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A guided backcountry ski outing in the Sierra Nevada ended in tragedy on February 17, 2026, when an avalanche struck near Castle Peak outside Truckee, California. Authorities said the slide occurred around 11:30 a.m. in the Lake Tahoe region, where a group of 15 skiers, including four professional guides, had set out despite challenging winter conditions
The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a warning earlier that day, noting a high risk of avalanches in backcountry areas. The incident prompted a large-scale emergency response as severe weather complicated rescue efforts.
According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, six members of the group survived. They used a satellite emergency feature on
their mobile phones to alert authorities, enabling responders to locate them despite limited visibility and heavy snowfall. Nearly 50 trained personnel from multiple agencies traveled by snowcat and skis across steep, unstable terrain to reach the area. The survivors were instructed to shelter in place until help arrived, and two were transported to