Crews search for backcountry skiers after avalanche reported in California mountains

Crews Search for Backcountry Skiers After Avalanche

Search teams are actively looking for multiple backcountry skiers who went missing after an avalanche was reported in the mountains of Northern California. The incident occurred near Castle Peak, a popular skiing destination, as a powerful winter storm moved through the region. According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, a 911 call was received around 11:30 a.m. reporting the avalanche with people buried underneath. Teams from the sheriff’s Search & Rescue unit and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection are conducting searches in the area.

Authorities have warned that the backcountry is particularly dangerous due to high winds and heavy snowfall, which has led to increased avalanche risks. The Sierra Avalanche Center has issued advisories for the Central Sierra Nevada region, including areas around Lake Tahoe, where large slides are expected. This comes after Castle Peak received at least 30 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, as reported by the Soda Springs Mountain Resort.

The storm has also caused significant disruptions to roadways, with temporary halts on Interstate 80 due to spinouts and crashes. Earlier this month, a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the same region, highlighting the dangers faced by those recreating in the backcountry during extreme weather conditions.

Avalanches are a common occurrence in many parts of the U.S., with approximately 25 to 30 fatalities annually. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with winter sports in areas prone to avalanches.