Massive Avalanche Strikes Lake Tahoe Backcountry: Eight Confirmed Dead, Six other skiers Rescued; one remains missing Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts
TRUCKEE, Calif. — A powerful avalanche roared through the Castle Peak backcountry area near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, burying a group of skiers and triggering a massive multi-agency rescue operation amid dangerous winter storm conditions.
The avalanche struck at approximately 11:30 a.m. near Castle Peak, northwest of Truckee, as blizzard-like weather pounded the Sierra Nevada. Authorities say a guided backcountry group, consisting of four ski guides and 11 clients, was returning from a three-day hut trip when the snowpack gave way. The skiers were part of a larger group of 15 on the expedition. Six others were able to use emergency equipment to contact rescuers and survived.
Casualties and Missing
Officials have confirmed eight fatalities. Several skiers were rescued alive, including some who sheltered beneath emergency coverings and used avalanche beacons to signal rescuers. At least two survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries.
As of the latest update, several members of the group remain unaccounted for. Search teams caution that the number of confirmed deaths and missing could change as operations continue and conditions evolve. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.
Search and Rescue Operations
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is leading the response, supported by regional search-and-rescue teams and backcountry specialists. More than 40 responders have been deployed on steep, unstable terrain.
Crews are contending with deep snow accumulation, whiteout visibility, continued avalanche risk, and high winds that limit aerial support. Ground teams are using skis, snowcats, and avalanche search equipment to comb through debris fields in the slide path.
Avalanche Danger Warnings
The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a high avalanche danger warning prior to the storm, cautioning that both natural and human-triggered avalanches were likely due to rapid snow accumulation and unstable layers in the snowpack. Officials are urging the public to avoid backcountry terrain until conditions stabilize.
Governor Newsom’s Official Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation. In a verified statement from the Governor’s Press Office, officials said:
“The Governor has been briefed on this developing incident. The state is coordinating an all-hands search and rescue effort with local partners and deploying resources to support the active response. Please follow local emergency officials and first responders.”
Ongoing Investigation
Officials say the focus remains on search and rescue. Once conditions allow, investigators will evaluate the avalanche’s trigger and contributing snowpack conditions.
This avalanche could become one of the deadliest winter backcountry incidents in California in recent years. Search efforts are expected to continue into the coming days as weather conditions permit.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Feature Image “Tahoe Mountains” by HowardFenter is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
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