Eight Skiers Found Dead After Castle Peak Avalanche, One Still Missing

Overview

• The slide struck a guided three-day backcountry group around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 17 at Castle Peak in the Tahoe National Forest.
• Authorities revised the party size to 15 after checks; six survivors were reached after hours of difficult access and moved to safety for medical evaluation.
• The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reports eight bodies recovered, with the search ongoing for one missing person as conditions allow.
• A multi‑agency team of about 46 rescuers is working with avalanche transceivers, probes, shovels, canine units and limited air support amid low visibility and high slide risk.
• The Sierra Avalanche Center had posted a high-danger bulletin as a winter storm dumped heavy snow, with nearby Soda Springs recording at least 76 cm in 24 hours.