Victims Identified as Investigation Into Castle Peak Avalanche Intensifies

February 20, 2026

The avalanche that killed at least eight skiers this week was one of the deadliest backcountry incidents in U.S. history. Four guides were traveling with 11 clients, returning from a hut trip near Frog Lake, when a gigantic slab released from an adjacent mountainside and buried them. Six were rescued, two of whom were rushed to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eight were later confirmed dead, and one remains missing.

There have been no updates since Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon briefed the public in a news conference on Wednesday. However, the entire area of the Tahoe National Forest near Castle Peak has been closed following this incident. As the investigation into what happened unfolds, the identities of the victims are being released, and Blackbird Mountain Guides is under scrutiny for criminal negligence. GEARJUNKIE