Avalanche near Lake Tahoe leaves six mothers among victims

An avalanche near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada killed eight skiers and left one person missing; families have identified six of the victims as mothers who often skied together.

An avalanche near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada, close to Lake Tahoe, struck a group of backcountry skiers and resulted in multiple fatalities. Authorities have reported that the mission has shifted from rescue to recovery. Families released a joint statement naming six of the victims as mothers who regularly skied together. National Forest lands and trails around Castle Peak have been closed to support recovery operations. Known details: - Officials said the avalanche hit as the group was returning to camp and that the search has moved from rescue to recovery. - Authorities confirmed eight people dead and one additional person missing or presumed dead; the party included 15 backcountry skiers reportedly organized as a guided expedition. - Families identified six victims by name and described them as mothers and outdoor enthusiasts who often traveled together: Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh. - The U.S. Forest Service announced a closure of National Forest lands and trails around Castle Peak from Feb. 20 through March 15 to allow recovery operations, and officials said those operations may use aircraft and specialized equipment. Summary: The incident has deeply affected the families and local community and has been described by authorities as a recovery operation rather than a rescue effort. Recovery work is underway within the closure area through March 15 as officials continue efforts related to the missing individual and returning victims to their families.