Rescue operations continue in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains following the deadliest avalanche in the state’s modern history, which claimed the lives of at least eight skiers with one additional person presumed dead. The catastrophe occurred Tuesday near Castle Peak during the popular ‘ski week’ holidays, sweeping away a 15-person backcountry skiing group that included both experienced guides and close-knit friends.
The massive avalanche, described by officials as ‘football-field sized,’ struck as the group returned from a three-day expedition led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. Three professional guides were among those killed in the tragedy. The skiing party consisted largely of long-time friends, many of whom had maintained relationships since university and regularly gathered for ski excursions.
Among the confirmed fatalities were sisters Caroline Sekar, 45, of San Francisco and Liz Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho. Their brother McAlister Clabaugh remembered them as ‘two of the best people I’ve ever known’ and ‘incredible sisters, mothers, wives and friends.’ The group also included mothers from Mill Valley, California, according to Mayor Max Perrey.
The recovery effort has faced significant challenges due to severe weather conditions, with additional snowfall of 6-12 inches forecasted for the Lake Tahoe area and ridge winds gusting up to 45 mph creating near whiteout conditions. Extraction operations were suspended Thursday due to safety concerns and are expected to continue through the weekend.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed that hazardous conditions have prevented the transportation of recovered victims from the backcountry to a mortuary in Truckee. The emotional toll on rescue teams has been compounded by the fact that one victim was the spouse of a search-and-rescue team member.
Sugar Bowl Academy, a Placer County ski school, acknowledged that ‘multiple members of its community’ had perished in the avalanche but declined to identify specific individuals out of respect for affected families. Executive director Stephen McMahon described the skiing community as ‘incredibly close and connected’ and noted the tragedy had ‘affected each and every one of us.’
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to avoid mountain travel and backcountry activities during the ongoing inclement weather to allow focus on recovery operations. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office stated it cannot confirm victim identities, ages, or affiliations until the recovery mission is complete.