At least 10 skiers have gone missing following a powerful avalanche in the Lake Tahoe region of Northern California, United States. Authorities confirmed that six other members of the same group remain stranded in the snow as rescue efforts intensify under dangerous weather conditions.
According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday near Castle Peak, close to the town of Truckee. The group consisted of 16 people, including four guides and 12 skiers, who were on a backcountry ski tour at the time of the incident.
Officials said the six stranded individuals have been instructed to remain in a safe location despite the severe weather. A large-scale search operation is underway to locate the 10 missing skiers.
Highly trained ski rescue teams from two nearby resorts have been deployed to assist in the operation. Authorities have also sent specialized tracked snow vehicles, known as snowcats, to reach those trapped in the remote mountainous terrain.
Captain Russell Green, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, told local television station KCRA-TV that the rescue mission is complex and progressing slowly due to high avalanche risk and harsh conditions. As of late afternoon, rescue personnel — some traveling on skis — were still attempting to reach the site.
Survivors have reportedly taken shelter under tarps while awaiting assistance.
Authorities have warned that the situation remains extremely dangerous, and efforts to reach the missing individuals are ongoing.
