All 9 Bodies Recovered from Deadliest Avalanche in Modern California History Near Lake Tahoe
TRUCKEE, Calif. — Search-and-rescue teams have recovered the bodies of all nine backcountry skiers killed in a catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe, marking the deadliest such incident in modern California history.
The tragedy unfolded Tuesday in a remote region of the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Lake Tahoe, specifically on Castle Peak near the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts. A group of 15 skiers, including four professional mountain guides, was caught in the slide during the final day of a three-day tour.[1][2]
Grueling Recovery Amid Treacherous Conditions
California search-and-rescue teams faced extreme challenges over five days, navigating deep snowpack, high winds, and whiteout conditions exacerbated by a powerful atmospheric river storm that dumped several feet of snow on the region.[1]
Within hours of the 11:30 a.m. avalanche—a slide roughly the length of a football field—crews rescued six survivors and located eight deceased skiers. The ninth victim remained missing and presumed dead initially, but was found “relatively close” to the others after rescuers carved paths through the snow.[1][2]
Operations were suspended Wednesday and Thursday due to perilous weather, forcing teams to leave bodies behind temporarily. California Highway Patrol officers ultimately located the final victim, concluding the harrowing effort on Saturday.[1]
“There are no words that truly capture the significance of this loss and our hearts mourn alongside the families of those affected by this catastrophic event,” Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said in a statement.[1]
The multi-agency response involved the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, California National Guard, California State Parks, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Truckee Police Department, and the United States Forest Service.[1]
Vicsims Identified: Bay Area Ties Emerge
Authorities released the names of the six skiers and three professional guides during a Saturday press conference. The victims were:
- Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nev.[1]
- Carrie Atkin, in her 40s[2]
- Liz Clabaugh, in her 40s[2]
- Danielle Keatley, in her 40s[2]
- Kate Morse, in her 40s[2]
- Caroline Sekar, in her 40s[2]
- Kate Vitt, in her 40s[2]
- Nicole “Niki” Choo, 42, South Lake Tahoe, CA[2]
- Michael Henry, 30, Soda Springs, CA and Tampa, FL[2]
Several victims had ties to the Bay Area, including women from Mill Valley, as noted by Mayor Max Perrey. The group consisted of nine women and six men.[3]
Details of the Fatal Slide
The skiers had decided to end their trip early to evade the approaching storm but took a “normally traveled route” when the avalanche struck suddenly.[2] Survivors, some of whom were not swept away or were standing separately, called for help and discovered three bodies immediately.[2]
Rescuers arrived about six hours later via two paths, finding five more bodies. Lt. Dennis Hack of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office noted that at least two survivors avoided being hit.[2]
Officials declined to speculate on the trigger, citing unstable snowpack from the storm.[1][2]
Broader Impact on Guiding Community
The incident has reverberated through the backcountry skiing world. A guide company involved announced it is suspending all field operations at least through the weekend, possibly longer.[3]
“We cannot say enough how tremendously sorry we are for the families that have been affected by this avalanche,” Sheriff Moon added.[2]
Historical Context
This avalanche surpasses previous records as California’s deadliest in modern history, underscoring the risks of backcountry skiing amid volatile winter weather.[1]
Nevada County officials emphasized community solidarity: “The weight of this event is felt across many families, friends, and colleagues, and we stand together with them during this difficult time.”[1]