Final missing Lake Tahoe skier found dead 5 days after avalanche

February 22, 2026

Nine skiers have been found dead following a catastrophic avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe backcountry near Castle Peak, marking the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. The group had been on a three-day guided backcountry skiing expedition when a football-field-sized avalanche carrying eight feet of snow and 90-mph winds struck them on Tuesday. Harsh weather conditions, including whiteout visibility and continued avalanche danger, delayed rescue operations for several days until helicopters could safely assist on Friday.

Who is affected

*Victims (deceased):**
Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, California
Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho
Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California
Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California
Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, California
Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California
Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada (Blackbird Mountain guide)
Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, California (Blackbird Mountain guide)
Michael Henry, 30, of Soda Springs (Blackbird Mountain guide)
*Survivors:**
Two unnamed individuals from the 15-person group
Three additional people who were rescued early in the week (six total rescued)
*Organizations:**
Blackbird Mountain (guide company)
Nevada County Sheriff's Office (rescue and investigation)

What action is being taken

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office is investigating whether there could be criminal negligence relating to the avalanche
All nine bodies have been recovered from the Castle Peak area

Why it matters

This is the deadliest avalanche in modern California history, demonstrating the extreme dangers of backcountry skiing even with professional guides. The tragedy highlights the unpredictable and devastating power of natural disasters in mountainous terrain, particularly when compounded by severe weather conditions including eight feet of snow and 90-mph winds. The potential criminal negligence investigation also raises important questions about safety protocols, decision-making, and accountability in guided backcountry recreation operations.

What's next

Authorities will continue investigating potential criminal negligence in connection with the avalanche
The two survivors may help authorities piece together what happened during the disaster

Read full article from source: BBC