Investigation of deadly Castle Peak avalanche to review whether criminal negligence played a role

"Authorities investigating the deadly avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada will look at whether criminal negligence played a role in the tragedy, a sheriff's office leading one of several investigations said Friday. Why the tour company that organized the backcountry ski trip didn't cancel in the face of a powerful storm and what their guides knew as the weather worsened are the questions being considered."

"Crews have not yet recovered the bodies of the eight people killed or found the body of a ninth person missing and presumed dead in Tuesday's avalanche, which was roughly the size of a football field. Officials flew over the avalanche site Friday that is near Castle Peak and outside Lake Tahoe to check conditions and the snowpack."

"Six of the people who died were part of a close-knit group of friends who were experienced backcountry skiers and knew how to navigate the alpine wilderness, their families said. The three others who are dead or presumed dead were guides. "We are devastated beyond words," the families said in a statement released Thursday through a spokesperson. The women were mothers, wives and friends who "connected through the love of the outdoors," they said, and were carrying avalanche safety equipment and prepared for backcountry travel."

Authorities are investigating whether criminal negligence played a role in a deadly Sierra Nevada avalanche that struck a backcountry ski trip. Investigators are examining why the tour company did not cancel amid a powerful storm and what guides knew as conditions worsened. Both the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and the state workplace safety agency have opened probes. Crews have not yet recovered the bodies of eight people killed, and a ninth person is missing and presumed dead. The avalanche covered roughly a football field near Castle Peak outside Lake Tahoe. Officials assessed the snowpack from the air and considered controlled explosions to reduce slide risk and recover bodies. Six victims were experienced backcountry skiers traveling together; three were guides. Families described the women as mothers, wives and friends who were carrying avalanche safety equipment.

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