An avalanche hit the Castle Peak area on Tuesday morning. Six people were initially rescued alive. Two of them were taken to hospital for treatment. Despite a massive search operation, eight people have been confirmed dead.
We use Google Cloud Translation Services. Google requires we provide the following disclaimer relating to use of this service:
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, expressed or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement.
Eight of the nine skiers missing in a massive avalanche in California's Tahoe region have been found dead, police say, while one remains missing. The rescue operation is being hampered by inclement weather.
The avalanche occurred in the Castle Peak area on Tuesday morning. Six people were initially rescued alive. Two of them were taken to hospital for treatment. A massive search operation has since been launched, but eight people have been confirmed dead.
Nevada County Sheriff Sanan Moon said one member was still missing and that storms, strong winds and heavy snow were hampering the search. "The extremely bad weather has made it difficult to work," he said.
The local Sugar Bowl Academy said some of the victims were associated with its private ski-focused school. Stephen McMahon, the school's executive director, said the community was deeply saddened.
The group, which included 11 clients and four guides, was returning to base camp from a backcountry trip when the incident occurred. More than 40 rescue workers were searching, but the weather hampered efforts.
The National Weather Service warned that strong winds in the Sierra Nevada mountain range could dump up to eight feet of snow in some places. Placer County Sheriff Wen Wu urged people to stay away from the mountains until the weather improves.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been notified of the incident. Officials have urged caution, reminding people that backcountry skiing is inherently risky.
