TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — The backcountry skiers and professional guides caught in the deadliest U.S. Avalanche in decades understood the dangers of trekking through California’s Sierra Nevada remote wilderness.
Avalanche Claims Eight Lives, Search Continues
The group had close ties to the Lake Tahoe alpine community, with some connected to the Sugar Bowl Academy, a school for competitive skiers. One victim was married to a member of a backcountry rescue team, and the mayor of Mill Valley confirmed some in the group were women from his city.
Investigations are underway to determine what the guides and their tour company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, knew about warnings related to a powerful winter storm that impacted the mountains during the trip, and why they proceeded despite the forecast. Eight people died in the avalanche Tuesday, and six survived.
As of Thursday, crews were unable to safely reach a ninth person still missing and presumed dead, according to Ashley Quadros, a spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. “We are on the mountain, but they are not going to be able to safely reach them,” she said. “The weather conditions are really dangerous.”
The Sierra Avalanche Center warned that several more feet of snow could fall around Lake Tahoe on Thursday, further destabilizing the fragile snowpack and maintaining a high risk of large avalanches through at least Friday morning.
The 15 skiers, most of whom were women, began a three-day trip on Sunday as storm warnings were intensifying. Blackbird Mountain Guides, which employs the four guides involved, has paused field operations whereas supporting the victims’ families and conducting an investigation.
The guides were trained or certified in backcountry skiing and maintained communication with senior guides while in the field, according to founder Zeb Blais. Blackbird’s website states the tour is intended for intermediate to expert skiers.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon stated that authorities will investigate why the tour proceeded despite the forecast. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch Sunday morning indicating that large avalanches were likely in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The skiers were equipped with beacons to aid rescuers, and at least one guide was able to send text messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the status of the search on Thursday?
Crews were on the mountain but unable to safely reach the ninth person missing and presumed dead due to dangerous weather conditions, according to Ashley Quadros, a spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
What is known about the victims?
Officials have not yet released the names of those who were killed. It is known that some were connected to the Sugar Bowl Academy, one was married to a backcountry rescue team member, and some were women from Mill Valley, California.
What has Blackbird Mountain Guides said about the incident?
Blackbird Mountain Guides has launched an investigation, paused field operations, and is prioritizing support for the victims’ families. Founder Zeb Blais stated, “We don’t have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do.”
What factors contributed to the tragic outcome of this backcountry ski trip, and how might future expeditions be approached differently?
