Peril on the Slopes: Avalanche Traps Skiers in Sierra Nevada

As rescue efforts continue, 10 skiers remain missing after a deadly avalanche descended on a backcountry slope in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. At least six others have been stranded, awaiting assistance amid treacherous conditions.

The avalanche struck the Castle Peak area near Truckee at about 11:30 a.m., sweeping away a group of 16 skiers, comprising four guides and 12 clients. The heavy snowfall and ongoing storm conditions have hampered rescue operations, with zero visibility forcing the closure of a nearby highway.

Authorities, led by Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, emphasize the high risk of further avalanches, complicating the rescue mission. The search effort involves local, state, and specialized teams working to reach survivors sheltering in makeshift refuges.