Bodies of 9 backcountry skiers recovered after California avalanche
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Crews recovered the bodies of nine backcountry skiers killed in a California avalanche on Castle Peak near Lake Tahoe, concluding a challenging rescue operation hindered by heavy snowfall and white-out conditions.
- The victims included three guides from Blackbird Mountain Company—Andrew Alissandratos, Nicole Choo, and Michael Henry—and six experienced women skiers from the Bay Area, Idaho, and near Lake Tahoe, all in their 40s.
- The avalanche occurred on Tuesday during the final day of a three-day tour; survivors called for help after being trapped, but rescue teams faced delays due to dangerous conditions and heavy snow.
- Helicopters and coordinated efforts by multiple agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and National Guard, enabled the
