10 Skiers Missing, 6 Survive After Massive California Avalanche

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Northern California: Rescue teams are racing against time and harsh weather to locate a group of 10 skiers unaccounted for after an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada on Tuesday morning, officials said. The incident took place in the Castle Peak backcountry area, a popular route for experienced mountain adventurers.

Search and rescue crews were alerted just after 11:30 a.m. local time when a 911 call reported a large slide burying several people during a powerful winter storm that has been hammering the region with heavy snow and high winds.

At least six skiers have been located alive and instructed to shelter in place as teams work to reach them, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office said. All were part of a group of 16, which included four guides and 12 clients on a backcountry skiing excursion.

Teams from multiple agencies, including specialized ski rescue units and a SnoCat vehicle, have been deployed from nearby Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, with roughly 46 emergency responders combing the rugged terrain.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a “high avalanche danger” warning earlier in the day, cautioning that large slides were likely due to unstable snow conditions. Forecasters said heavy snow accumulation and gale-force winds made both travel and rescue operations extremely challenging.

Authorities have not confirmed the status of the missing skiers and investigators continue the search amid ongoing blizzard conditions. Officials urged backcountry travellers to avoid avalanche terrain as the weather system remains relentless.

Photo Credit:AFP