Lake Tahoe avalanche on February 2026 leaves 10 skiers missing near Castle Peak. Six rescued, backcountry conditions worsen amid heavy storm. Get full details now.

Key Takeaways

• A massive avalanche struck near Castle Peak, Lake Tahoe on February 2026.
• Ten backcountry skiers remain missing; six have been rescued.
• The incident highlights severe winter storm dangers in California's backcountry.
• Rescue efforts continue with multiple agencies responding.
• Watch for further updates as weather and search conditions evolve.

Lake Tahoe Avalanche: 10 Skiers Missing, 6 Rescued After Castle Peak Disaster

Breaking News: A massive avalanche struck the Castle Peak backcountry area northwest of Lake Tahoe on Tuesday morning, February 2026, leaving ten skiers missing and six rescued. This major development underscores the perilous winter storm conditions currently impacting Northern California’s mountain regions.

Avalanche Hits Popular Backcountry Ski Area

At approximately 11:30 a.m. local time, an avalanche engulfed a group of 16 skiers at Castle Peak, a noted backcountry skiing destination near Lake Tahoe. Authorities confirmed six individuals were rescued while ten remain unaccounted for.

Ashley Quadros of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office commented, "We have a fluid situation with search and rescue teams working around the clock to locate those missing."

• The group comprised four ski guides and twelve clients, according to Blackbird Mountain Guides.
• The incident occurred as the skiers were ending a three-day backcountry tour.

What’s your take on the risks of backcountry skiing during peak storm seasons?

Coordinated Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify

Multiple agencies have joined the effort, including Nevada County Search and Rescue, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and Truckee Fire. Ski patrol teams from nearby resorts also assist in the challenging search conditions.

Captain Russell Greene emphasized, "We are contacting families and doing everything possible to bring everyone to safety."

• Rescue operations leverage trained personnel and specialized equipment.
• Terrain and weather complicate efforts, with ongoing avalanche risks.

How do you support improving avalanche rescue readiness in ski communities?

Dangerous Weather and Avalanche Warnings Persist

The Sierra Avalanche Center has issued high avalanche danger warnings for areas including Greater Lake Tahoe. A powerful winter storm has deposited heavy snow and strong winds, destabilizing fragile snowpack layers.

Lead Forecaster Brandon Schwartz stated, "Backcountry travel is exceptionally hazardous right now due to rapidly changing conditions at the height of the storm."

• Several ski resorts have partially or fully closed amid extreme weather.
• Authorities strongly discourage travel in avalanche terrain during this storm.

What precautions do you believe should be mandatory for backcountry skiers during storms?

What We Know: Timeline of Events

• February 20, 2026, 11:30 a.m.: Avalanche strikes near Castle Peak.
• Rescue teams dispatched immediately after 911 call.
• Six skiers rescued; ten remain missing as of the latest update.
• Ongoing search efforts complicated by weather and terrain.

What Happens Next?

Rescue teams continue to scour the avalanche zone amidst unstable weather. Authorities urge the public to stay clear of backcountry areas and await further official updates. The situation remains dynamic.

For continued coverage on winter storms and mountain safety, stay tuned to local news outlets reporting on the Sierra Avalanche Center's forecasts and updates from Nevada County Sheriff's Office.

What are your thoughts on the challenges rescuers face during such natural disasters? Share your perspective.