Eight Skiers Confirmed Dead, One Missing in Tahoe Avalanche Tragedy
Mountainwatch | News
In a worst-case outcome, authorities have confirmed that eight skiers who were missing after being caught in an avalanche in the Tahoe backcountry have died. One person remains missing, presumed dead. 15 people were involved in the avalanche, six of whom were rescued yesterday
The avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California yesterday morning, hitting the group of backcountry skiers, who had been on a multi-day tour staying in huts overnight. The group, 11 clients and four guides, were making their back to the trail head when they were caught in the avalanche at approximately 11.30am on Feb 17th.
In a press conference earlier today the Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon said, “Eight of the additional nine skiers have been located deceased. We are still looking for one of the members at this time. She added that the risk of further avalanches and the “horrific conditions” had hampered rescue and recovery efforts.
The Nevada County Sheriff initial statement on the avalanche, released yesterday, here.
