The Sierra Nevada delivered one of its cruelest blows on February 17, 2026, when a massive slab avalanche roared down the slopes near Castle Peak, claiming eight lives in the backcountry skiing community north of Lake Tahoe. Among the deceased were six remarkable women—Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt—who formed a tight-knit circle of experienced skiers, mothers, and lifelong friends. On February 19, their grieving families issued a collective statement that laid bare the depth of their sorrow while pleading for space to mourn privately and care for the children left behind.

The women, mostly in their 40s and early 50s, came from Northern California communities including Marin County, the San Francisco Bay Area, Truckee-Tahoe, and parts of Idaho. They had built deep bonds through years of shared adventures—backcountry tours, weekend getaways, and family outings that blended their love for the mountains with the everyday joys of motherhood. Many balanced professional careers with raising young children, volunteering at schools, coaching youth sports, and fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world. To those who knew them, they were the definition of “supermoms”—energetic, supportive, and always ready to encourage others to step outside their comfort zones.

The group of eight women and four professional guides had booked a multi-day trip to the Frog Lake backcountry huts, a popular destination for experienced skiers seeking remote, untracked powder. All participants were equipped with standard avalanche safety gear—beacons, probes, shovels, and airbags—and had undergone training. They were described by organizers as highly skilled and safety-conscious, having skied similar terrain many times before. Yet on the final morning of the trip, as they prepared to descend, a fragile snow layer gave way under the weight of recent heavy snowfall and wind loading. The resulting slab avalanche, estimated to be several feet deep and hundreds of feet wide, swept the group downhill in seconds, burying them under an immense volume of snow.

Rescue operations, coordinated by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol, and regional search-and-rescue teams, faced immediate challenges from continuing storms, poor visibility, and unstable slopes. Over the following days, recovery teams worked meticulously to locate and extract the victims. Eight bodies were ultimately recovered; one skier remained missing and was presumed deceased as efforts continued into the weekend. The scale and suddenness of the event have made it one of the deadliest backcountry avalanche incidents in the United States since the 1970s.

The families’ joint statement, released through a designated spokesperson, captured the raw anguish of the moment: “We are devastated beyond words. Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.” The brief message expressed deep appreciation for the tireless work of first responders and asked the public to respect their privacy during this period of profound grief. Many of the children are still young, facing the unimaginable task of navigating life without the daily presence of mothers who were central to their worlds.

Tributes from friends, neighbors, and colleagues have flooded social media and local gathering spots. In Mill Valley, residents remembered Kate Vitt and Kate Morse as the heart of their school communities—mothers who organized playdates, volunteered for field trips, and greeted everyone with genuine warmth. Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh, sisters who shared an unbreakable bond, were often seen together on trails and slopes; their simultaneous loss has compounded the sorrow for their extended family. Danielle Keatley and Carrie Atkin were praised for their infectious enthusiasm, always planning the next adventure while making sure everyone felt included.

The tragedy has prompted soul-searching within the backcountry skiing community. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued high-danger warnings in the days leading up to the incident, citing a persistent weak layer in the snowpack exacerbated by wind and new precipitation. Despite these alerts, the group chose to proceed, a decision that underscores the fine line between calculated risk and catastrophe in avalanche terrain. Experts emphasize that even the most prepared individuals can fall victim to nature’s unpredictability when conditions align against them.

Support has poured in from across the region. Fundraisers have been established to assist with funeral costs, counseling for grieving children, and future educational needs. Local schools have offered grief resources, and community centers have hosted memorial gatherings where people share stories, light candles, and leave mementos—skis planted in snow, flowers, handwritten notes—along popular trailheads. The Tahoe backcountry community has rallied to provide meals, childcare, and emotional support for the surviving family members and friends.

This loss reverberates far beyond the immediate circle. It serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in pursuing passion in extreme environments, even when every precaution is taken. For the families, the pain is compounded by the sudden void in daily life—bedtime stories unspoken, school events unattended, laughter silenced. Yet in their statement, there is also a quiet resolve: to honor these women by remembering their joy, their courage, and the love they poured into every relationship.

As investigations continue to determine the precise triggers of the avalanche, the focus for those left behind remains on healing. The mountains that once brought these supermoms together now stand as silent witnesses to their final moments. Their legacy lives on in the children they raised with such devotion, the friends they inspired, and the countless lives touched by their boundless energy and kindness. In the face of unimaginable grief, the families cling to memories of shared summits, warm embraces, and the unbreakable spirit that defined these extraordinary women.