Following a deadly avalanche near Truckee, California, a high-risk avalanche warning has been issued for the Lake Tahoe area by the Sierra Avalanche Center and the National Weather Service (NWS). The D2.5-sized avalanche occurred on February 17, 2026, involving a group of backcountry skiers from Blackbird Mountain Guides, resulting in fatalities and injuries. This incident underscores the critical importance of avalanche safety and preparedness in the backcountry.