Tragic news out of Truckee, California, where a snowmobiler was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche in the vicinity of Johnson Peak and Castle Peak on Monday, January 5th.
According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, an original 911 call was received by the Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center at 2:19pm, reporting a possible avalanche that occurred among a group of snowmobilers. One individual was unaccounted for and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched alongside Truckee Fire and North Truckee Fire.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue was already on an active call for a missing person’s case, but they transitioned to the avalanche based on possible level of severity. Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue also responded alongside a total of three SnoCats, three snowmobile teams, and several ski teams.
As the rescue was ongoing, it was learned that the missing snowmobiler was found buried under the snow several minutes later. Fellow recreationists recovered the individual but, despite lifesaving efforts, he did not survive.
The identity of the victim is pending next of kin notification. Further avalanche activity is still possible and recreationists are encouraged to avoid the area. Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.
