10 skiers missing after avalanche near Lake Tahoe

WorldEnvironment
18 Feb 2026 • 10:21 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • An avalanche occurred in Northern California on Tuesday, amidst a powerful winter storm, prompting search and rescue teams to be deployed to the Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe.
  • Six backcountry skiers have been found alive and are awaiting rescue, while 10 others remain missing from a group that initially comprised four ski guides and 12 clients.
  • The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 11:30 a.m. reporting the avalanche and individuals buried.
  • The region is currently experiencing a powerful winter storm, bringing treacherous thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snow, which has led to high avalanche danger in the backcountry.
  • Experts had issued warnings of high avalanche risk due to rapidly accumulating snowfall on fragile snowpack layers coupled with gale-force winds, resulting in several ski resorts being partially or fully closed.

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