10 Skiers Missing After Avalanche in Tahoe Backcountry

February 18th, 2026
The search continues during the most powerful storm of the season. Photo:

Mountainwatch | News

10 skiers who were part of a three-day tour in the Tahoe backcountry are missing after an avalanche they made their way to the trail head after overnight stays in backcountry huts. The group tour consisted of 16 people, 12 clients and four guides, and six people have been rescued.

The Tahoe area is in the midst of a big storm that has dropped 80cms in 24 hours, falling after a prolonged dry period, creating dangerous avalanche conditions.

The Nevada County Sheriff released the following statement as the searc for the missing skiers continues.

TRUCKEE, CA – A group of 16 skiers reportedly encountered an avalanche in the Castle Peak area of Truckee at approximately 11:30 a.m. today. At least six of the skiers have survived the avalanche and remain at the avalanche site, awaiting rescue, with the remaining ten unaccounted for at the time of this release. The group consisted of four ski guides with 12 clients.

Highly skilled rescue ski teams have departed from both Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center to make their way to the six known survivors, who have been directed to shelter in place as best they can in the conditions. A SnoCat team was also launched from Alder Creek Adventure Center.

Rescue efforts remain in progress now with 46 emergency first responders. Weather conditions remain highly dangerous. The Sierra Avalanche Center previously issued an avalanche warning for today, Feb. 17, which has been in effect since 5 a.m. today through Feb. 18 at 5 a.m., stating:

“HIGH avalanche danger exists in the backcountry. Large avalanches are expected to occur Tuesday, Tuesday night, and into at least early Wednesday morning across backcountry terrain. HIGH avalanche danger might continue through the day on Wednesday.”

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies for their direct assistance in these rescue efforts: Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, and Truckee Fire.

This incident remains active and ongoing.”

Our thoughts are with the missing skiers, their families and the responders. Hopefully it will be a positive outcome