Eight backcountry skiers perish in California avalanche, ninth presumed dead
Summary
Eight backcountry skiers were killed and a ninth presumed dead in a large avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada. Six survivors were rescued after enduring severe weather conditions near Truckee, California.
Key Points
- Eight backcountry skiers were confirmed killed in a massive avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
- A ninth skier is presumed dead after the avalanche swept the group during a three-day excursion.
- Six survivors were rescued despite extreme weather conditions including blinding snow and gale-force winds.
- The accident marks the deadliest US avalanche in 45 years with rescue operations complicated by ongoing avalanche danger.
