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All 9 Recovered in Tahoe Avalanche as Vigils Begin and Investigations Gain Pace

Authorities are now investigating the guided trip's decisions during high avalanche danger.

Overview

  • Recovery teams retrieved all nine victims near Castle Peak over Friday and Saturday after days of blizzard delays, and officials publicly identified each person.
  • Six of the dead were close friends and mothers, and three were Blackbird Mountain Guides employees; families said the women were experienced skiers carrying safety gear.
  • The 15-person group included four guides and 11 guests departing the Frog Lake huts around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 17; six people survived, including one guide.
  • Tahoe National Forest has closed the Castle Peak area through March 15 to protect the public and preserve the scene for ongoing operations.
  • The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Cal/OSHA have opened investigations into the circumstances of the tour, including decision-making in forecasted high avalanche danger, as Truckee holds community vigils.