8 Killed, 1 Missing in California Avalanche

A massive avalanche near Lake Tahoe has left eight people dead and one missing in California, according to authorities in Nevada County.

The incident occurred Tuesday morning local time but was confirmed Wednesday evening, nearly 24 hours after it was first reported. Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon said the avalanche swept away a group of 15 people, including four guides and 11 visitors, during a backcountry skiing excursion.

Rescue teams managed to save six individuals, one man and five women between the ages of 30 and 55, while eight others were confirmed dead. One person remains unaccounted for as search operations continue.

The group had embarked on a three day guided ski trip organized by a tour company. Although the expedition was scheduled to include 12 clients and four guides, one participant withdrew at the last minute.

Survivors reportedly took shelter under temporary coverings during the avalanche until emergency responders arrived. Two individuals were transported to a hospital for treatment.

The tragedy followed intense snowfall in the nearby Soda Springs area, where nearly 40 inches of snow accumulated within 24 hours. Snow drifts reaching up to 1.5 meters significantly hampered search and rescue efforts.

Authorities said access roads to the avalanche site were nearly deserted due to severe weather conditions, complicating the emergency response.

Video footage shared by a guide before the incident showed him examining unstable snow layers and warning that a weak snowpack could trigger unpredictable avalanches. Experts said the slide occurred at an elevation of about 2,500 meters near Frog Lake and was rated 2.5 on a five point avalanche scale, strong enough to bury or seriously injure individuals under approximately two meters of snow.

The deadly avalanche underscores the heightened risks facing winter recreation enthusiasts in mountainous regions during periods of heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack conditions.