Eight Skiers Dead, One Missing After Avalanche Near Castle Peak, California

In Brief

Eight skiers were found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche near Castle Peak, California.

Key Facts

• An avalanche occurred near Castle Peak in Nevada County, California, on Tuesday.
• Rescuers reported about 30 inches (76 cm) of snowfall in the area within 24 hours.
• A group of 15-16 backcountry skiers was involved in the incident.
• Eight skiers have been found dead following the avalanche.
• One skier remains missing, while six others were rescued.

What Happened

A guided group of backcountry skiers was caught in an avalanche near Castle Peak in California's Sierra Nevada on Tuesday. Search and rescue teams responded amid heavy snowfall, ultimately finding eight skiers dead, rescuing six, and continuing to search for one missing individual.

Why It Matters

The incident highlights the dangers of backcountry skiing during severe weather conditions and underscores the challenges faced by rescue teams in extreme environments. It raises awareness about avalanche risks and the importance of safety precautions for outdoor recreation in mountainous regions. Reports vary on the exact number of skiers involved (15 or 16) and whether the missing skier is presumed dead. Some sources reference Lake Tahoe region, others Castle Peak; both are in the Sierra Nevada.