A monstrous avalanche in the remote backcountry near Lake Tahoe has claimed eight lives in what authorities are calling the deadliest such disaster in modern California history—and possibly the nation in nearly half a century. Of the nine skiers initially reported missing after the massive slide slammed into a guided group of 15 on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, eight bodies have now been recovered, with one skier still unaccounted for and presumed dead amid ongoing blizzard conditions that have hampered full recovery efforts.

The horror unfolded in the Castle Peak area of the Sierra Nevada, northwest of Lake Tahoe, during a ferocious winter storm that dumped heavy snow and triggered extreme avalanche danger across the region. The group—on a three-day guided backcountry ski trek—was heading back toward the trailhead from remote huts at high elevation when the wall of snow roared down the mountain just before noon. The slide buried multiple members of the party, turning what should have been a thrilling adventure into a fight for survival.

Six skiers from the group miraculously survived the initial impact. They huddled together under a tarp for hours in “highly dangerous” whiteout conditions, battling freezing temperatures and relentless wind until rescuers reached them around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Four men and two women were evacuated with non-life-threatening injuries, their heroism in enduring the ordeal now overshadowed by the staggering loss of their companions.

Search and rescue teams—comprising dozens of personnel from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies—battled through the storm on snowcats, skis, and foot to locate the missing. By Wednesday, February 18, eight bodies were found relatively close together in the debris field, a grim discovery that confirmed the avalanche’s brutal power. Officials described the victims as ranging in age from 30 to 55, with seven women and two men among the dead and missing. Three professional guides were part of the ill-fated group.

The emotional toll has been devastating, particularly as details emerge about the victims’ personal connections. Multiple reports indicate that several of the deceased were mothers—many on an annual getaway with friends—who left behind grieving children and families. Some were parents of students at a local ski academy or school, where winter break had allowed for this trip. The kids, now facing the unimaginable loss of their moms, were supposed to be enjoying time off while their parents pursued a passion for backcountry skiing. Community statements from the school and academy expressed profound sorrow, calling the tragedy one that “affects each and every one of us.”

This wasn’t a random group of thrill-seekers—these were experienced backcountry enthusiasts, including locals with deep roots in the Lake Tahoe alpine community. They trusted their guides and the conditions enough to venture out despite avalanche warnings. Yet the storm proved unforgiving. Experts note that backcountry skiing in such remote, high-elevation terrain carries inherent risks, especially when heavy new snow loads unstable layers. The Castle Peak zone, popular for its challenging descents, became a death trap when the slope released with catastrophic force.

Rescue coordinator Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office described the operation as grueling: “The victims were found fairly close together… but weather conditions remain a factor.” Bodies could not be immediately removed from the mountain due to ongoing blizzard risks, leaving families in agonizing limbo as they await closure. Sheriff Shannan Moon emphasized that recovery efforts would continue, but safety for responders remains paramount.

The avalanche ranks as California’s deadliest in recorded modern history, surpassing previous incidents and marking the first time in decades that so many lives have been lost in a single U.S. slide. It serves as a stark reminder of nature’s raw power in the Sierra Nevada, where winter storms can turn paradise into peril in seconds. Avalanche warnings remain in effect through early Thursday, with forecasters predicting continued heavy snow and high winds.

Communities around Truckee, Nevada City, and Lake Tahoe are in mourning. Tributes pour in online and at local gathering spots, remembering the victims as vibrant, loving individuals who cherished the mountains. Friends and fellow skiers share stories of their passion for the sport, their dedication to family, and the joy they found in shared adventures. For the surviving six, the psychological scars will last a lifetime—survivor’s guilt mixed with grief for those who didn’t make it.

As the final missing skier’s fate hangs in the balance, presumed grim, the focus shifts to supporting the bereaved. Funds and counseling resources are being mobilized for families shattered by the loss. Questions linger: Could more have been done to prevent this? Were conditions adequately assessed? While investigations will follow, the immediate reality is heartbreaking: eight lives extinguished, one still lost, and a region forever changed by the roar of snow that stole mothers, friends, and dreams in an instant.

The Sierra Nevada, so beautiful and unforgiving, has claimed its toll once again. As recovery teams press on through the storm, the nation watches in sorrow, remembering the skiers who ventured into the backcountry seeking freedom—and never returned.