A devastating avalanche in the Castle Peak area of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains has claimed the lives of nine skiers, marking the deadliest single avalanche incident in the United States in 45 years, according to local authorities.

The avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, approximately 16 kilometers north of Lake Tahoe, as a group of 15 backcountry skiers were concluding a three-day guided tour. The massive snow slide, described by officials as “football-field sized,” swept through the popular Castle Peak backcountry area, burying members of the group under heavy snow.

Emergency crews responded after a 911 call was placed shortly after the avalanche occurred. Approximately 50 first responders, including search-and-rescue volunteers and specialized snow vehicles such as a Sno-Cat, were deployed in a race against time.

Rescue teams were able to reach a location roughly two miles from where six survivors had taken refuge in a makeshift shelter constructed partially from tarpaulin sheets. Volunteers then skied the remaining distance through treacherous terrain to reach the stranded group.

Six individuals survived the avalanche. Two of them suffered injuries severe enough to limit mobility. Both were transported to hospital facilities after being medically evaluated by Truckee Fire personnel. Authorities confirmed that one injured skier has since been stabilized and released, while the second remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Tragically, the bodies of the nine deceased skiers remain buried in snow and have not yet been recovered due to what officials described as “pretty horrific” and “treacherous” weather conditions. An additional three feet (90 centimeters) of snowfall has accumulated in the area since the incident, further complicating recovery operations.

Officials confirmed that the victims include seven women and two men. Among those who perished was the spouse of a member of the Tahoe Nordic search-and-rescue team, adding an emotional toll to an already harrowing operation.

Families of the deceased have been notified, though authorities have not yet publicly released the names of the victims. Once conditions allow, the bodies will be transported to the Placer County morgue.

Sheriff Wayne Woo of Placer County expressed condolences during a press conference on Wednesday, describing the joint rescue operation as an extraordinary effort under extreme weather conditions.

“This is an incredibly tragic event for our community,” Woo said. “Our teams traversed extreme terrain in dangerous weather using specialized equipment. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families during this very difficult time.”

The avalanche occurred as a powerful winter storm system swept through the Sierra Nevada region, dumping heavy snow and creating unstable backcountry conditions. The nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort reported more than 30 inches of snowfall since Tuesday and closed operations due to high winds and poor visibility.

The storm also forced closures of major roadways, including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, disrupting travel across the region.

Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier warned that avalanche hazards remain high across the area, urging the public to avoid backcountry travel until conditions stabilize.

“The hazard remains high,” Feutrier said. “We urge everyone to avoid the backcountry and allow recovery teams to focus on bringing closure to the families affected.”

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the avalanche, including snowpack stability and weather conditions at the time of the tour. Officials also clarified that although 12 clients had originally signed up for the trip, one person withdrew at the last minute, leaving a final group of 15 participants — four guides and 11 clients.

As recovery operations continue amid persistent snowfall and hazardous terrain, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by backcountry winter travel, even for experienced and guided groups.

Officials have pledged to provide further updates as conditions improve and recovery efforts progress. (ILKHA)