The bodies of all nine backcountry skiers caught in an avalanche in Northern California have now been recovered, concluding a five-day search and recovery operation. Authorities described the effort, which concluded Saturday, as agonizing and complicated by intense winter storms near Lake Tahoe.
Avalanche Details
The avalanche struck in the Castle Peak area on Tuesday, the final day of a three-day ski trip. This proves considered one of the deadliest avalanches in California history. Sheriff Shannan Moon stated, “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that You can bring them home.”
Four bodies were recovered on Friday, with the remaining five recovered on Saturday. Helicopters from the California National Guard and the California Highway Patrol were used to hoist the bodies from the mountain. Officials utilized specialized techniques, with assistance from Pacific Gas & Electric, to reduce avalanche risk on Friday.
Victims Identified
The ski trip was organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, based in Truckee, California. The victims have been identified as guides Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada; Michael Henry, 30, of Soda Springs, California; and Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, California. The other victims were Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs; Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho; Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California; Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California; Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco; and Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California.
The Sierra Avalanche Center classified the avalanche danger as between a D2 and D3 on its scale. Sheriff Moon explained that a D2 avalanche could take down a person, while a D3 could take down a house.
What’s Next?
The area where the avalanche occurred will remain closed to visitors for several weeks while an investigation is conducted. The investigation could lead to changes in safety protocols or access restrictions for backcountry skiing in the region. Further analysis of the avalanche conditions may too be undertaken to better understand the factors that contributed to the disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people survived the avalanche?
Six people survived the avalanche, including one guide and five travelers.
Where did the avalanche occur?
The avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe.
What was the avalanche danger level at the time?
The Sierra Avalanche Center classified the avalanche danger between a D2 and D3.
What factors might contribute to avalanche risk in backcountry areas?
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