The bodies of all nine skiers missing after a devastating avalanche in California have been recovered, officials announced on Saturday, concluding a five-day search effort.
Avalanche Claims Nine Lives Near Lake Tahoe
The avalanche occurred in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon stated, “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that You can bring them home.”
The recovery operation involved numerous agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, the National Guard, and the Pacific Gas and Electric utility company, as well as 42 volunteers. Sheriff Moon highlighted the strong community response, noting, “We are fortunate in this mountain community that we are very tight-knit, and our community shows up in times of tragedy.”
Among the victims were three guides from Blackbird Mountain Company: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nicole Choo, 42, and Michael Henry, 30. Six survivors were rescued earlier in the week, but eight others were initially found dead, with one presumed dead before Saturday’s recovery of the final five bodies.
The slide path was estimated to be roughly the size of a football field. Rescuers faced brutal snowy conditions and challenging weather, which hampered earlier recovery efforts. The snow lab near Donner Pass had recorded 28 inches of snow on Tuesday, with more expected and avalanche risk warnings in place.
The victims – Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt – were all in their 40s and came from the San Francisco Bay Area, Idaho, and the Lake Tahoe area. Their families described them as experienced backcountry skiers and a close-knit group of friends.
The terrain near the avalanche site will remain off-limits to visitors until mid-March, according to Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest. Public access will be restored once the investigation is complete.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if any factors contributed to criminal negligence. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office stated that it is too early to determine if criminal charges will be filed, as the investigation is ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on Tuesday?
Multiple skiers were reportedly buried by an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. Rescuers made contact with six survivors and discovered others who had died.
Who were the victims?
The victims included six women and three professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Company: Andrew Alissandratos, Nicole Choo, and Michael Henry. The women were identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt.
What is the status of the area affected by the avalanche?
The terrain will be off-limits to visitors until mid-March while officials complete their investigation.
As the investigation continues, what role do you believe personal responsibility and risk assessment play in backcountry skiing and snowboarding?
