[02-17-2026] Nevada County, CA – Nine Skiers Remain Missing After Avalanche North of Truckee

Nine backcountry skiers remain missing as of Wednesday, after an avalanche struck the Castle Peak area north of Truckee in Nevada County on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The avalanche occurred during a powerful winter storm that brought heavy snow, fierce winds, and treacherous travel conditions to the Lake Tahoe region.

According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, the group involved in the avalanche included 15 skiers — four guides and 11 clients. 

Search and rescue teams were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, following reports of the avalanche near Donner Pass. As of Tuesday afternoon, multiple people from the group remained unaccounted for.

At least six skiers were rescued from the avalanche site, with 46 emergency responders participating in the ongoing rescue effort.

The avalanche occurred at an elevation of approximately 8,200 feet in the Castle Peak area, which rises to more than 9,100 feet near Donner Lake. The avalanche was rated D2.5, indicating it was large enough to bury or seriously injure a person.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

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