Eight Skiers Killed, One Missing After Deadliest U.S. Avalanche Since 1981
Updated (2 articles)
Avalanche Strikes Backcountry Group on Feb 19 On Tuesday, Feb 19 2026, a massive slab avalanche hit a party of 15 back‑country skiers near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, killing eight and leaving one still missing. The slide occurred during a three‑day trek amid a severe winter storm that had dumped three to six feet of new snow since Sunday. Rescue crews recovered eight bodies and continue searching for the ninth victim while six survivors were located after roughly six hours in the storm‑laden terrain [1][2].
Sheriff’s Office Launches Investigation Into Warning Compliance Nevada County Sheriff’s Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene said a witness shouted “Avalanche!” as the snow engulfed the party and announced an investigation into why the group proceeded after the Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch at 6:49 a.m. and upgraded it to an expected‑avalanche warning later that morning. Officials will review whether the four guides, led by Blackbird Mountain Guides, received the upgraded warning before departing. The inquiry also examines the decision to travel despite the watch given the area’s historic avalanche risk [1][2].
Survivors Equipped With Beacons, Airbag Use Unclear All fifteen participants carried electronic avalanche beacons that transmitted signals, enabling rescuers to locate the six survivors and the eight victims. However, officials could not confirm whether any skier wore inflatable avalanche airbags designed to keep users near the surface. One rescued skier remains hospitalized with injuries, while the others were treated on scene before transport [1][2].
Extreme Weather Hinders Recovery Operations Rescue teams deployed a snowcat to bring equipment within two miles of the slide, then skied in carefully as gale‑force winds and sub‑freezing temperatures slowed body recovery. The Donner Summit area, which averages 35 feet of snowfall annually, was closed to the public for decades, adding logistical challenges. Threats of additional slides persist, prompting authorities to keep the site under strict control [1][2].
Sources
-
1.
WBNS: Eight Skier Deaths and One Missing After Deadliest U.S. Avalanche in Nearly 50 Years: Reports eight fatalities, one missing, details on rescue equipment, weather conditions, and mentions a prior Castle Peak avalanche this year .
-
2.
King5: Eight skiers killed, one still missing after California avalanche: Highlights the same death toll, adds ages 30‑55, notes Blackbird Mountain Guides led the 15‑person trip, and emphasizes uncertainty about guide receipt of warning .
Related Tickers
Timeline
1981 – An avalanche on Mount Rainier kills 11 climbers, remaining the deadliest U.S. avalanche until the 2026 Lake Tahoe slide, underscoring the rarity of such large‑scale tragedies in the United States. [1]
Jan 2026 – A separate avalanche near Castle Peak claims the life of a snowmobiler, marking the second deadly slide in the Sierra Nevada that winter and highlighting the region’s heightened avalanche risk. [1]
Feb 17, 2026 (morning) – The Sierra Avalanche Center issues an avalanche watch at 6:49 a.m. for large avalanches in the Lake Tahoe area and later upgrades it to an expected‑avalanche warning as fresh snowfall accumulates. [1][2]
Feb 17, 2026 (mid‑morning) – Blackbird Mountain Guides lead a 15‑person back‑country ski party (four guides, ages 30‑55) on a three‑day trek despite the watch, and the group departs for the final leg of the route. [1][2]
Feb 17, 2026 (approximately 10 a.m.) – A massive slide overtakes the party within minutes; a witness shouts “Avalanche!” as the snow rushes down, prompting an immediate rescue response. [2]
Feb 17, 2026 (late afternoon, ~6 hours later) – Six skiers are located and rescued just before sunset after a six‑hour ordeal in sub‑freezing temperatures and gale‑force winds; one of the rescued participants is later hospitalized for injuries. [1][2]
Feb 18, 2026 (morning‑afternoon) – Rescue crews recover the bodies of eight back‑country skiers, using a snowcat to reach within two miles of the slide before skiing in; recovery is slowed by three‑to‑six feet of new snow and ongoing weather hazards. [1][2]
Feb 18, 2026 (ongoing) – Search teams continue to search for the ninth missing skier while Nevada County Sheriff’s Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene launches an investigation into why the group proceeded after the avalanche watch and warning were issued. [1][2]
Feb 18‑19, 2026 (future) – Authorities expect the missing‑person search to extend into the coming days, with additional safety assessments planned for the Donner Summit area, which averages 35 feet of snowfall annually. [1]
External resources (1 links)
- https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/avalanche/ (cited 2 times)