Truckee, California – A violent avalanche hit a group of skiers in the Castle Peak area of Truckee at approximately 11:30 a.m. on February 17, 2026, sparking an urgent rescue operation amid extreme weather.

Six skiers survived the avalanche and were rescued this evening by search and rescue teams, sustaining varying injuries. Two of the survivors were transported to a hospital for treatment, while the others were medically evaluated on site by Truckee Fire.

The skiing party initially included 16 people—four guides and 12 clients—but updates confirmed only 15 skiers participated in the trip. Rescue efforts remain ongoing as weather conditions permit.

Highly trained ski rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, supported by a SnoCat team, navigated treacherous terrain to reach survivors, directing them to shelter in place while conditions remained hazardous.

A total of 46 emergency responders are engaged in the operation. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a HIGH avalanche danger warning for February 17–18, cautioning that large avalanches were expected across backcountry terrain and could continue into the following day.

Authorities thanked all assisting agencies, including Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, and Truckee Fire.

This remains an active incident, with further updates expected as conditions allow.

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