Courtesy:ABC News
Authorities are responding to a major avalanche in California’s Lake Tahoe region that left nine backcountry skiers missing on Tuesday. Six others were rescued after becoming stranded in the snow, officials reported. The incident occurred near Castle Peak, close to Truckee, around 11:30 a.m. PST (19:30 GMT). Weather conditions remain treacherous, with high risks of further avalanches.
Highly trained ski rescue teams were deployed from two nearby resorts to reach the missing skiers, while those who survived were instructed to shelter in place as best they could. Snow grooming vehicles were also used in the effort to access the remote areas where the skiers were trapped.
Initial reports and rescue efforts
Early reports indicated 16 individuals were involved in the backcountry trip, including four guides and 12 clients, though authorities later revised the number to 15. Two of the six rescued skiers were hospitalized for evaluation. Rescue teams from the Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Alder Creek Adventure Center joined the operation to navigate the difficult terrain and reach those still missing.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that 46 emergency responders were actively involved in the rescue efforts. Officials described the process as slow and challenging due to the ongoing avalanche danger, which continues to pose risks for both skiers and rescuers.
High avalanche risk persists
The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that large avalanches were expected to continue through Tuesday night and into early Wednesday across backcountry areas. The agency rated the current avalanche danger as “high,” equivalent to a four out of five on its scale. Travelers were strongly advised to avoid terrain prone to avalanches until conditions stabilize.
The avalanche that trapped the skiers was rated D2.5 on a scale from D1 to D5, meaning it could seriously injure or bury individuals. Skiers involved in the incident were reportedly on the final day of a three-day backcountry excursion, navigating rugged terrain while carrying supplies and spending two nights in remote huts.
Conditions and warnings
In the past 24 hours, Boreal Mountain Ski Resort recorded 30 inches (76 cm) of new snowfall. The resort remained closed on Tuesday due to high winds and poor visibility. Multiple highways, including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, were also shut down as storm conditions created dangerous travel environments.
Officials emphasized the difficulty in reaching the missing skiers safely. Some rescuers were on skis and carefully progressing toward the avalanche zone, where survivors were sheltering under tarpaulin sheets and enduring the harsh conditions.
Statewide response
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office confirmed that state authorities were coordinating an “all-hands” search-and-rescue operation alongside local emergency teams. While backcountry skiing companies often take paying clients into remote areas, officials noted that the extreme conditions on Tuesday made the outing particularly perilous.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of caution in avalanche-prone areas, as the storm cycle is expected to trigger additional large avalanches over the next 24 hours. Rescue operations remain ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Source: BBC
Leave a Reply