10 skiers missing, 6 stranded after avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California

A group of 16 backcountry skiers encountered an avalanche near Castle Peak, northwest of Lake Tahoe, California, on Tuesday, leaving at least six stranded and as many as 10 unaccounted for, authorities reported.

Avalanche Strikes Near Lake Tahoe

The avalanche occurred in a popular backcountry skiing area, impacting a group comprised of four mountain guides and 12 skiers. As of Tuesday evening, six individuals were confirmed to have survived the slide and were awaiting rescue in treacherous conditions. The remaining 10 skiers have not been located.

Search and Rescue Efforts Hampered

Rescue operations are underway, but are being significantly slowed by hazardous weather conditions. Around 46 rescuers were en route to the site as of 5 p.m. Local time Tuesday, but reaching the location was proving difficult. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is in contact with the surviving skiers via a satellite messaging service, allowing for text communication.

Did You Know? The avalanche was reported both by a mountain guide service and through an emergency beacon device.

Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the fluidity of the situation, stating, “What we have is a fluid situation, so it may change.” He also noted that the office is working to contact the family members of those involved.

Dangerous Conditions and Avalanche Risk

The area is experiencing blizzard-like conditions, with 3 to 4 inches of snow falling per hour. Interstate 80 was closed Tuesday due to whiteout conditions and near-zero visibility, further complicating the rescue effort. The Sierra Avalanche centre had issued an avalanche warning for the Tahoe region prior to the incident, citing “HIGH avalanche danger” and the likelihood of large, potentially deadly slides.

Expert Insight: The conditions described – heavy snowfall on top of a weak snow layer – create a particularly dangerous scenario for backcountry skiers, increasing the risk of large and unpredictable avalanches.

Survivors have managed to find some shelter in a treed area near the avalanche site, utilizing a tarp to create a makeshift structure. Rescuers are hesitant to use snowmobiles due to the significant risk of triggering additional avalanches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the avalanche occur?

The avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area, a popular backcountry ski destination northwest of Lake Tahoe, California.

How many people were affected by the avalanche?

A group of 16 skiers was affected, including four mountain guides and 12 other skiers. Six have survived, and 10 remain unaccounted for.

What is hindering rescue efforts?

Hazardous weather conditions, including blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and whiteout conditions, are significantly slowing down rescue operations.

As rescue teams prepare to reach the site, what challenges might they face beyond the immediate weather conditions?