Rescue efforts continued in Northern California on Tuesday after a massive avalanche occurred, leaving 10 backcountry skiers stranded. Six of the stranded backcountry skiers, who were caught by the avalanche as it hit Castle Peak, a backcountry skiing area northwest of Lake Tahoe, have been rescued by the authorities.
According to Mint, quoting officials, the group comprised four ski guides and 12 clients. It is believed that the avalanche occurred around 11.30 am, and the Nevada County Sheriff's office received a 911 call.
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Prompt rescue operation
According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office spokesperson, Ashley Quadros, the rescue operation was prompt and comprehensive in nature. The rescue team on the ground not only included Nevada County deputies but also personnel from Nevada County Search and Rescue, Placer County Sheriff's Office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, and Truckee Fire. In addition, rescue ski teams from local ski resorts also helped in the search for the missing skiers.
"This is a fluid situation, so it may change," Russell Greene, a captain with the sheriff’s office, was quoted as saying by Mint. "We're in the process of contacting the family members of the individuals that were out there."
Skiers were preparing to return
Mint cited Blackbird Mountain Guides (offers guided backcountry tours) reporting that the missing skiers were ending their three-day trip when the avalanche struck. "The group was in the process of returning to the trailhead at the conclusion of a three-day trip when the incident occurred," Blackbird Mountain Guides said in a statement.
Mint also cited The Associated Press who reported that several parts of California are being hit by a powerful winter storm carrying treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow in mountain areas.
High avalanche danger
According to the Sierra Avalanche Centre in Truckee, the Central Sierra Nevada area, including the Greater Lake Tahoe region, was facing high avalanche danger in the backcountry. Large slides were expected to happen Tuesday and into Wednesday.
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These dangerous conditions resulted from rapidly accumulating snowfall piling on fragile snowpack layers, along with strong winds.
Several ski resorts around Lake Tahoe were fully or partially closed due to the severe weather. The resorts along highways have avalanche control programs and were not expected to be at as high a risk as the backcountry. The center strongly discouraged travel in, near, or below the avalanche terrain.
"It's particularly dangerous in the backcountry right now just because we're at the height of the storm," Brandon Schwartz was quoted as saying by Mint. Schwartz is Tahoe National Forest lead avalanche forecaster at the centre.
