Eight backcountry skiers found dead and 1 still missing after California avalanche

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BROOKE HESS-HOMEIER, JULIE WATSON and JOHN SEEWER
Updated 2:07 PM CST, February 18, 2026
Leer en español

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (AP) — Crews found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers and are searching for one more who remains missing after an avalanche in the mountains near Lake Tahoe, authorities said Wednesday, making it the deadliest U.S. avalanche in nearly half a century.

Authorities have told the families the mission has moved from rescuing people to recovering bodies, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said during a news conference.

Six others from the same group of skiers were rescued Tuesday. They were on a guided, three-day trek in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada as a monster winter storm pummeled the West Coast.

“Someone saw the avalanche, yelled avalanche, and it overtook them rather quickly,” said Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene, of the sheriff’s office.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/california-avalanche-backcountry-skiers-rescue-missing-f7b4a89c38af634e39a152a874db17f0

[RockRaven]

1. "guided three-day trek"

This storm was NOT a surprise. Everyone knew there would be massive snowfall for at least a week in advance.

I get the whole "sense of adventure" and "the risk is part of the fun" thing which could be at play, but what I don't get is the guide/company thinking that risk in those conditions was a good business decision.

[Brother Buzz]

3. I don't know if official avalanche warnings were issues

But you’re correct, they should have known. Four feet of uncompacted snow dumped on a firm crusted base is a recipe for disaster; it’s not rocket surgery.

[jeffreyi]

8. There were warnings.

https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/

That area was on high alert as of a couple of days ago. I guess the people were already out there. It's hard to know what happened...there were experienced people in the group.

[Srkdqltr]

2. Unfortunately there are people who have to take risks. When they win the are heros. Loose and they are dead

[Skittles]

6. I think they are nuts

but I realize life would be very boring indeed if no one ever did crazy things

my sympathy to their loved ones

[Srkdqltr]

7. That too.

[SorellaLaBefana]

11. Unfortunately, other people had to risk their OWN Lives to rescue these Risk Takers

The danger of a killing avalanche in that valley did not magically disappear with just the one.

The people who went in to rescue the survivors were also at risk of being caught in a subsequent one.

I was medical control for a county EMS system for over a decade. Our crews, firecrews and police not unusually were put into life threatening situations to try to save, or to recover the bodies, of Risk Takers.

True, the rescuers did not 'have' to go in and risk their own lives—except that they had taken on the responsibility to do so and felt they had a duty to do so.

Those who knowingly take well forecasted risks should perhaps also take responsibility. However, am willing to bet this will NOT be the case, and many lawsuits will be filed blaming others for their own poor decisions.

Responsibility, Duty: words no longer oft heard.

[Srkdqltr]

12. Yes you are right. I didn't mean the risk takers were right to put others in danger for their stupidity.

[hlthe2b]

4. I remember back-country skiing with extremely prepared & knowledgeable Coloradoans when I

-first returned to the state from stints elsewhere years ago. I was SOOOOO glad I skied, hiked, and learned avalanche and general survival skills from them. They went on to teach seminars and took a few people on hire over the years, but remained my backup experts whenever I (and our small group of friends) needed.

That said, I cannot for the life of me ever imagine their condoning going out in conditions such as those in California. Of course, if you are in the backcountry (or climbing), weather can turn on a dime, but the circumstances around this horrific tragedy appear to be preventable and knowable. What was that group thinking? Who was guiding or advising them?

I hate reading this and knowing how many friends/family members will forever imagine those last hours and minutes. May all find peace.

[denbot]

5. I heard an unsubstantiated rumor that one of the dead is a person of note.

Not a quote, but the ID is being kept under wraps according to the source individual.

[valleyrogue]

10. Talk is at least one of the people

had connections to the elite private skiing academy/boarding school, Sugar Bowl Academy, which trains top class skiers.

[SoFlaBro]

9. Sounds like the same sort of stupid MAGA motherfuckers that were on the bottom of the goddamn ocean w/shit homemade sub

[10 Turtle Day]

13. The one that pulled out of the tour at the last minute must be thanking their lucky stars!

Whether because of having good sense to acknowledge the warnings or lucky some conflict in their schedule that made them cancel.