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Avalanche strikes backcountry skiers near Castle Peak
Emergency crews in California scrambled Tuesday after a large avalanche buried a group of 15 skiers in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, leaving one person missing and presumed dead.
Rescue efforts hampered by extreme weather
At 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, authorities received distress signals from a guide's iPhone and an emergency beacon carried by another skier. The group, ending a three-day trip to the Frog Lake Huts, was caught in the avalanche, which covered an area roughly the size of a football field, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
Heavy snowfall and road closures, including nearby Highway 80, complicated rescue operations. Rescuers improvised by approaching from both sides of the mountain, with teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center deploying snowcats-vehicles designed to traverse deep snow-to reach the site.
Survivors found after hours-long search
By Tuesday afternoon, about 50 rescuers were on scene. At 5:30 p.m., they reached a point two miles from the survivors, who had taken shelter in makeshift tents. Using climbing skins on their skis to ascend, rescuers located six survivors, two of whom were carried out due to injuries. All six were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions.
One person remains missing and is presumed dead. Authorities said recovery efforts for the nine fatalities-seven women and two men-would resume once weather conditions improve.
Personal tragedy fuels rescue mission
Among the deceased was the spouse of a rescuer, a detail Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo shared during a briefing. Despite the emotional toll, Woo said the team remained focused on their mission.
"Everybody has circled around to provide their love and condolences for this family. But I think it's also motivated the team of their purpose-to go out there and rescue those who were still alive, and now recover those decedents who are still out there."
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo
Avalanche risks persist in Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Avalanche Center warned of continued high danger due to unstable snowpack and fresh accumulations. Forecasters had predicted naturally occurring avalanches cascading down slopes even before the incident.
Backcountry skiers are advised to carry essential safety gear, including beacons, shovels, and probes. The group involved in Tuesday's avalanche had beacons, which emit signals to help rescuers locate victims. Some also use inflatable backpacks to stay afloat in snow, though it's unclear if any in this group had them.
Safety protocols for avalanche survival
Experts recommend skiers caught in an avalanche try to create an air pocket with their arms, remove skis to avoid being dragged deeper, and avoid panicking to conserve oxygen. Sticking a hand out of the snow can also help rescuers spot victims.
