Rescue efforts are ongoing in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California after an avalanche struck Tuesday morning, leaving six backcountry skiers safe but stranded and 10 others unaccounted for. The incident occurred near Castle Peak in Nevada County, an area already grappling with severe winter weather that has closed major roadways.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 11:30 a.m. Reporting the avalanche, according to a statement. The group of 16 skiers, comprised of four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides and 12 clients, were on the final day of a three-day backcountry skiing trip near Frog Lake when the slide occurred. Interstate 80 and Highway 50 remain closed at the summit due to the ongoing blizzard conditions, complicating rescue operations.
Authorities confirmed that six skiers have been located and are sheltering in place, awaiting rescue. They have managed to create a makeshift shelter using a tarp, and are communicating with officials via emergency beacons, Nevada County Sheriff Capt. Russell Greene told KCRA-TV. The remaining 10 skiers are still missing as of Wednesday morning.
Challenging Rescue Conditions
The search and rescue operation is being hampered by the extreme weather conditions. The California Highway Patrol reported snowfall rates of approximately three inches per hour Tuesday evening. Rescue teams are utilizing skis, snowcats, and are prepared to deploy helicopter-mounted RECCO systems – which detect avalanche beacons – when weather permits. The Sierra Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Warning for the Central Sierra Nevada, effective through 5 a.m. Wednesday, citing “high” avalanche danger both above and below the treeline.
Blackbird Mountain Guides, the company leading the trip, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting the group was returning from their three-day excursion. The company is cooperating with authorities and has a leadership team assisting with the rescue efforts.
Previous Avalanche in the Area
This avalanche is not an isolated incident. In January, a snowmobiler died after being caught in an avalanche near Johnson and Castle Peak, according to reports. The snowmobiler was identified as 42-year-old Chris Scott Thomason, a resident of Bend, Oregon. This recent tragedy underscores the inherent risks associated with backcountry recreation in the Sierra Nevada, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall.
Multi-Agency Response
Nevada County’s search and rescue team is being supported by multiple agencies, including rescue ski teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. A SnoCat team from Alder Creek is also assisting in the operation. The California Office of Emergency Services is coordinating to provide additional resources as needed.
The challenging conditions have also prompted some ski resorts to suspend operations. Boreal Mountain, for example, closed for the day due to high winds and zero-visibility conditions.
Authorities are urging anyone planning backcountry activities in the region to check avalanche forecasts and be prepared for hazardous conditions. The Sierra Avalanche Center provides updated forecasts and safety information on its website.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates as the search and rescue operation progresses. The next scheduled update is expected Wednesday afternoon, pending weather conditions and the progress of rescue teams.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
