Deadly avalanches not uncommon in California mountains where skiers died

Avalanches have caused deaths in Lake Tahoe area in six of past 10 years but latest slide is fourth deadliest in US history

The avalanche that killed at least eight skiers in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains occurred in the Castle Peak area, near Lake Tahoe – an area where deadly avalanches are not uncommon.

The Sierra Avalanche Center, which provides forecasts for the region, has observed at least 50 avalanches in the area near Lake Tahoe since September 2025. And according to the National Avalanche Center, which maintains a map of locations where avalanche danger is highest, risk is currently particularly high in the Lake Tahoe area.