TRUCKEE, CA — A massive avalanche, described by witnesses as the size of a football field, has devastated a backcountry ski expedition near Castle Peak. In a race against freezing temperatures and gale-force winds, specialized rescue units have successfully extracted six survivors, while nine others remain confirmed or presumed dead in what officials are calling a historic tragedy.

A Sudden Descent of Snow 🏔️🔎

The incident occurred on February 17, 2026, as a guided group of 15 backcountry enthusiasts—comprising clients and professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides—was concluding a three-day trek. At approximately 11:30 a.m., a “wall of snow” triggered by heavy accumulation and unstable layers cascaded down the steep terrain, engulfing the group near the Frog Lake huts.

“Someone saw the avalanche, yelled ‘Avalanche!’ and it overtook them rather quickly,” shared Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Despite being equipped with avalanche beacons and safety gear, the sheer volume of the slide left those in its path with almost no time to react.

The Survival and the Rescue ⚠️📢

Following the impact, six survivors managed to group together and build a makeshift shelter using a tarp to fend off sub-freezing temperatures. Their survival was aided by:

• Emergency Beacons: Satellite SOS signals allowed rescuers to pinpoint their exact location amidst whiteout conditions.

• Text Communication: One guide managed to maintain intermittent text contact with dispatch, providing vital updates on their status.

• Specialized Equipment: Rescue teams utilized SnoCats (tracked snow vehicles) to traverse the deep snow, before skiing the final two miles to reach the group just before sunset.

Recovery Efforts and Challenges 🚁

While the initial rescue was successful, the mission has now transitioned into a somber recovery operation. Eight bodies have been located on the mountainside, but extreme weather and the risk of secondary slides have hindered their extraction.

• Current Toll: Nine individuals, including three guides, are confirmed or presumed dead. Among the victims are several mothers, wives, and members of the tight-knit Sugar Bowl Academy community.

• Hazardous Conditions: With over 30 inches of fresh snow and gale-force winds, authorities have temporarily closed all managed forest lands in the area until March 15 to prioritize first responder safety.

A Community in Mourning ⚖️

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon expressed the weight of the tragedy, noting that one search and rescue member discovered his own spouse among the victims. “Our mission now is to get them home,” Moon stated during a press briefing.

As the Sierra Avalanche Center continues to warn of high instability across the West, investigators are beginning to look into the decision to proceed with the trek despite the severe weather warnings. For now, the focus remains on the families of those lost and the brave teams still operating in the hazardous high-altitude zone.