Castle Peak avalanche deaths: Eight backcountry skiers killed near Lake Tahoe in deadliest U.S. avalanche in nearly 50 years
Eight backcountry skiers were killed and a ninth is presumed dead after a massive avalanche struck near Castle Peak above Donner Pass, north of Lake Tahoe, on Feb. 17, 2026, during a storm while a guided group descended.
- Deadly slide: A guided party of 15 was hit by a rapid avalanche; eight bodies recovered, one missing and presumed dead, six survivors rescued.
- Warnings issued: The Los Angeles Times reports the Sierra Avalanche Center issued a watch then upgraded to a warning hours before the slide.
- Investigation ongoing: Authorities are reviewing guides’ access to forecasts, communication timelines and the decision to proceed amid warnings.
What happened
The avalanche struck about 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, north of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. Survivors and rescuers described a sudden, massive slide that swept across a football-field-sized area as the group was descending.
Witnesses said someone yelled “Avalanche!” and the wall of snow moved so fast there was little time to react. A blinding blizzard and several feet of fresh, unstable snow were reported, likely contributing to the slide’s speed and power. For scene details see the Los Angeles Times.
Group, rescues and casualties
The party included 15 people—11 clients and 4 guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides on a planned three-day trip to the Frog Lake huts. Six people were rescued after roughly six hours in remote, freezing terrain, including one guide and five clients. Search teams located eight victims; one person remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead. (See reporting by the Los Angeles Times.)
Victims and community ties
Investigative reporting identified several of the dead: Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt. Many were described as close friends, mothers and experienced backcountry skiers from the Bay Area, Idaho and Truckee-Tahoe regions. Families said the group carried standard avalanche safety gear and planned the trip in advance. (Details: Los Angeles Times.)
Three of the victims were field guides; one guide survived. Some victims had ties to Sugar Bowl Academy on Donner Summit; school officials asked for privacy as families grieve. (Fox News; Los Angeles Times.)
Search, rescue and recovery operations
Nevada County sheriff’s deputies, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and other agencies conducted a difficult response amid heavy storm conditions. Weather and unstable snow complicated early access; search teams shifted from rescue to recovery after survivors were located. Sheriff Shannan Moon said investigators will review the decision to proceed with the trip on Sunday despite an avalanche forecast that morning. (Reporting: Los Angeles Times.)
“Investigators will review the decision to proceed with the trip on Sunday,” — Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon
The U.S. Forest Service closed parts of the national forest around Castle Peak from Feb. 20 through March 15 to allow safe recovery work using snow machines, aircraft and controlled explosives. Officials said the closure protects rescuers and investigators working in hazardous conditions. (Fox News.)
Weather and warnings
The Sierra Avalanche Center posted an avalanche watch at 6:49 a.m. Sunday indicating large avalanches were likely in the next 24–48 hours, then upgraded it to a warning hours before the incident. Investigators are examining whether field guides received the updated warning before the descent—central to the ongoing review. (Los Angeles Times.)
Company response and investigations
Blackbird Mountain Guides issued a statement saying field guides routinely consult base operations about conditions and that the company is cooperating with investigators. The firm urged the public not to speculate while officials review timelines, communication and decision-making. Nevada County authorities said their office will probe the decision to proceed on Sunday despite the initial watch. (Los Angeles Times.)
Historic perspective: deadliest U.S. avalanches
Officials and historians describe the Castle Peak event as the deadliest avalanche in the United States in nearly 50 years, raising questions about the rarity of multivictim events and changes in backcountry travel, forecasting and risk management. For broader context on U.S. avalanche history see CBS Sacramento and national coverage such as Fox News.
Implications for San Diego and Southern California
San Diegans who travel to the Sierra for backcountry skiing should view this tragedy as a reminder to refresh avalanche training, check forecasts, carry proper gear and plan conservative routes when warnings exist. Local guide companies and clients will likely scrutinize safety policies and how forecasts are communicated. (Los Angeles Times; Fox News.)
- Outdoor safety: Promote avalanche courses and winter-safety workshops among Southern California outdoor groups and retailers.
- Guide oversight: Expect demands for clearer documentation and communication of avalanche forecasts by outfitters.
- Emergency response: Revisit mutual-aid agreements and volunteer training to support San Diegans traveling to high-risk winter environments.
- Community impact: Regional schools, clubs and workplaces with ties to Tahoe may organize memorials, support networks and safety initiatives.
Sources and further reading
Primary reporting and related resources:
- Los Angeles Times: “Sierra avalanche disaster: victims’ lives and the storm”
- Fox News: “6 mothers cherished time together: victims of avalanche near Lake Tahoe”
- CBS Sacramento: “Deadliest avalanches in U.S. history — what to know”
- Video report related to community responses
Investigations remain active
Authorities continue to piece together timelines, weather data and communications between guides and base operations to understand how the Castle Peak avalanche unfolded and what steps can prevent similar tragedies. The outcome of probes into forecast dissemination and decision-making will shape safety expectations for guides and backcountry travelers alike.
