Tragic Avalanche in California Claims Eight Lives, Six Rescued

Feb 18, 2026

69 min

Feb 18, 2026 23:31

8 skiers dead in California avalanche tragedy, 6 rescued alive

## Avalanche Strikes Lake Tahoe

A devastating avalanche in Northern California's Lake Tahoe backcountry has resulted in the deaths of eight skiers. The incident occurred on Tuesday during a severe winter storm that swept through the region. Rescue teams have managed to save six individuals, while ten others remain unaccounted for.

## Search and Rescue Efforts

The avalanche, described as the size of a football field, hit the Castle Peak area around 11:30 am PST. Emergency services, including the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, responded to the scene following a 911 call reporting the disaster. Efforts to locate the missing continue, with one skier still presumed dead.

## Dangerous Conditions

The Sierra Avalanche Center had warned of high avalanche risk in the backcountry due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. The storm has caused significant disruptions, including road closures and ski resort shutdowns. Experts advise against traveling in avalanche-prone areas during such conditions.

## Impact of the Storm

The storm has brought up to 30 inches of snow in some areas, with forecasts predicting up to 8 feet in certain parts of the Sierra Nevada. The severe weather has led to traffic disruptions and accidents, particularly along Interstate 80 near the Nevada border. Avalanches are a significant risk in the region, with 25 to 30 fatalities occurring annually in the U.S.

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