Nine Backcountry Skiers Killed in Lake Tahoe Avalanche; Bodies Recovered as Investigations Begin

Nine backcountry skiers, including six close friends and three Blackbird Mountain Guides, were killed in a Lake Tahoe avalanche on the California side. After several days of unsafe conditions, authorities recovered all nine bodies—five pulled out Friday and four on Saturday—from a 15-person incident that left six survivors. Rescue crews faced brutal weather as PG&E used water to stabilize the slope. Investigations are underway by the Sierra Avalanche Center, Cal/OSHA, and the sheriff’s office to determine weather factors, route choices, trigger type, and any potential negligence; the group had shortened its three-day tour due to a storm.