Rescue teams have successfully extracted the six skiers who survived Tuesday morning’s avalanche on Castle Peak, but the search for others caught in the slide remains ongoing as extreme weather continues to batter the Sierra.
• Related: 10 Skiers Still Missing After Huge Avalanche on Castle Peak, CA, Caught Group of 16
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday evening, February 17, that all six initially reported survivors were reached by search and rescue teams after hours of difficult access in severe conditions. The skiers had been sheltering in place at the avalanche site following the slide, which occurred around 11:30 a.m.
Due to heavy snowfall, high winds, and hazardous avalanche conditions, it took several hours for rescuers to safely reach the group and transport them out. Once evacuated, the skiers were medically evaluated by Truckee Fire Protection District. Two of the six were transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The remaining four sustained varying injuries.
Authorities also clarified that the total number of people on the trip was initially misreported. While early reports indicated 16 individuals were involved, officials have since confirmed that 15 people were actually part of the backcountry group.
The search for those still unaccounted for is continuing, though officials cautioned that ongoing storm conditions may limit operations overnight.
No further updates were expected Tuesday evening.
According to earlier statements, the group consisted of four ski guides and 12 clients participating in a three-day backcountry trip near the Frog Lake huts in the Castle Peak area. The party had spent two nights in huts and was navigating rugged terrain on skis—covering distances of up to four miles while carrying food and overnight gear—when the avalanche struck as they were returning to the trailhead.
The guiding outfitter, Blackbird Mountain Guides, said it is working in full coordination with local authorities and is in direct contact with the emergency contacts of those involved.
The avalanche occurred amid a significant Sierra storm cycle. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a High (Level 4) avalanche danger rating at 5 a.m. Tuesday, warning that “a widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected” and advising that travel in or near avalanche terrain was not recommended.…Read more by SnowBrains