Nine Bodies of Skiers Recovered in Sierra Nevada Avalanche, Officials Say

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by Orlando Mayorquín

February 22, 2026

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Nine skiers who were killed in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe have been recovered, marking the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. The victims were part of a group of 15 individuals, including four professional guides, who were on a three-day backcountry skiing trip in a remote area of the Sierra Nevada when tragedy struck. The avalanche occurred on Tuesday, just as the region was hit by its first major blizzard of the year. Despite warnings of "high" avalanche danger, the group pressed on with their trek. Six survivors, including four men and two women, were rescued after using avalanche beacons and SOS satellite functions on their iPhones to alert rescuers. The survivors led rescue teams to the remains of three victims, while additional recovery efforts located the other five bodies. Search and rescue operations were initially hampered by hazardous weather conditions, but once safety measures were implemented to prevent further avalanches, rescuers were able to use helicopters to recover all nine bodies. The recovered remains were taken to a staging area near Frog Lake huts, where the group had been staying before their trip. This tragic event highlights the dangers of backcountry skiing and the importance of heeding avalanche warnings. While six individuals were fortunate to survive, the loss of nine lives serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often deadly forces of nature in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The incident underscores the need for caution and preparedness when engaging in outdoor activities in such remote and challenging terrains. For those interested in news and outdoor safety, this story offers valuable insights into the risks associated with backcountry adventures and the critical role of rescue operations in saving lives. It also serves as a somber reminder of the power of avalanches and the importance of following safety guidelines to mitigate such dangers.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026