Deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe kills multiple people; several injured, at least one missing
A large avalanche struck a backcountry ski party near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada on Feb. 18, 2026, killing multiple people, injuring several others and leaving at least one person unaccounted for. The group—made up of recreational skiers and professional guides on a multi-day hut-to-hut trip—had been organized by a private outfitter. Search-and-rescue crews worked through whiteout conditions, strong winds and unstable snowpack to locate survivors and recover victims.
What happened
The group was descending after a three-day guided tour when the slope released. Capt. Russell Greene of the county sheriff’s office said someone yelled “avalanche” as the slide swept across the party, burying people within seconds. Witnesses and early field reports describe a fast-moving slide that propagated across a broad runout zone, carrying skiers and equipment downhill.
Some participants managed to send beacon signals after the slide; one guide reportedly texted emergency contacts before communications failed. Investigators are collecting witness statements and downloading GPS and communication logs recovered from the trip to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Search and rescue under extreme conditions
Responders faced fierce winds, heavy snowfall and continuing slope instability—conditions that limited where heavy equipment and helicopters could safely operate. Crews used avalanche transceivers, probe lines, rescue dogs, ski teams and snowcats to comb the source and runout areas. Helicopters staged evacuations when weather allowed.
Officials say six people were evacuated; several were treated for hypothermia and at least one remains hospitalized. Teams recovered multiple bodies clustered in the same area. Rescue operations required repeated stability checks and close coordination with avalanche specialists to avoid triggering additional slides, and search work advanced only after routes were declared safe.
Weather and avalanche forecasts
The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche watch that escalated to a warning during the storm cycle, citing heavy snowfall and gale‑force winds—conditions that promote slab formation and remote propagation. Investigators plan to combine field measurements, forensic snowpack analysis and eyewitness accounts to pinpoint the slide’s trigger, source zone and propagation pattern.
Guides, gear and the investigation
Records indicate four members of the party were guides affiliated with Blackbird Mountain Guides and held certifications in backcountry travel and avalanche instruction. Authorities are reviewing the group’s decision-making, route selection, use of companion rescue techniques, avalanche airbags and other safety equipment, as well as communications and trip logs.
Blackbird Mountain Guides has temporarily suspended field operations, opened an internal review and said it is cooperating with authorities while offering support to affected families. State and county agencies will work with avalanche specialists to assemble weather, telemetry and trip log data during the formal investigation.
Community impact
News of the accident hit communities north of San Francisco hard. Officials said several victims had ties to Sugar Bowl Academy; friends, family and classmates are mourning and gathering for information and support. Local search-and-rescue volunteers and regional agencies remain on alert for any continuing operations.
A large avalanche struck a backcountry ski party near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada on Feb. 18, 2026, killing multiple people, injuring several others and leaving at least one person unaccounted for. The group—made up of recreational skiers and professional guides on a multi-day hut-to-hut trip—had been organized by a private outfitter. Search-and-rescue crews worked through whiteout conditions, strong winds and unstable snowpack to locate survivors and recover victims.0
A large avalanche struck a backcountry ski party near Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevada on Feb. 18, 2026, killing multiple people, injuring several others and leaving at least one person unaccounted for. The group—made up of recreational skiers and professional guides on a multi-day hut-to-hut trip—had been organized by a private outfitter. Search-and-rescue crews worked through whiteout conditions, strong winds and unstable snowpack to locate survivors and recover victims.1