CA Governor Newsom Briefed on Avalanche and Missing Skiers Near Lake Tahoe

Update Wednesday, February 18, 11:30 a.m. PT. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that at least eight skiers are deceased. The ninth missing skier’s body has not been found at this time.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed yesterday, February 17, 2026, that 15 skiers were involved in a serious avalanche incident in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, California. It was originally reported that 16 total skiers were involved.

Six of the 15 skiers were rescued late last night, two of whom were transported to a local hospital for injuries. The group consisted of guests and guides who were attempting to return to the trailhead after a three-night stay at the Frog Lake backcountry huts. The nine unaccounted-for skiers are still missing as of this morning.

Rescue efforts were hampered last night as a strong winter storm dumped feet of snow and winds battered the region. Avalanche danger remains at Level 4-HIGH at all elevations, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center’s daily forecast.

California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident yesterday, according to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by his Press Office account:

“Gavin Newsom has been briefed on this developing incident. The state is coordinating an all-hands search and rescue effort with local partners and deploying resources to support the active response. Please follow local emergency officials and first responders.”

>>@CAGovernor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on this developing incident. The state is coordinating an all-hands search and rescue effort with local partners and deploying resources to support the active response.

Please follow local emergency officials and first responders. https://t.co/pQmpLw2lvY

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 18, 2026

There are no updates regarding further Search & Rescue efforts at this time, but POWDER is closely monitoring the situation.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page is the best place for accurate updates on the incident. This article may be updated as more information is released.

Related: 10 Skiers Missing After Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe, California