Nine Skiers Missing After North California Mountains Avalanche

Rescue Efforts Underway for Trapped Skiers in Sierra Nevada Mountains

A rescue operation is underway to reach six skiers who were trapped after an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The incident occurred in the Castle Peak area near Frog Lake, northwest of Lake Tahoe, and involved a group of 15 skiers from a ski tour company.

According to authorities, nine other skiers from the same group are still missing, and the threat of further avalanches remains high in the mountain range due to a powerful winter storm. The Nevada County sheriff’s office has confirmed that rescue teams have yet to reach the avalanche site, citing the need for caution due to the high avalanche danger.

The stricken group consisted of ski guides and clients, who were equipped with emergency beacons that allowed them to send text messages to officials via their devices. Six survivors are currently at the site, where they have taken refuge in an area and made a makeshift shelter using a tarp.

Search-and-rescue efforts involving dozens of responders are underway, but the extreme weather conditions and high avalanche risk pose significant challenges. The National Weather Service has warned that parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains above 3,500 feet could see up to 8 feet of snow over the next 48 hours, with gusts of wind as strong as 55mph.

The sheriff’s office has stated that the rescue operation will be a slow and tedious process due to the need for caution. Authorities are working closely with the ski tour company and emergency responders to ensure the safe retrieval of the remaining skiers.

Source: Al Jazeera