The bodies of all nine skiers missing since a powerful avalanche struck the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe have been recovered, officials confirmed Saturday. The recovery concludes a five-day search operation hampered by severe weather and treacherous conditions.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon announced the recovery during a press conference, stating, “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that You can bring them home.” Moon lauded the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the California Highway Patrol, the National Guard, Pacific Gas and Electric, and 42 volunteers who assisted in the final day of the operation.
The avalanche, described as “football-field sized,” occurred Tuesday in the Castle Peak area, a popular backcountry skiing destination. It’s the deadliest avalanche in California’s modern history, surpassing a similar event in 1981, according to authorities.
Sheriff Moon identified the three guides from Blackbird Mountain Company who perished: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nicole Choo, 42, and Michael Henry, 30. The remaining six victims were identified as Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, California; Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho; Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California; Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California; Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, California; and Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California. Families of the victims described the group as close friends and experienced backcountry skiers.
“We are devastated beyond words,” a statement released by the families read. “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.”
The recovery effort was significantly complicated by ongoing avalanche risk and high winds, which initially prevented the use of helicopters. Crews utilized a Black Hawk helicopter on Saturday morning to assist in the final stages of the search. Six survivors were initially rescued following the avalanche, but locating the remaining nine proved challenging due to the harsh conditions.
Authorities reported that the skiers were staying at cabins near Frog Lake when the avalanche struck during their return trip. The area will remain off-limits to visitors until mid-March, according to Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest, while an investigation is conducted.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine if any criminal negligence contributed to the incident. A spokesperson stated that it is too early to determine if criminal charges will be filed, and the district attorney’s office will ultimately make that decision.
