It has been nearly a week since a catastrophic avalanche tore through the rugged backcountry of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, leaving a legacy of grief in its wake. Authorities have now officially confirmed the identities of all nine victims who perished in the disaster. This event has been documented as the deadliest avalanche ever recorded in the state of California, and it stands among the most fatal snow-related tragedies in the United States in more than four decades.
The devastating event unfolded on the morning of February 17, 2026, near the remote and scenic area of Castle Peak, north of Lake Tahoe. A group of backcountry skiers was in the process of returning from a multi-day high-altitude expedition when they were struck during severe winter conditions. What was intended to be a cherished outdoor adventure ended in a heartbreaking loss for families, friends, and entire communities across the region.
This comprehensive account details the known facts of the disaster, the lives that were lost, the ongoing recovery and investigation efforts, and the profound impact this has had on the wider alpine community.
A Day That Turned Tragic: February 17, 2026
On the morning of Tuesday, February 17, a powerful and relentless winter storm had been sweeping the Sierra Nevada mountains for several days. The storm brought unusually heavy snowfall, creating highly unstable and dangerous conditions in the high backcountry. Earlier in the week, official forecasts had explicitly warned of significant snow accumulation and an elevated avalanche risk along the Sierra crest, specifically naming the Castle Peak area as a zone of concern.
At approximately 11:30 a.m. local time, the mountain gave way. A massive slab of snow broke loose on a slope near Castle Peak, careening down with immense force onto a group of skiers who were on the final leg of a three-day guided backcountry trip. The avalanche—powerful, swift, and unavoidable—swept away members of the party as they skied back toward their trailhead. Officials later classified the slide between a D2 and D3 on the destruction scale, meaning it possessed enough kinetic force to bury, injure, or kill people, and even take down permanent buildings. This classification underscores just how large and destructive the slide truly was.
The Group and the Expedition Details
The expedition party consisted of 15 individuals in total: 11 clients who had signed up for a guided backcountry tour and four professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, a premier outdoor tour company based in Truckee, California. The group had utilized the remote Frog Lake huts in the high country for two nights as part of their multi-day alpine experience.
On the third and final day, as they set out to return to civilization, the avalanche struck. Many in the group were caught on an open slope during rapidly deteriorating weather. Despite the scale of the slide, six members of the party miraculously survived. They were found by rescuers sheltering in place, surviving the extreme cold despite the ongoing risks posed by additional slides and deep snow. While some survivors were treated for injuries at local hospitals, all are expected to recover.
The Recovery and Identification of the Victims
In the immediate days following the avalanche, rescue crews faced nearly impossible and extremely hazardous conditions. White-out blizzards, constant avalanche danger, and immense snow depths made reaching the site a perilous task for first responders. Consequently, authorities were forced to shift their mission from a rescue to a recovery operation once it became clear that no more survivors could be found.
By Saturday, February 21, officials announced the somber news that the bodies of all nine victims had been successfully recovered from the slide area. A massive logistics operation involving helicopters from the California National Guard, the California Highway Patrol, and local agencies was used to hoist the remains off the mountain. At a press conference, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon confirmed the identities of the “Castle Peak Nine,” whose names paint a picture of a diverse and skilled group of outdoor enthusiasts:
- Andrew Alissandratos (34), of Verdi, Nevada (Professional Guide)
- Carrie Atkin (46), of Soda Springs, California
- Nicole Choo (42), of South Lake Tahoe, California (Professional Guide)
- Lizabeth “Liz” Clabaugh (52), of Boise, Idaho
- Michael Henry (30), of Soda Springs, California (Professional Guide)
- 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
- Katherine “Kate” Vitt (43), of Greenbrae, California
The professional guides—Alissandratos, Choo, and Henry—were highly trained and certified by elite organizations, including the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). Many of the clients were close friends or long-time companions, several of whom were pillars of the community in the California Bay Area and the Truckee-Tahoe region.
Lives Remembered: Mothers, Sisters, and Community Pillars
The six clients who died were described by their families as passionate adventurers, dedicated mothers, wives, and deeply cherished figures. Among them:
Carrie Atkin (46) was known throughout Soda Springs for her infectious love of skiing. Sisters Liz Clabaugh (52) and Caroline Sekar (45) shared a deep bond; their brother described them as “two of the best people I’ve ever known—incredible sisters and mothers.” Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and Kate Vitt were also central figures in their respective circles, remembered for their energy and dedication to family life. Many were connected through the Sugar Bowl Academy and various alpine clubs, which are now united in deep mourning.
The Context of the Danger: A Historic Storm
The avalanche struck during a storm that had dumped feet of snow on the Sierra Nevada. Meteorologists and avalanche forecasters had repeatedly warned that the snowpack was unstable, making backcountry travel exceptionally risky even for the most seasoned professionals. The Sierra Avalanche Center had classified the conditions as “High Danger,” meaning natural or human-triggered slides were highly likely. Despite these warnings, the group proceeded with their descent on the morning of February 17.
Investigation and Future Liability
As of the latest updates, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Cal/OSHA have opened formal investigations into the tragedy. A key part of this review will focus on whether the decision to move forward constituted negligence, especially given the public warnings issued. Investigators are still collecting evidence and statements, while families continue to ask why the trip was undertaken under such extreme risk conditions.
Conclusion: A Sobering Legacy
The Castle Peak avalanche serves as a tragic reminder of nature’s power and the risks of the backcountry. As investigations continue and families mourn, the story remains a memorial to those who died—mothers, friends, and guides—and a powerful reminder of the unpredictable hazards of winter. Their legacy lives on in the memories of the outdoor community they helped shape.