Deadly Avalanche Kills Eight Near Lake Tahoe
Eight skiers died and one remains missing after a Feb. 17 avalanche near Castle Peak as a major storm hampered rescue operations.
Overview
Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche in the Castle Peak area, Nevada County Sheriff's Office said.
The avalanche struck about 11:30 a.m. PT on Feb. 17 near Frog Lake at 8,200 feet as a storm dropped roughly 2 to 3 feet of snow and gale-force winds, the Sierra Avalanche Center said.
Blackbird Mountain Guides said the party was returning from a three-day guided trip, and officials said search crews were working to bring the remains off the mountain for autopsies.
Authorities revised the group to 15 skiers including four guides; six were rescued with varying injuries—two were hospitalized—and about 46 emergency responders joined the search, officials said.
Search teams planned to continue looking for the remaining missing skier as weather allowed and authorities said a news conference was expected at 11 a.m. local time on Feb. 18.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present largely neutral, fact-driven coverage lacking editorial framing: they rely on official statements (sheriff, rescue captain), agency warnings, and factual details (numbers rescued, storm metrics). Language is descriptive rather than evaluative, multiple perspectives (rescue crews, avalanche center, guide company) are included, and no significant viewpoint is omitted.
Sources (20)
FAQ
Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead, and one remains missing after the avalanche near Castle Peak.
History
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