A week after one of the deadliest avalanches in California’s history, new details have been revealed about the tragic event that struck a group of 15 backcountry skiers near Castle Peak in the Lake Tahoe area. The Sierra Avalanche Center released fresh information, including a never-before-seen image of the avalanche site, shedding light on the harrowing rescue efforts and the devastating aftermath of the snowslide.
On February 17, at around 11:30 a.m., the group was skiing below Perry’s Peak when a massive “storm slab” avalanche broke loose on a steep slope at an elevation of 8,260 feet. Classified as a “large” avalanche, it descended about 400 vertical feet, completely burying 12 of the 15 skiers. The avalanche, caused by a sudden and powerful shift in snow conditions, occurred on a north to northwest-facing slope that had already been identified as a high-risk area.
Rescue teams faced overwhelming challenges due to severe storm conditions and difficult access to the remote area. As darkness fell, volunteers from the group who were not buried worked tirelessly to rescue their fellow skiers. With limited visibility and the constant risk of additional avalanches, these survivors managed to dig out three buried individuals before the arrival of professional rescuers.
Once the search and rescue teams reached the scene, they began their work in near-impossible conditions. Crews recovered eight of the nine deceased victims that night, evacuating six survivors to safety under their own power. These survivors were transported to Frog Lake Huts, where they received medical attention. The bodies of the victims were then recovered in the following days as the weather cleared enough to allow the use of specialized equipment.
On February 20, after the storm subsided, avalanche mitigation efforts took place, utilizing PG&E helicopters with large water buckets to stabilize the snowpack and reduce the risk of further slides. These efforts allowed rescuers to recover five additional bodies and locate one more victim by nightfall. The final four victims were recovered by February 21, bringing the total number of lives lost to nine.
The avalanche has rocked the tight-knit mountain community, with mourning families and friends coming together to honor the victims. Blackbird Mountain Guides, the guiding company leading the group’s trip, confirmed the tragic loss of three experienced guides—Andrew Alissandratos, Niki Choo, and Mike Henry. Alongside them, six mothers who were part of a close group of friends—Carrie Atkin, Kate Morse, Danielle Keatley, Kate Vitt, Caroline Sekar, and Liz Claubaugh—also perished in the disaster.
In a joint statement, the families of the mothers described the loss as unimaginable and expressed their grief at the death of such beloved members of the community.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has publicly identified all nine victims, and a vigil was held in downtown Truckee to honor their memory. The emotional toll of the tragedy was evident as mourners gathered to support one another. Among the six survivors, only one has been publicly identified: Jim Hamilton, who was rescued nearly six hours after the avalanche struck. His wife, Beth Hamilton, shared her relief on social media, expressing the immense pain of not knowing whether her husband had survived.
This devastating event has served as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in backcountry skiing, particularly when unpredictable weather conditions can dramatically increase avalanche risks. The Sierra Avalanche Center continues to advise skiers to remain vigilant, check avalanche forecasts, and ensure they are equipped with the proper safety gear before venturing into high-risk areas.
As the recovery process continues, the community reflects on the heroism shown by those who risked their lives to save others, as well as the profound loss felt by all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
