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Tahoe ski guide company hit with fines over role in deadly avalanche
SFGATE • • nation
Key Points:
- California workplace regulators have fined Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 for safety violations related to the state's deadliest avalanche, which killed six clients and three guides during a backcountry trip in Nevada County.
- The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) cited the company for failing to address imminent avalanche hazards, inadequate hazard assessment, insufficient employee training, lack of protective equipment evaluation, and deficiencies in safety programs.
- Blackbird Mountain Guides plans to appeal the fines, stating that their safety program complies with industry standards and emphasizing the challenges of guiding in dynamic wilderness conditions.
- The avalanche occurred on February 17 near the Frog Lake Huts amid high avalanche danger and severe winter storm conditions, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center.
- An independent investigation highlighted unusual environmental challenges faced by the group, including an inaccessible creek during the trip.
