"The ringing of a phone echoed through the Nevada county, California, sheriff's office just before noon on 17 February. The 911 call brought devastating news: an avalanche had occurred on nearby Castle Peak a 9,110ft (2,780-meter) mountain north of the Donner summit in the Lake Tahoe area. A group of backcountry skiers had been on the mountainside, returning home from a three-day expedition, during a heavy winter storm. While six had survived, more than half their group was missing."
"The ensuing rescue mission in harrowing conditions would bring those six home. In the additional days since the disaster unfolded, family and friends have shared glimpses of the tight-knit group of women, all experienced skiers, whose backcountry excursion took a deadly turn, becoming one of the worst avalanche disasters in US history. After receiving the emergency call, the sheriff's office quickly marshaled a team of 46 first responders. But the conditions outside remained treacherous."
An avalanche struck Castle Peak, a 9,110ft mountain north of Donner summit near Lake Tahoe, during a heavy winter storm on 17 February. A group of backcountry skiers returning from a three-day expedition was caught; six survived while more than half of the group went missing. Initial reports listed 16 participants, but guides later said one person had opted out last minute. The search mobilized 46 first responders amid heavy snowfall — 28 inches reported with another three feet expected — and high risk of further avalanches threatened rescue operations. The victims included a tight-knit group of experienced women.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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