health
February 18, 2026
Eight skiers dead after California avalanche, authorities say
One skier still missing and six others rescued after group engulfed in Sierra Nevada mountains during severe storm
TL;DR
- Eight skiers are confirmed dead after an avalanche in the Castle Peak area of California's Sierra Nevada.
- One skier remains missing, and six others have been rescued.
- The avalanche occurred during a severe winter storm, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and low visibility.
- This is the deadliest single avalanche in the US in 45 years.
- Search and rescue operations were challenging due to extreme weather conditions.
- The Sierra Avalanche Center had previously issued a warning of high avalanche danger in the region.
- Authorities are urging the public to avoid the Sierras during the current storm to allow rescue teams to focus on their operations.
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