health
February 21, 2026
‘They were mothers, wives, friends’: how a ski trip turned deadly in the California mountains
A picture is emerging of one of the worst avalanche disasters in US history, and the women among a tight-knit group of friends who died
TL;DR
- An avalanche on Castle Peak in California killed eight experienced backcountry skiers.
- The group consisted of mothers and close friends, primarily from the Bay Area.
- Rescue efforts were complicated by a severe winter storm and high avalanche risk.
- One person remains unaccounted for, and the event is considered one of the worst avalanche disasters in US history.
- Investigations are examining the route taken and conditions that may have contributed to the avalanche.
- The Sierra Avalanche Center has noted frequent avalanches in the region, with previous fatalities.
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