On February 17, 2026, a catastrophic avalanche struck Castle Peak in California's Lake Tahoe area, resulting in the tragic loss of eight backcountry skiers and leaving one individual still missing. The incident occurred amidst a severe winter storm, with the University of California, Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab reporting approximately 28 inches of fresh snowfall. This accumulation significantly complicated rescue efforts, which were further challenged by the persistent threat of additional avalanches. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office spearheaded the rescue mission, deploying 46 first responders who bravely navigated the perilous conditions in search of the missing skiers.