18-02-2026

Avalanche near Lake Tahoe leaves skiers missing

Date: 18-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | nypost.com: 3
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Image Source:

Source: nypost.com

Image content: The image shows a snowy road with a highway maintenance vehicle and workers. Traffic cones and stop signs are visible on the road, and a large truck is blocking one lane of traffic. A sign on the right side of the road reads "Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway".

Summary

An avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe region has left 9-10 backcountry skiers missing, with 6 others rescued and awaiting further assistance. The incident occurred near Truckee, and rescue efforts are ongoing despite challenging weather conditions. The skiers were part of a guided group led by Blackbird Mountain Guides, and the cause of the avalanche is under investigation.

Key Points

  • Avalanche occurred near Lake Tahoe, California, leaving 9-10 skiers missing
  • 6 skiers were rescued, with 2 taken to the hospital for treatment
  • Rescue efforts are ongoing, hindered by raging blizzard and high avalanche danger rating
  • The skiers were part of a guided group led by Blackbird Mountain Guides on a 3-day backcountry skiing trip

Articles in this Cluster

Rescuers search for 10 missing skiers after California avalanche

An avalanche in California's Lake Tahoe region has left 10 backcountry skiers missing, with six others stranded and awaiting rescue. The incident occurred near the town of Truckee, and rescue efforts are ongoing despite dangerous weather conditions. Highly-skilled rescue teams have been deployed, and experts from nearby ski resorts are attempting to reach the site. The avalanche center has listed the danger rating as 'high,' and travel in the area is not recommended. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office has stated that state authorities are coordinating an all-hands search-and-rescue effort with local emergency teams.
Entities: California, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Castle Peak, Nevada County Sheriff's OfficeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Six skiers buried in avalanche near Lake Tahoe rescued: cops

A group of skiers were caught in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California, and a large rescue operation was launched. Six skiers were rescued, but nine others remain unaccounted for. The avalanche occurred on Castle Peak near Truckee, and the rescue efforts were hindered by challenging winter storm conditions. The skiers were part of a group led by Blackbird Mountain Guides, and emergency beacons carried by the skiers alerted authorities to the avalanche. Two of the rescued skiers were taken to the hospital, and the search for the missing continues.
Entities: Lake Tahoe, California, Castle Peak, Truckee, Nevada County Sheriff’s OfficeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Skiers trapped by avalanche up Lake Tahoe mountain build makeshift shelter using tarp, 10 still missing

A group of 15 skiers were caught in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday morning while returning to the trailhead after a three-day tour. Six skiers survived the initial impact, and the remaining nine are still missing. The survivors built a makeshift shelter using a tarp and are waiting for rescue. Rescuers are battling a raging blizzard to reach the survivors, using snowcats, snowmobiles, and skis. The avalanche occurred at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet near Frog Lake, and an avalanche warning remains in place for the area through Wednesday. The incident has raised questions about the decision to take the group out on the day of the avalanche, with some speculating that it was preventable.
Entities: Lake Tahoe, California, Nevada County Sheriff's Office, Blackbird Mountain Guides, Frog LakeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Tour guide company behind 10 skiers missing in Lake Tahoe avalanche breaks silence

A tour guide company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, has broken its silence after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe left 9 skiers missing and 6 survivors. The group of 15 people, including 11 clients and 4 guides, were on a 3-day backcountry skiing trip when the avalanche struck on Tuesday morning. The company has released a statement confirming the incident and cooperating with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue. Many have questioned the decision to take the group to the site despite the known storm and avalanche warnings. The rescue operation is ongoing, with 46 first responders deployed to the scene.
Entities: Blackbird Mountain Guides, Lake Tahoe, Frog Lake, Castle Peak, TruckeeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform