CRIME & LAW

Northern California avalanche leaves multiple skiers missing

PUBLISHED Feb 17, 2026, 5:28 PM ET

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Northern California avalanche leaves multiple skiers missing

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

San Francisco — Search-and-rescue crews responded Tuesday after an avalanche struck terrain northwest of Lake Tahoe, locating six skiers and reporting 10 others missing as a powerful winter storm battered the region. Authorities said a 911 call about people buried at about 11:30 a.m. prompted crews from the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, sheriff's Search and Rescue and Cal Fire to deploy to Castle Peak. Officials said 46 responders were working, survivors sheltered in place, and teams in skis and a snowcat advanced in blizzard conditions. The Sierra Avalanche Center warned of high avalanche danger. Based on 7 articles reviewed and research.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Powerful winter storm increased snowfall and avalanche risk in the Sierra Nevada before Feb. 18.
About 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 18, a 911 call reported an avalanche with people buried near Castle Peak/Frog Lake.
Nevada County Sheriff's Office, sheriff's Search and Rescue, and Cal Fire deployed multiple teams to the area.
Crews located six skiers who sheltered in place while searchers continued efforts for 10 still missing.
Approximately 46 responders worked in blizzard conditions as the Sierra Avalanche Center warned of high danger.

News Intelligence

This avalanche highlights the importance of safety in winter sports. If you're a skier or snowboarder, heed warnings from organizations like the Sierra Avalanche Center. Always check the weather and avalanche conditions before hitting the slopes.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Avalanche forecasters, search-and-rescue teams, and emergency-response agencies gained operational experience, real-time data, and interagency coordination insights that can inform future preparedness and response.

Who Impacted

The missing skiers and their families faced immediate danger, trauma, potential injuries, and prolonged uncertainty while local communities and rescuers endured hazardous operating conditions and resource strain.