Investigation Begins Into Deadly Castle Peak, CA, Avalanche as Families of Victims Speak Out - SnowBrains

"The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA has launched an investigation into the catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe's Castle Peak that killed nine people during a guided backcountry ski trip, authorities confirmed Thursday. OSHA said it is examining the incident involving guides employed by Blackbird Mountain Guides LLC. The agency investigates workplace hazards, including accidents that result in serious injury or death."

"The avalanche struck Tuesday morning near the Frog Lake huts outside Truckee as a group of 15 people-four guides and 11 clients-were returning to the trailhead on the final day of a three-day hut trip. Nevada County authorities said eight skiers were confirmed dead by Wednesday, with another later presumed dead, making it the deadliest avalanche in modern California history. Six others survived after being buried in snow for hours before rescue teams located them late Tuesday."

"In response, the U.S. Forest Service has closed all National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area from February 20 through March 15 to protect the public and allow emergency responders to work safely. Authorities have urged the public to respect the closure. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a high avalanche warning for the region before the slide, following a powerful storm cycle that brought about three feet in 48 hours, combined with strong winds and a weak underlying snowpack."

Cal/OSHA launched an investigation into a catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe's Castle Peak that killed nine people during a guided backcountry ski trip. The slide struck Tuesday morning near the Frog Lake huts outside Truckee as 15 people—four guides and 11 clients—were returning to the trailhead on the final day of a three-day hut trip. Eight skiers were confirmed dead by Wednesday, with another later presumed dead. Six others survived after being buried for hours before rescue teams located them. Hazardous weather and unstable snowpack have delayed recovery operations. The U.S. Forest Service closed National Forest lands in the area Feb 20–Mar 15.

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