Victims of deadly Tahoe avalanche wore airbags that never inflated
SFGATE • • nation
Key Points:
- A new report by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center and National Avalanche Center details the deadliest-known California avalanche on Feb. 17, which killed nine people returning from a backcountry ski trip near Truckee.
- The group of 15 skiers, including 11 clients and four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, was caught in an avalanche triggered around 11 a.m. after heavy snowfall and high winds created dangerous conditions.
- The report highlights that the group traveled through avalanche terrain when the risk was rated "likely to very likely," with most members in the hazardous zone simultaneously, contrary to best backcountry practices recommending one skier at a time.
- Some victims wore avalanche airbags designed for protection, but none were deployed during the incident, and it remains unclear whether the avalanche was triggered by the skiers or occurred naturally.
- State and local investigations are ongoing to determine potential criminal charges, and the report's findings may evolve if additional survivors provide information or new evidence emerges.
