6 Backcountry Skiers Found Safe in Sierra Avalanche

Six backcountry skiers caught in an avalanche near Lake Tahoe were found alive Tuesday, giving hope to families as rescue teams battled through a powerful winter storm to reach them.

The group, including four ski guides, was on the final day of a three-day backcountry adventure when an avalanche struck near Frog Lake in the Castle Peak area. Someone called 911 around 11:30 a.m., and hours later, all six were located and asked to shelter in place until rescuers could safely reach them.

Ashley Quadros from the Nevada County Sheriff's Office confirmed that 46 first responders mobilized immediately. Three rescue teams, two on skis and one in a snowcat, pushed through blizzard-like conditions to reach the stranded skiers.

The sheriff's office shared videos showing three rescuers carrying their skis through heavy snow and fierce winds. These images captured the determination of first responders who didn't hesitate despite dangerous conditions that kept several Lake Tahoe ski resorts fully or partially closed.

The group had spent two nights at mountain huts, navigating rugged terrain for up to four miles while carrying all their food and supplies. This level of preparation likely helped them survive while waiting for rescue in the extreme weather.

The Bright Side

The successful location of all six skiers showcases how modern communication and coordination save lives in mountain emergencies. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings early Tuesday morning, giving backcountry enthusiasts critical information about the dangerous conditions caused by rapidly accumulating snow and gale-force winds.

Brandon Schwartz, lead avalanche forecaster at the center, noted that being at the height of the storm made conditions particularly treacherous. The center's early warning system and the quick 911 call meant rescue teams could mobilize while conditions were still manageable enough to reach the stranded group.

The Castle Peak area, a 9,110-foot peak popular with backcountry skiers, saw at least 30 inches of snow fall in nearby Soda Springs in just 24 hours. Despite these challenging conditions, the rescue coordination between local sheriff's offices, ski guides, and avalanche forecasters worked exactly as designed.

While search efforts continued for 10 others reported missing in the area, the successful location of these six skiers demonstrated the life-saving value of preparation, quick reporting, and coordinated emergency response in mountain environments.

This rescue reminds us that behind every mountain adventure are trained professionals ready to risk their own safety to bring people home.