Ten skiers are missing after an avalanche struck the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California, on Feb. 17. The party of 16 included four ski guides; six people survived and were sheltering on site as rescue teams responded. Heavy blizzard conditions and a Sierra Avalanche Center High danger advisory have complicated search efforts, which currently involve 46 first responders and multiple agencies.
Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe: 10 Skiers Missing, 6 Survivors Shelter as Rescue Continues
Castle Peak Avalanche Rescue EffortsNevada County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
Ten skiers remain missing after a large avalanche struck the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California, on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 17. The group totaled 16 people, including four ski guides; six people survived and were sheltering at the scene while rescuers worked to reach them.
Incident Details
The Nevada County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) said the avalanche was reported at about 11:30 a.m. local time. As of the NCSO's latest public update at 3:45 p.m., six survivors were known to be alive and awaiting rescue; the identities of the survivors and the 10 missing skiers have not been released.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Search-and-rescue operations involve approximately 46 first responders from multiple agencies. Highly skilled rescue ski teams departed from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center. A Sno-Cat team also launched from Alder Creek to assist ground efforts.
Castle Peak Avalanche Rescue EffortsNevada County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
- Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue
- Placer County Sheriff's Office
- Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue
- Washoe County Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue
- Truckee Fire
Conditions Hampering the Search
Heavy blizzard conditions and low visibility have impeded search operations. Boreal Mountain Resort reported roughly 30 inches of snow in the previous 24 hours, increasing avalanche risk and complicating travel for responders.
Warnings and Risk
The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a High avalanche danger warning that went into effect at 5 a.m. on Tuesday. The advisory warned that large avalanches were expected across backcountry terrain through Tuesday, into Tuesday night, and likely into early Wednesday, with high danger continuing in some areas.
On-Site Situation
"They have at least a tarp with them, so they're doing their best to create somewhat of a structure and get out of the elements as best they can, and we will begin treating and dealing with that when we get there,"
— NCSO Capt. Russell Greene, describing the condition and actions of some survivors who sheltered under trees near the avalanche site.
Pine trees are covered in snow during a storm on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 in Truckee CalifAP Photos/Brooke Hess-Homeier
The NCSO is providing periodic updates as rescue teams work to reach the survivors and locate those still missing. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area to keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Status: Active search and rescue operations are ongoing. No further identification or casualty reports have been released at this time.
This article will be updated as officials release new information.
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