Deadly Castle Peak avalanche: Eight backcountry skiers killed near Lake Tahoe, one missing
On Feb. 17, 2026, an avalanche near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada overtook a 15-person backcountry ski group during a major storm, leaving eight confirmed dead and one missing; investigators are probing decisions to travel amid warnings.
Key takeaways
- Fatalities: Eight confirmed dead, one missing from a 15-person group (11 participants, 4 guides). (Source: Los Angeles Times)
- Conditions: Avalanche struck ~11:30 a.m. during a blizzard after the Sierra received up to six feet of snow; avalanche advisories were in effect. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, on-scene video)
- Search & rescue: Six people self-rescued or sheltered and were found ~5:30 p.m.; storms and Interstate 80 closures slowed outside responders. (Source: Los Angeles Times, video reports)
What happened: sequence and conditions
Timeline: The group was completing a scheduled three-day tour that included overnight stays at the Frog Lake huts. As they began the descent, someone shouted “Avalanche!” and a fast-moving wall of snow overtook party members almost immediately.
Capt. Russell “Rusty” Greene of the Nevada County sheriff’s office described a near-instantaneous burial after the warning. Survivors used beacons, personal locators and self-rescue techniques; three bodies were found by members of the party before external rescuers arrived. (Source: on-scene video)
Weather, avalanche forecasts and timing questions
The Sierra received up to six feet of snow during the storm. Public records show the Sierra Avalanche Center issued a watch on Feb. 15 and later upgraded to a warning—meaning avalanches were expected—before the group descended. Danger ratings rose from moderate to considerable and reached high by the day of travel, when travel in avalanche terrain was not recommended. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
Investigators will examine whether field guides received advisory updates and how information was communicated during the trip.
Search, rescue and recovery operations
Six people were rescued after sheltering for nearly six hours and located around 5:30 p.m. by Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, which reached the scene by snowcat. Storm conditions and Interstate 80 closures hampered outside assistance; specialized equipment and snowcats were required to reach the site. With one person still unaccounted for, authorities shifted from a rescue posture to recovery as weather continued to complicate operations. (Sources: Los Angeles Times, video reports)
Casualties and community ties
Authorities have recovered eight bodies; one person remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead. Victims ranged from roughly 30 to 55 years old and included both men and women. Three of the four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides are among the presumed dead; one guide was among those rescued. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
Local reporting identified six victims by name — Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt — described as skilled backcountry skiers, mothers and members of the tight-knit mountain community, with ties to local ski businesses. Families and friends have emphasized their experience and commitment to outdoor life.
School community affected
Some victims had connections to Sugar Bowl Academy, a private boarding school and ski program on Donner Summit. Executive Director Stephen McMahon said the loss is felt across the small academy community; officials declined to release detailed personal information. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
Guiding company response and investigative questions
Blackbird Mountain Guides, based in Truckee, provided four guides for the trip. Owner Blais expressed sorrow and urged against speculation while investigators review communications and decisions. Authorities are pursuing several lines of inquiry:
- Whether guides had up-to-date avalanche advisory information before and during the trip.
- The company’s operational policies on travel during high danger and storm conditions.
- Route choices, terrain selection, and whether standard mitigation measures were followed.
Investigators will review field communications, weather data, decision-making processes and how advisory upgrades were communicated to field teams. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Although the incident occurred near Lake Tahoe, consequences reverberate in Huntington Beach, where many residents travel to the Sierra for recreation. Anticipated effects include:
- Economic: Local outfitters, ski shops, transport services and hotels could see changes in demand if visitors reconsider backcountry travel.
- Political: Calls for accountability for guiding companies and clearer safety protocols may grow; expectations may focus on transparency and voluntary certification rather than broad regulation.
- Social & cultural: Community memorials, fundraisers and safety seminars are likely; outdoor enthusiasts may push for better education on avalanche preparedness.
- Practical: Residents should check avalanche forecasts, confirm guide communication protocols, and carry/training with beacons, probes and shovels. (Source: Los Angeles Times)
Sources and reporting
This article draws on reporting by the Los Angeles Times and on-scene video reports (on-scene video, video reports).
“The Frog Lake huts disaster is a warning: even experienced skiers and guided groups can face deadly danger when storms and human decisions intersect.”
For further updates, investigators’ findings and detailed lists of those affected, refer to the original reporting linked above.
