Eight skiers found dead after California avalanche

February 18, 2026

A devastating avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe backcountry on Tuesday killed at least eight skiers, with one person still missing and presumed dead, while six others survived with injuries. The massive snow slide, roughly the size of a football field, struck a group of fifteen people during the final day of a guided three-day skiing expedition in the Castle Peak area. Recovery efforts have been hampered by treacherous conditions, including an additional three feet of snow that has fallen since the incident, leaving the bodies still trapped in the snowpack.

Who is affected

Eight deceased skiers (seven women and two men)
One missing skier presumed dead
Six survivors, two requiring hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries
Families of all fifteen skiers involved
Sugar Bowl Academy ski school community and its members
Search-and-rescue team member whose spouse was among the deceased
Blackbird Mountain guided tour (one guide and five clients among survivors)
Approximately 50 rescue crew members from two teams

What action is being taken

Rescue teams are continuing to search for the final missing skier
Approximately 50 crew members are working to recover the eight bodies still trapped in snow
State authorities are coordinating an all-hands search-and-rescue effort with local emergency teams
Emergency responders are working under extreme weather conditions using specialized equipment

Why it matters

This is one of the deadliest avalanche incidents in recent California history, highlighting the extreme dangers of backcountry skiing during severe winter storms. The tragedy has devastated a tight-knit skiing community, particularly affecting the Sugar Bowl Academy, and demonstrates the emotional toll on rescue personnel when victims include their own family members. The incident serves as a stark reminder of avalanche risks during heavy snowfall periods, with the D2.5-rated avalanche being powerful enough to trap an entire guided group, and underscores the need for extreme caution when conditions deteriorate in mountainous terrain.

What's next

Bodies will be transported to the Placer County morgue once recovered
Authorities will release names of victims at a later time
Officials are requesting the public avoid the backcountry to allow resources to focus on recovery efforts

Read full article from source: BBC