Deadly Castle Peak Avalanche: One of California's Worst Backcountry Disasters Claims Eight Lives, One Still Missing

The devastating avalanche in the Castle Peak area of Nevada County, California, on February 17, 2026, has claimed at least eight lives, with one person still missing and presumed deceased, marking one of the deadliest backcountry avalanche incidents in the region in recent decades.

The incident occurred in a remote, rugged backcountry zone north of Interstate 80 near Donner Summit, close to Truckee and the Lake Tahoe area. This is not a groomed ski resort but rather untamed terrain within the Tahoe National Forest, popular for over-snow travel, summer hiking, and advanced skiing in winter. The area lies near the Pacific Crest Trail and features spots like the Frog Lake Huts.

A group of 15 individuals—four guides and 11 clients (originally signed up as 12, but one backed out at the last minute)—was on the final day of a three-day guided backcountry ski trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides, a Truckee-based outfitter. They were returning to the trailhead from the Frog Lake Huts when the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. PT.

The slide was triggered by a persistent weak layer in the snowpack overloaded by heavy new snow from an intense winter storm. According to the Sierra Avalanche Center, the avalanche measured roughly the size of a football field (classified as D2.5 on the destructive force scale—capable of burying or killing people but not destroying structures like homes). It occurred on a north-facing slope near Perry Peak, just east of Castle Peak at approximately 8,200–8,300 feet elevation. This was about one mile from another avalanche in the same area earlier in January.

Extreme weather compounded the tragedy: heavy snow, gale-force winds, whiteout conditions, and ongoing high avalanche danger made access and operations extraordinarily hazardous. The persistent weak layer remains, and additional snow (another three feet in places) has reloaded the slope, keeping danger rated very high.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office dispatch received the initial 911 call at 11:30 a.m. The response involved immediate coordination with Truckee Fire, the Placer County Sheriff's Office (including its Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team), Washoe County (Nevada) resources, and statewide mutual aid through the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Roughly 50 skilled rescuers deployed from points like Boreal Mountain Ski Resort (south side) and Tahoe Donner Alder Creek Adventure Center (north side), using snowcats, skis, and tracked equipment.

Due to impassable conditions on Highway 80 and avalanche risks, progress was slow. Rescuers reached about two miles from the site by snowcat, then skied in. They located six survivors around 5:30 p.m. who had sheltered in place with some equipment and had begun searching for others. The survivors used iPhone SOS features and avalanche beacons for communication and location; two were non-mobile due to non-life-threatening injuries (one was released that night, the other was treated longer).

The six survivors had already located three deceased victims while awaiting help. Rescuers found five more deceased nearby, for a total of eight recovered bodies (though still at the scene due to terrain and conditions; only survivors were evacuated that night). The group had stayed fairly close together when the slide hit suddenly.

Of the 15 total (nine women, six men):

• Survivors: one man (guide) and five women.

• Deceased/located: includes three guides (the other three guides presumed among the deceased).

• Still missing: one individual (gender not specified in updates), presumed deceased based on survivor accounts, conditions, and the group's proximity.

The mission shifted from rescue to recovery. As of the February 18 press conference, efforts continued with ~20 resources assigned, but weather and safety for responders remain the limiting factors—not resources. Bodies await extraction when conditions allow; markers (avalanche poles) have been placed to aid future recovery.

Officials, including Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon, Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo, Cal OES Law Branch Chief Don O'Keefe, and Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Frier, emphasized condolences to families (from multiple states), praised volunteer search-and-rescue teams (one deceased was a spouse of a Tahoe Nordic team member, adding emotional strain), and urged extreme caution.

Public safety reminders include:

• Always check forecasts from the Sierra Avalanche Center.

• Avoid high-risk areas, especially during storms.

• Travel with partners, share plans, carry proper gear (beacons, probes, shovels), and heed warnings.

  
  

This tragedy highlights the unforgiving nature of backcountry recreation, even with experienced guides. Mother Nature demands respect, and decisions in such conditions can have irreversible consequences. Updates are available via the Nevada County Sheriff's Office (e.g., their Facebook page). Our thoughts are with the families, survivors, and responders during this difficult time.