Devastated Families Identify Six Mothers Killed in Deadliest US Avalanche in Decades Near Lake Tahoe

By Perplexity News Staff | February 20, 2026

In a tragedy that has shaken the backcountry skiing community, families have identified six mothers as among the victims of a massive avalanche near Lake Tahoe, described as the deadliest in the United States in decades.

The avalanche struck Tuesday at Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains, claiming the lives of eight people with one individual still missing and presumed dead. Six others survived the catastrophic event, which occurred during a multi-day backcountry ski trip organized by a close-knit group of friends.

Victims: Experienced Skiers and Devoted Mothers

The six women identified by their families are Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and sisters Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh. All were described as passionate, skilled backcountry skiers who “cherished time together in the mountains.” They hailed from the Bay Area, the Truckee-Tahoe region, and Idaho, connected by their love of the outdoors and roles as mothers, wives, and friends.[1][2][3]

Kate Vitt, a Greenbrae mother of two elementary-school-aged children, was remembered fondly by neighbors and her school community in Marin County. “She was a cherished part of our community,” the superintendent of the Kentfield School District wrote in an email to families. Neighbors described her as a kind soul who walked her kids to school and was an exemplary mother.[3][4]

Caroline Sekar, 45, from San Francisco, and her sister Liz Clabaugh, 52, from Boise, Idaho, shared a deep bond that extended to their fatal adventure. The group of 15 skiers, mostly women, had planned the three-day trip well in advance, staying at Frog Lake Huts accessible only by challenging trails. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety gear, trained for backcountry travel, and guided by professionals.[1][2][3]

Families Release Heartfelt Statement

“We are devastated beyond words. Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.”

— Joint statement from the victims’ families[1][2][3][4]

The families expressed profound gratitude to rescue teams, including Nevada County Search and Rescue and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, for their extensive efforts amid extreme weather. “We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted,” the statement continued, requesting privacy during their grief.[1][2][4]

Details of the Deadly Incident

The group began their trip on Sunday as storm warnings intensified. On Tuesday, while heading back to camp, the avalanche hit, burying skiers in rugged terrain. It took hours for rescuers to locate the first survivors. Two of the six survivors were injured but sustained non-life-threatening injuries; one was treated and released from the hospital.[1][2][4]

One victim was married to a member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, and another survivor was from Blackbird Mountain Guides. Officials shifted from rescue to recovery operations due to hazardous conditions, with extreme weather delaying body retrieval. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon noted the challenges in a Wednesday news conference, while Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo confirmed local ties.[1][4]

Community Grief and Connections

The incident has reverberated through the Tahoe backcountry community. Some victims had strong ties to the elite Sugar Bowl Academy, which mourned the loss of skiers connected to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and the broader skiing world. Neighbors in Greenbrae expressed shock over Vitt’s death, with one saying, “Such a good neighbor. Kind, walked kids to school.”[1][4]

Two other fatalities and the missing person remain unidentified publicly. Authorities expect delays in recovery due to ongoing severe weather. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson indicated crews would attempt retrieval at least a day after identifications were released.[1]

Broader Implications for Backcountry Skiing

This avalanche underscores the inherent risks of backcountry skiing, even for experienced groups with proper gear and guides. The women “deeply respected the mountains” and were “trained and prepared,” yet nature proved unforgiving amid intensifying storms.[1][2]

As families focus on supporting the children left behind, the Tahoe community rallies with outpouring support. The joint statement highlights resilience: “We are profoundly grateful… for the outpouring of support from the Tahoe community and beyond.”[2][4]

This story is developing as recovery efforts continue and more details emerge about the two unidentified victims.

Perplexity News Staff contributed to this report. Images and details sourced from family statements and official briefings.