8 of 9 missing skiers found dead after avalanche near Truckee, search ongoing

Eight of the nine skiers reported missing after a powerful avalanche in the backcountry near Truckee have been found dead, authorities confirmed.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon described the incident as “one of the major cases that my agency has been a part of in the last several years,” cautioning that the investigation remains ongoing and facts could change.

Dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 11:30 a.m. reporting an avalanche in the Castle Peak area of Nevada County — north of Interstate 80 at Donner Summit. The area is described as extremely remote, rugged backcountry terrain, not a groomed ski area or resort.

The group consisted of 15 people — not 16 as initially believed — including four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides of Truckee and 11 guests. One person reportedly backed out of the trip at the last minute. The group was on a three-day excursion to the Frog Lake Huts and was returning to the trailhead when the avalanche struck.

Rescue efforts began immediately, with Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Truckee Fire requesting assistance from Tahoe Nordic, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Approximately 50 highly skilled search and rescue personnel deployed from both the north and south sides of the mountain, staging operations from Boreal and the Tahoe Donner Alder Creek Events Center.

Sheriff Moon emphasized the severity of the conditions.

“Extreme weather conditions are an understatement,” she said, describing winds that made visibility nearly impossible and slowed efforts to move equipment into place along I-80.

Rescuers were aware that six members of the group had survived after receiving an iPhone SOS alert. Due to dangerous conditions and safety planning, it was after 5:30 p.m. when a Snowcat was able to reach within two miles of the scene. Rescue teams then skied in to locate the survivors.

The six survivors — one Blackbird guide and five guests — had sheltered with available equipment. Two were unable to walk and had to be transported two miles back to the Snowcat. All six were rescued from the mountain.

While waiting for rescuers, survivors located three deceased members of their party.

Authorities have since confirmed that eight of the nine missing skiers have been found dead. Search operations continue for the final missing skier, though hazardous weather conditions are limiting response efforts.

Of the 15 people on the trip, nine women and six men were in the group. Among those rescued were one man and five women, ranging in age from 30 to 55.

Two survivors were injured in the avalanche. One has been stabilized and released from medical care, while the other remains hospitalized. Both are expected to survive.

The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

Sheriff Moon said the search for the final missing skier remains active but stressed that safety conditions for rescue teams remain a major concern.

This is a developing story. Check back with us for updates.