TRUCKEE, Calif. — A group of 16 skiers was caught in an avalanche near Castle Peak just off Interstate 80 near Donner Summit and Truckee around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. At least six skiers survived and remained at the scene awaiting rescue. The other 10 were unaccounted for as of Tuesday afternoon. The group included four ski guides and 12 clients.
Rescue ski teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center were dispatched to reach the six known survivors, who were instructed to shelter in place. A SnoCat team also was deployed from the Alder Creek center. 46 emergency responders were involved in the ongoing rescue effort.
Weather conditions remained dangerous. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning in effect from 5 a.m. Tuesday through 5 a.m. Wednesday, stating that high avalanche danger exists in the backcountry and that large avalanches are expected through early Wednesday. The center said dangerous conditions could persist through the day Wednesday.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said agencies assisting in the rescue include Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, and Truckee Fire. The incident remains active.
Area ski resorts are under extreme caution including Palisades Tahoe which closed during the day due to extreme storm conditions:
“Our teams are working at the speed of safety as they dig out lifts and walkways, perform avalanche mitigation, assess terrain, and prepare the mountain to return to operations. These efforts take time, especially following a significant storm cycle, and we appreciate your patience as crews work.”
Sierra Avalanche Center Warning:
Tues, Feb 17, 2026:
The Bottom Line:
Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected over the next 24 hours. Large avalanches may run through treed areas. If attempting travel today in non-avalanche terrain, be certain that there are no steeper slopes connected to the terrain you are traveling, either above or to the side.
