Deadly Sierra Avalanche Linked to Safety Lapses

Report finds guided group deviated from best practices despite high risk warnings.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:39pm

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A new report on the deadliest avalanche in California history, which killed 9 backcountry skiers and guides near Lake Tahoe in February, found that the guided group failed to follow basic safety protocols despite warnings of high avalanche risk. The report stops short of assigning blame but raises questions about the group's decisions and the guiding company's judgment in traveling through slide-prone terrain.

Why it matters

This tragedy highlights the importance of adhering to established safety practices in the backcountry, especially when avalanche risk is elevated. The findings could prompt reviews of guiding protocols and training to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The details

The report by the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Avalanche Information Center found that the group of 15 skiers, led by 4 guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, traveled below avalanche terrain and through the runout zone of a known slide path, despite a warning that large avalanches were 'very likely.' The report also noted that larger group sizes have a higher chance of being caught in avalanches.

  • The incident occurred on February 17, 2026.
  • The avalanche report that day warned of 'high' avalanche risk, one step below 'extreme'.

The players

Blackbird Mountain Guides

A local Truckee, California guiding company whose clients and guides were involved in the deadly avalanche.

Zeb Blais

The owner of Blackbird Mountain Guides, who stated that all guides on the trip were trained and certified in backcountry skiing.

Anton Auzans

A client who was partially buried in the avalanche but was able to free himself and help rescue others.

Jim Hamilton

Another client who assisted in the rescue efforts after the avalanche.

Sierra Avalanche Center

The organization that had issued the high avalanche risk warning for the day of the incident.

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What they’re saying

“The report 'does not reflect the full scope of what transpired and does not include all of the facts and information currently under review.'”

— Mary Ann Pruitt, Blackbird Mountain Guides spokeswoman

What’s next

The local sheriff and state occupational safety authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This tragedy underscores the importance of strictly adhering to avalanche safety protocols, even for experienced backcountry guides and groups. The findings could lead to industry-wide reviews of guiding practices to prevent similar deadly incidents in the future.