An avalanche struck Northern California on Tuesday, amidst a powerful winter storm, leading to a critical search and rescue operation in the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe. According to authorities, six backcountry skiers have been located alive and are awaiting extraction, while 10 others from the group remain unaccounted for. The group initially consisted of four ski guides and 12 clients, highlighting the scale of the incident.
Emergency Response and Conditions
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 11:30 a.m. reporting the avalanche and individuals buried under the snow. Rescue teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, but operations are being hampered by treacherous weather conditions. The region is currently experiencing a severe winter storm, characterized by thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall, which has elevated avalanche danger to critical levels in the backcountry.
Warnings and Resort Closures
Experts had previously issued warnings of high avalanche risk due to rapidly accumulating snowfall on fragile snowpack layers, exacerbated by gale-force winds. This hazardous combination has prompted several ski resorts in the area to partially or fully close, underscoring the severity of the weather event. The ongoing storm continues to pose significant challenges for search efforts, with rescuers facing limited visibility and unstable terrain.
As the search for the missing 10 skiers continues, authorities are urging the public to avoid the backcountry and heed safety advisories. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by winter storms in mountainous regions, with community and emergency services rallying to support the rescue mission.
