California avalanche: A group of mothers embarked on a Sierra Nevada backcountry ski trip but only 2 of them survived
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Nine people, including six women and three guides, were killed or presumed dead in a deadly avalanche near California’s Lake Tahoe, marking the nation’s deadliest avalanche in 45 years; six skiers survived the incident.
- The group of eight friends, all skilled backcountry skiers, were on a professionally guided three-day expedition from Frog Lake Backcountry Huts when the avalanche struck on the last day amid a severe winter storm warning.
- Rescue efforts were hampered by harsh weather conditions, including gale-force winds and white-out snow, forcing rescuers to ski the final approach and delaying recovery; the bodies remain on the mountain due to dangerous terrain.
- The tour company and guides were certified and aware of avalanche risks, with
