Nine Skiers Missing After Avalanche Strikes California Backcountry Tour Group
A backcountry ski expedition in California's Sierra Nevada mountains has ended in tragedy after an avalanche trapped a group of 15 skiers. The incident occurred on Tuesday near Frog Lake, close to the popular Lake Tahoe region, during a three-day trek organised by Blackbird Mountain Guides.
Rescue Efforts Underway in Treacherous Conditions
Six skiers were successfully rescued after sheltering in place for several hours as emergency crews battled blizzard conditions. However, nine participants remain missing as of Wednesday. The tour company confirmed it is coordinating closely with authorities on the ongoing rescue operation.
"The group, including four guides, was returning to the trailhead when the avalanche occurred," Blackbird Mountain Guides stated in an official release. The company maintains offices in both California and Washington state.
Tour Company's Global Mountain Adventures
Blackbird Mountain Guides operates internationally, offering mountaineering and backcountry ski trips across the American West Coast, Europe, and Japan. Their services extend beyond guided tours to include safety courses covering wilderness skills and first aid training.
The company's website actively promotes the Frog Lake Huts experience, stating: "If you've booked the Frog Lake Huts in Truckee, trust our guides to elevate your trip to the next level. We'll navigate in and out of the huts, manage the risks, and find the best terrain and snow quality for you and your group!"
Remote Wilderness Location with Historic Significance
The avalanche occurred in particularly rugged terrain that had been closed to the public for a full century before the Truckee Donner Land Trust acquired the property and established the huts. These basic accommodations feature sleeping pads, gas stoves, and flush toilets.
Skiers on this expedition carried their own food and overnighted in huts situated at 7,600 feet (3,415 meters) elevation. The tour was specifically rated for intermediate-to-expert skiers who needed to be prepared to climb up to 2,500 vertical feet (760 meters) throughout a single day.
Safety Protocols and Required Equipment
According to the company's detailed website description, guides carry first aid kits and "wag bags" for human waste disposal. However, participants must provide their own ski equipment and essential avalanche safety gear, including beacons, shovels, and probes.
"Generally our guides are able to find excellent backcountry snow conditions, but often we need to travel through difficult conditions to access the goods," the website explains. "This requires riders to be adept with their backcountry touring skills and have a solid foundation of touring before the trip."
Dangerous Weather Conditions Preceded Tragedy
An avalanche watch was initially issued early Sunday as a powerful winter storm moved into California. The situation escalated when the Sierra Avalanche Center issued a more severe avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada region, including the Greater Lake Tahoe area, starting at 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
Meteorologists predicted large slides would continue into Wednesday. The dangerous conditions resulted from rapidly accumulating snow piling onto fragile snowpack layers, compounded by strong winds.
The town of Soda Springs, located near the avalanche site, recorded at least 30 inches (76 centimeters) of snow during a 24-hour period, according to data from Soda Springs Mountain Resort.
