LAKE TAHOE, CA — Eight people were killed in an avalanche during a backcountry skiing trip on the California side of Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, authorities said. One person remains missing but is presumed dead, while six others survived.
The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Frog Lake, northwest of Lake Tahoe and north of Donner Summit, shortly after the skiers were returning to the trailhead from a three-day trip. The site was described as having near-whiteout conditions and an elevation of roughly 8,200 feet.
Six survivors, including one guide and five clients, were able to contact authorities via emergency satellite messaging. Three of the bodies were found by the survivors before rescue teams reached them. Two survivors sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were hospitalized.
Avalanche Details
- The slide spanned roughly the length of a football field.
- Snowfall in the area totaled about 30 inches from Monday to Wednesday morning.
- A high avalanche risk warning was in effect, with forecasters concerned about storm slab avalanches caused by heavy new snow on weak layers below.
- All skiers carried avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon emphasized the shift from rescue to recovery due to ongoing hazards, saying, “It’s a difficult conversation to have with loved ones… We want to really make sure that our first responders are safe.”
Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo noted the emotional toll on the local mountain rescue community, including the loss of a spouse of one Tahoe Nordic search and rescue team member.
California Governor Gavin Newsom offered condolences and praised the rescue efforts.
Context
Avalanches are a known hazard in backcountry terrain. The U.S. averages 27 avalanche fatalities per year over the past decade. In 1981, an icefall avalanche on Mount Rainier killed 11 climbers, marking the most deadly incident in recent history.
