California Avalanche Rescue Operation Battles Blizzard Conditions
Rescue teams in Northern California have successfully reached six stranded skiers following a dangerous avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains, while nine individuals remain missing as search efforts continue under severe weather conditions. The operation unfolded amid a powerful winter storm that has brought treacherous thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall to the region.
Emergency Response and Rescue Details
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office received an emergency call at approximately 11:30 AM local time on Tuesday reporting an avalanche near Frog Lake with people buried under snow. According to spokesperson Ashley Quadros, six backcountry skiers—those who ski outside established resort boundaries—were trapped and subsequently located by rescue crews. Two of the rescued individuals required hospital treatment for their injuries.
Nevada County Sheriff Captain Russell Greene explained that the six skiers had sheltered in place after being located while emergency teams worked to reach them through challenging conditions. Rescuers utilized specialized vehicles and skis to navigate the hazardous terrain, with progress significantly slowed by the persistent threat of additional avalanches.
Group Details and Avalanche Warning
The skiers were part of a three-day backcountry skiing trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, which was on its final day when the avalanche occurred. Authorities were alerted to the incident both by the tour company and through emergency beacons carried by the skiers themselves.
The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada region beginning at 5 AM Tuesday local time, with large slides expected to continue through Wednesday. Brandon Schwartz, lead avalanche forecaster for Tahoe National Forest at the Sierra Avalanche Center, emphasized the particular danger in backcountry areas during the height of the storm.
The dangerous conditions resulted from rapidly accumulating snowfall piling onto fragile snowpack layers, combined with gale-force winds that created unstable snow conditions.
Storm Impact and Historical Context
The avalanche occurred as California experiences a powerful winter storm system that has prompted several ski resorts around Lake Tahoe to close fully or partially due to extreme weather. Forecasters predict some areas could receive up to 2.4 meters (8 feet) of snow before the storm moves through on Wednesday.
The incident took place near Castle Peak, a 2,777-meter (9,110-foot) mountain in the Donner Summit area of the Sierra Nevada—a popular destination for backcountry skiing enthusiasts. This region carries historical significance as the location where the infamous Donner Party resorted to cannibalism after becoming trapped during the winter of 1846-1847.
Avalanche Safety and Statistics
This latest incident follows a January avalanche in the same region that buried and killed a snowmobiler. According to the National Avalanche Center, between 25 and 30 people die in avalanches across the United States each winter.
Safety experts strongly recommend comprehensive training in avalanche assessment, rescue techniques, and proper safety equipment for anyone venturing into backcountry skiing areas. The activity attracts enthusiasts seeking wilderness experiences beyond resort boundaries, but carries inherent risks that require careful preparation and awareness of changing conditions.
Blackbird Mountain Guides has confirmed they are assisting authorities with the ongoing rescue operation as search teams continue working to locate the nine missing skiers amid challenging weather and avalanche risks.
