Overview
- Authorities confirmed that the bodies of all nine victims were recovered near Castle Peak and that all have been officially identified, including three Blackbird Mountain Guides employees.
- The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is investigating potential criminal negligence by the guiding company, with a separate Cal/OSHA workplace-safety investigation underway.
- Blackbird Mountain Guides issued a statement expressing grief, suspended all field operations, and stated it is cooperating with investigators.
- Weather initially stalled recovery, which proceeded after avalanche mitigation by the Sheriff’s Office and PG&E, with the California Highway Patrol and California National Guard assisting in retrieving remains.
- Legal experts quoted in coverage said families could pursue substantial civil claims, though any recoveries would likely be constrained by insurance limits, and no charges or lawsuits have been filed.