California authorities announced on Saturday (21st) that after several days of search and rescue, the bodies of all 9 skiers who perished in an avalanche near Castle Peak have been found.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office stated that 5 of the deceased were found on the evening of February 20th, with the remaining 4 found on the morning of the 21st. This deadliest avalanche incident in the United States in 45 years resulted in a total of 9 fatalities.
“The magnitude of loss brought about by this tragedy is indescribable,” said Sheriff Shannan Moon. “We share in the grief with all the families of the victims and will stand by them during this difficult time.”
At the time of the fatal incident, a winter storm was hitting California. Around 11:30 am on the 17th, an avalanche struck near Frog Lake at Castle Peak in northwest Lake Tahoe, with the length of the avalanche estimated to be equivalent to a football field. A 911 call reported multiple people being buried in the snow.
Authorities revealed that the trapped individuals were participating in a three-day backcountry skiing trip organized by the Blackbird Mountain Guides, including 11 skiers and 4 guides.
The avalanche initially led to 9 people going missing, with 6 trapped. On the 18th, officials confirmed that 8 of the missing had perished, with 1 remaining unaccounted for. Due to the “extremely adverse” conditions at the avalanche site, authorities presumed the missing individual had also tragically passed away until their body was found on the 21st. The list of the deceased is as follows:
– Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nevada resident, Blackbird Mountain Guide
– Carrie Atkin, 46, resident of Soda Springs, California
– Nicole Choo, 42, resident of South Lake Tahoe, California, Blackbird Mountain Guide
– Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, resident of Boise, Idaho
– Michael Henry, 30, resident of Soda Springs, California, Blackbird Mountain Guide
– Danielle Keatley, 44, resident of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California
– Kate Morse, 45, resident of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California
– Caroline Sekar, 45, resident of Soda Springs and San Francisco, California
– Katherine Vitt, 43, resident of Greenbrae, California
From February 16th, a powerful winter storm began to hit California, bringing dangerous weather conditions such as thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy rain, large waves, and mountain snow of about 1-3 feet in high-altitude areas.
The team of Blackbird Mountain Guides were staying at the Frog Lake Cabin near Castle Peak for a three-day backcountry skiing expedition starting on the 15th. On the day of the incident, as the team was preparing to conclude their trip and return to the trailhead, they unfortunately encountered the avalanche.
Following the incident, Blackbird Mountain Guides announced their full cooperation in the ongoing rescue efforts, working together with all involved parties to navigate through this extremely challenging situation.
Over 40 frontline rescuers bravely ventured into the darkness and treacherous terrain amidst fierce winds and heavy snow to successfully save 6 survivors.
Due to the continued challenges posed by the severe weather and avalanche conditions, the rescue operation progressed with great difficulty. Later on the 19th, officials decided to use controlled explosions to ensure the safety of rescue teams entering the site and recovering the bodies of the 9 victims.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that an investigation will be launched into the guiding company to determine if there was any criminal negligence involved.