Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that rescue teams have recovered the bodies of eight skiers killed in a catastrophic avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe.
The search continues for a ninth skier who is still missing following the massive avalanche. Officials have stated the missing individual is presumed deceased.
This event is reportedly the deadliest avalanche to occur in the United States in almost half a century. The avalanche struck on Tuesday morning as a severe winter storm moved across the state. A group of fifteen backcountry skiers, comprising the eight deceased and the one missing, were nearing the conclusion of a three-day guided tour near Castle Peak when they were caught in the avalanche.
Below are key details about the incident.
The survivors
Six members of the skiing party were rescued on Tuesday evening. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon reported at a Wednesday press conference that the survivors were found approximately six hours after the avalanche happened.
Authorities indicated during the briefing that two of the survivors were taken to a hospital for care. One of them remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other has since been discharged.
The missing skier
Rescue operations are focused on locating one additional person from the guided group. Sheriff Moon stated on Wednesday that this person is presumed dead.
No information about the identity of the missing skier has been made public.
Moon explained the tour consisted of nine women and six men. The six survivors include four men and two women, all aged between 30 and 55.
The eight skiers who were found dead
The identities of the victims have not been released. Moon said officials are allowing the families time to grieve.
“They’re still reeling,” Moon commented during the Wednesday press conference. “I could not imagine what they’re going through.”
Harsh weather conditions are currently preventing the recovery of the victims’ bodies. The Sierra Avalanche Center forecasts that avalanche danger will persist until Thursday, with significant additional snowfall expected in the area soon.
Moon expressed that upon the safe arrival of rescue crews, her immediate thoughts were with those who perished, adding, “and knowing our mission now is to get them home.”
What weather forecasts showed ahead of the avalanche
Prior to Tuesday’s fatal event, forecasters had issued warnings about elevated avalanche risk for the area, pointing to heavy snow and strong winds.
Moon said an investigation will be conducted to determine why the skiing trip proceeded despite the severe weather advisories.