An urgent winter weather warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for the greater Lake Tahoe area, which covers the city of Truckee, as rescuers have been responding to a large backcountry avalanche near Castle Peak, where nine skiers are still missing.
Heavy Snow Warnings for Lake Tahoe
The NWS Lake Tahoe forecast page listed an active Winter Storm Warning, with forecasters predicting heavy snow, strong southwest winds, and ridge gusts up to 50 mph in some areas.
This comes after search-and-rescue teams brought six skiers to safety following a backcountry avalanche near Castle Peak, northwest of Lake Tahoe, on Tuesday. The search continues for nine others from the same 15-person skiing group.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said that the avalanche happened at around 11:30 a.m., as the guided group was returning to a trailhead near Frog Lake huts in Truckee. Two of the rescued skiers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Sierra Avalanche Center classified the slide as a D2.5-sized avalanche, which it says is around the length of a football field and is large enough to “injure, bury, or kill a person,” according to Avalanche.org.
Earlier this month, two men died in separate incidents at Northstar California Resort, which is also in Truckee. Nicholas Kenworthy, 26, died on February 6 after a “serious incident” on the advanced Martis Trail, and Stuart McLaughlin, 53, died on February 15 after colliding with another skier on the Polaris Trail, according to People.
Northstar General Manager Tara Schoedinger said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and the Northstar team extends our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of the guests involved.”
What Happens Next
Forecasters expect additional rounds of heavy snow and strong winds through Thursday, conditions that could keep avalanche danger elevated and prompt further updates from the National Weather Service and avalanche forecasters.
Authorities said search‑and‑rescue operations near Castle Peak would continue “pending weather conditions,” with officials planning briefings and emphasizing that travel in or below avalanche terrain should be avoided during high‑danger periods.
Skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobile riders are urged to consult official bulletins and heed all warnings or closures, with the NWS cautioning against mountain travel during whiteout conditions and the Sierra Avalanche Center warning of natural avalanches and the risk of human‑triggered slides.
