Quick Read
- All nine bodies of skiers killed in a California avalanche were recovered by Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe.
- The deceased include three professional guides and six experienced women skiers.
- A five-day multi-agency search and recovery effort was conducted amidst challenging snowy conditions.
- An active investigation is underway to determine if there was any criminal negligence.
NEVADA COUNTY (Azat TV) – Authorities announced on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the successful recovery of all nine bodies of skiers who perished in a devastating avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. The completion of the five-day search operation near Lake Tahoe brings a somber close to one of the deadliest avalanches in recent state history, even as an investigation into potential criminal negligence remains active.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed the recovery during a news conference, stating, “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.” The avalanche, which struck on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, near Castle Peak and Frog Lake, initially buried multiple skiers. Rescue teams made contact with six survivors later that night, but brutal snowy conditions prevented immediate body recovery.
The Avalanche and Recovery Efforts
The deadly event unfolded in a popular skiing and winter sport destination in northern California. Experts estimated the slide path to be roughly the size of a football field. The snow lab near Donner Pass had recorded 28 inches of snow the day of the avalanche, with further warnings for increased avalanche risk.
The recovery mission was a complex, multi-agency effort spanning five days. Officials and agencies, including the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, National Guard, and Pacific Gas and Electric utility company, worked tirelessly, often battling difficult weather and heavy snowfall. Four bodies were recovered on Friday evening, February 20, with the final five retrieved on Saturday morning, February 21, with the assistance of a Black Hawk helicopter. Sheriff Moon praised the collective efforts of the agencies and the 42 volunteers who joined on the final day, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the mountain community in times of tragedy.
Identities of the Avalanche Victims
The nine individuals who lost their lives included three professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Company and six women. Sheriff Moon identified the guides as Andrew Alissandratos, 34; Nicole Choo, 42; and Michael Henry, 30. The six women, all in their 40s, were identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. They hailed from the San Francisco Bay Area, Idaho, and the Lake Tahoe area.
According to their families, the women were a close-knit group of friends, experienced backcountry skiers who were familiar with the Sierra Nevada wilderness. They had embarked on a guided skiing tour, staying in cabins near Frog Lake for two nights before the avalanche struck during their return trip. In a joint statement, their families expressed devastation, noting, “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.”
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The tragedy marks the deadliest avalanche in the region since 1981, prompting immediate and thorough investigations. Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest, announced that the affected terrain will remain off-limits to visitors until mid-March, pending the completion of the investigation.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine if any factors could be considered criminal negligence. “It is too early to know if criminal charges will be applicable, as the investigation is preliminary and remains active and ongoing,” the spokesperson stated, adding that the district attorney’s office would ultimately decide on any potential charges.
The swift, coordinated recovery effort underscores the inherent dangers of backcountry skiing even for experienced individuals and highlights the critical role of community and professional collaboration in mountain tragedies. The ongoing investigation will be crucial in understanding the circumstances that led to this catastrophic loss of life and in informing future safety protocols.