A catastrophic avalanche struck near Castle Peak in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, northwest of Truckee and north of Lake Tahoe, on Tuesday morning, killing at least eight backcountry skiers and leaving one person missing and presumed dead. The massive snow slide occurred around 11:30 a.m. near the remote Frog Lake Huts during a period of intense winter weather, making it one of the deadliest avalanches in the United States in decades.
The victims were part of a 15‑person group on a professionally guided backcountry skiing trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The group had spent two nights on the expedition and was returning to the trailhead when the avalanche struck. Six skiers survived and were rescued, with some treated for injuries.
On Thursday, families released a statement identifying six of the eight people killed — all of whom were described as mothers, wives and close friends who had shared a love for skiing and the outdoors. They lived across the Bay Area, Idaho and the Truckee–Tahoe region and were described as experienced backcountry skiers who had prepared for the conditions and trusted their guides.
The six women identified by their families are:
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Carrie Atkin
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Liz Clabaugh
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Danielle Keatley
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Kate Morse
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Caroline Sekar
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Kate Vitt
Their families said they are “devastated beyond words” and are focusing on supporting their children and loved ones while honoring the women’s lives and passions.
Ongoing Recovery and Danger
Search and recovery operations have been slowed by hazardous weather and unstable snow conditions, with authorities urging caution due to continued avalanche risk and heavy snowfall in the region. Recovery efforts are expected to continue into the weekend as conditions allow.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and local officials have acknowledged the tragedy and expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families. Newsom noted that some of those killed were long‑time community members and family friends, amplifying the personal impact of the disaster.
Background to the Incident
The avalanche struck in a rugged area that had seen significant snowfall from a powerful winter storm, creating unstable snowpack conditions that experts had warned were dangerous for backcountry travel. Despite the group’s experience and training — and the presence of certified guides — the slide was pushed by natural forces that even seasoned skiers cannot always predict once certain snowpack thresholds are crossed.
This tragedy has reverberated across Northern California and beyond, particularly in communities connected to backcountry skiing and outdoor adventure. Tributes have poured in for the victims, many of whom were celebrated not only for their skill and love of the mountains but for their roles as mothers, friends and pillars of their local communities.
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