Eight of the nine skiers reported missing after an avalanche in California have been found dead, authorities confirmed Wednesday, as severe blizzard conditions continue to hamper rescue efforts.
The group was caught in the avalanche early Tuesday on Castle Peak in the Tahoe area. Six skiers were earlier found alive, with two taken to hospital for treatment.
“We are still looking for one of the members at this time,” said Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon, noting that extreme weather conditions have made search operations difficult.
“Extreme weather conditions I would say is an understatement: lots of snow, gale-force winds, winds making it impossible to see,” Moon said.
Sugar Bowl Academy confirmed that multiple victims were linked to the private ski-focused school but did not release names.
“We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us,” said executive director Stephen McMahon, pledging support for affected families.
Blackbird Mountain Guides, which led the backcountry trip, said 11 clients and four guides had been staying at the Frog Lake huts since Sunday and were returning to base when disaster struck.
More than 40 first responders, including rescue ski teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, joined the search.
Authorities warned that avalanche risks remain severe. Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo urged the public to avoid mountain travel in the Sierra Nevada during the storm.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the rescue operation.
The powerful storm has dumped massive snowfall across the region. Sugar Bowl Resort reported 67 inches (1.7 meters) of snow in the past week, including 30 inches between Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Weather Service warned that higher elevations could see up to eight feet of snow, with wind gusts reaching 55 miles per hour.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has recorded six avalanche-related deaths in the United States so far this season, including one at Castle Peak in January.
