Authorities in California are conducting an urgent search for ten backcountry skiers missing after an avalanche struck Castle Peak in the Tahoe area on Tuesday, amid a powerful winter storm.
A group of 16 people four guides and 12 clients were caught in the avalanche late Tuesday morning. Six have been located, but rescuers are still trying to reach them while continuing the search for the remaining ten as heavy snowfall and fading daylight complicate efforts.
"Highly skilled rescue ski teams have departed from both Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center to reach the six known survivors, who have been instructed to shelter in place as best they can given the conditions," the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department said.
At least 46 emergency responders are involved in the operation, which officials describe as extremely hazardous due to ongoing snow, high winds, and avalanche-prone terrain.
The Sierra Nevada region has been hit by a storm depositing several feet of snow, with forecasters warning of white-out conditions and continuing avalanche danger. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a warning that “HIGH avalanche danger exists in the backcountry” and that large avalanches could occur through Tuesday night into Wednesday.
The National Weather Service cautioned that areas above 3,500 feet (1,000 meters) could receive up to eight feet (2.4 meters) of snow over the next 48 hours, accompanied by gusts of up to 55 miles (90 kilometers) per hour, further complicating rescue operations.
Officials have urged anyone in the area to avoid backcountry terrain until conditions stabilize.