Deadly Avalanche Claims Eight Lives in California Mountains
A catastrophic avalanche in northern California has resulted in the deaths of eight skiers, with one individual still unaccounted for, according to local authorities. The tragic incident occurred in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, approximately 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, at around 11:30 AM local time on Tuesday.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Severe Conditions
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed the fatalities during a news conference, stating, "Eight of the additional nine skiers have been located deceased. We are still looking for one of the members at this time." The challenging weather conditions and ongoing risk of further avalanches have significantly impeded rescue operations, which remain active as of Wednesday.
The avalanche struck a group of 15 backcountry skiers who were returning from a three-day excursion organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. These individuals were skiing outside the boundaries of established ski resorts when the cascade engulfed them.
Survivors Take Refuge in Makeshift Shelter
Six members of the group, including one guide and five clients, were rescued after becoming trapped. They managed to take shelter under tarpaulin sheets and communicated with rescue teams using a radio beacon and text messaging. Two of the rescued skiers sustained injuries severe enough to require hospitalization; one has since been stabilized and released, while the other remains under medical care.
Severe Weather Warnings Issued
California has been experiencing a powerful storm this week, bringing heavy snowfall, high winds, and severe thunderstorms to the mountainous regions. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada area, effective from 5 AM local time on Tuesday, with expectations of large slides continuing into Wednesday. The dangerous conditions were exacerbated by rapid snow accumulation and gale-force winds.
The Donner Summit area, known for having one of the highest snowfall rates in the Western Hemisphere with an average of nearly 35 feet annually, is particularly vulnerable to such avalanches.
Historic Tragedy in US Avalanche Records
This incident marks the deadliest avalanche in the United States since 1981, when 11 climbers lost their lives on Mount Rainier in Washington. The community and authorities are grappling with the scale of the tragedy as search and recovery efforts persist amidst the harsh winter environment.
