Eight backcountry skiers were found dead and one remains missing near Lake Tahoe after being caught in a deadly avalanche, the nation's deadliest in nearly half a century, during a monster winter storm. Six others were rescued.
A group of backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe, California, was caught in a massive avalanche during a severe winter storm, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals, with one person still unaccounted for. Six skiers were rescued six hours after the avalanche hit on Tuesday morning, concluding a three-day trek in the Sierra Nevada. The group comprised men and women aged 30-55, including four guides, three of whom are presumed dead, and some victims were connected to the Sugar Bowl Academy. Authorities are investigating the decision to proceed with the trip despite an avalanche watch issued Sunday and a warning hours before the incident. Rescuers, guided by beacons and a cellphone, faced extreme conditions including 3-6 feet of new snow, subfreezing temperatures, and gale-force winds, making recovery difficult. The mission has shifted from rescue to body recovery, and the Sierra Avalanche Center warned of continued unstable snowpack.
