Avalanche Claims Eight Lives, Leaves One Missing The avalanche struck on Tuesday, February 19 in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe, killing eight backcountry skiers and guides while a ninth participant remains missing and presumed dead [1][2]. Fifteen people embarked on a three‑day ski tour, most of them women, staying at high‑country huts at Frog Lake [2]. Survivors numbered six, who spent hours searching for the missing before rescue teams arrived [1][2].

Storm Conditions Prevent Immediate Recovery Efforts powerful winter storm continued to dump snow, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and additional snowfall forecast, keeping avalanche risk high through Friday [1][2]. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a high‑risk watch and warned that conditions would remain dangerous [1][2]. Crews could not safely reach the site, delaying body recovery and medical evacuation of injured survivors [1].

Blackbird Mountain Guides Under Investigation and Operations Paused All four guides on the trip were employed by Blackbird Mountain Guides, a company certified by the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education [1][2]. The company launched an internal investigation, paused field operations through the weekend, and asked the public not to speculate [1]. Three guides died and one survived, while the guides’ actions are being scrutinized by authorities [2].

Authorities Probe Decision to Proceed Despite Avalanche Watch Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon announced an investigation into why the group continued the tour after an avalanche watch was issued [2]. The sheriff’s office is examining the decision‑making process of the guides and participants amid the storm warnings [2]. Community leaders, including Sugar Bowl Academy’s executive director Stephen McMahon, highlighted the close ties among the victims and the local alpine scene [2].