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Eight bodies recovered as search continues for final missing skier
Rescue teams in California's Lake Tahoe region have located the remains of eight skiers swept away by a massive avalanche on Tuesday. A ninth skier remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
Emotional toll on rescue teams
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon revealed that one of the deceased was the spouse of a search-and-rescue team member, describing the ongoing efforts as "challenging emotionally." The bodies remain buried under snow, delaying recovery due to hazardous conditions.
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo extended condolences to the victims' families, calling the situation "a very trying time."
Survivors and injuries
Six skiers were rescued from the avalanche, which struck around 11:30 local time (19:30 GMT) near Castle Peak. Two survivors required evacuation by stretcher after sustaining injuries that left them unable to walk. All six were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening conditions.
Among the survivors, one was a guide, while the other five were clients of Blackbird Mountain's guided tour. The group included 11 recreational skiers and four guides on a three-day expedition.
Dangerous conditions persist
Tahoe National Forest supervisor Chris Feutrier warned that avalanche hazards remain "high" after an additional 3 feet (90 cm) of snow fell since the incident. Sheriff Woo urged the public to avoid the backcountry, stating, "Please allow us to focus all of our resources on continuing to recover these bodies for the families."
The Sierra Avalanche Center rated the avalanche as D2.5 on a destructive scale of D1 to D5, indicating it spanned over half a mile with a snow deposit depth of approximately 6.5 feet.
Ongoing search and closures
Approximately 50 rescue personnel from two teams navigated extreme weather to reach the site, located two miles (3.2 km) from where survivors had sheltered in improvised tents. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office confirmed state authorities were coordinating a large-scale search-and-rescue operation with local agencies.
Nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort, which recorded over 30 inches of snowfall since Tuesday, closed due to high winds and poor visibility. The storm also forced the closure of Interstate 80 and Highway 50.
Victim details withheld
Authorities have notified the families of the deceased but have not released names. Officials confirmed the victims included seven women and two men.
"The climate is treacherous. Avoid the backcountry."
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo
