Nine Dead in Sierra Nevada Backcountry Avalanche Amid Severe Storm Warnings
TL;DR
Amid a powerful Sierra Nevada storm with high avalanche danger, 15 skiers ventured into backcountry near Castle Peak despite warnings. An avalanche on Tuesday buried the group; eight bodies were recovered and one person was missing and presumed dead, bringing nine dead or presumed dead, with six survivors rescued after using avalanche beacons and SOS. The hikers were staying at Frog Lake huts; rescues faced rugged terrain and limited access, making this the deadliest avalanche in modern California history and underscoring the persistent risks of backcountry skiing in volatile snowpack.
- After Avalanche Warnings, a Sierra Nevada Tragedy The New York Times
- Sugar Bowl confirms multiple avalanche victims from ski academy community SFGATE
- Skiers with roots in Lake Tahoe's alpine community among 8 killed in California avalanche Yahoo
- 8 backcountry skiers killed and 1 missing after deadliest avalanche in California’s recorded history CNN
- Marin residents among victims in deadly Tahoe avalanche, mayor says San Francisco Chronicle
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