Authorities shift from rescue to recovery after one of the deadliest U.S. avalanches in decades strikes near Castle Peak.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Eight backcountry skiers were found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche swept through the Castle Peak area near Lake Tahoe’s Boreal Mountain Resort in California, marking the deadliest avalanche in the United States in 45 years.
The skiers were part of a group of 15 on a three-day trek in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada when the avalanche struck Tuesday morning as they were returning to camp. Six others were rescued after being buried in the snow.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said during a press conference that authorities informed families the operation had transitioned from rescue to recovery.
“They were on their way back to camp when the avalanche actually hit. It took these search and rescue crews hours just to find those first few survivors that we’re talking,” Moon said.
According to a report by Fox News, search and rescue crews were dispatched to the Castle Peak area following a 911 call reporting that 15 skiers had been buried.
Moon described the weather as “extreme,” noting that a powerful winter storm was battering the West Coast at the time of the incident. Authorities said six survivors were located Tuesday night after prolonged efforts in hazardous conditions.
The avalanche is the deadliest in the United States since 1981, when 11 climbers were killed on Mount Rainier in Washington state.
Search and recovery operations continued amid what officials characterized as treacherous terrain and severe winter weather. Officials have not released the identities of the victims pending notification of next of kin.
The full Nevada County press conference can be viewed here.
Original article
Comments