerful, multi-day storm that dropped more than 100 inches of snow in some areas and produced wind gusts exceeding 100 mph along exposed ridgelines.

  • The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, 2026.
  • Rescue efforts began shortly after the 911 call was made, but severe weather and ongoing avalanche danger delayed teams from reaching the site until about 5:30 that evening.
  • Recovery operations concluded on Feb. 21 after all victims were located and removed.

The players

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that released the final report on the deadly avalanche incident.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue

The crew that located most of the victims during the initial response and escorted the survivors to safety.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon

The official who confirmed the identities of the 9 victims.

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What they’re saying

“Avalanche”

— A guide

“I saw a wall of white filled with tumbling gear and people.”

— A survivor

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the extreme risks involved in backcountry skiing, especially during severe winter storms. It underscores the critical importance of proper training, equipment, and safety precautions for both guides and skiers when venturing into avalanche-prone terrain.