#Tag
CNN 2/19/2026
Search to recover bodies of skiers killed in avalanche hindered by another day of heavy snow and risky conditions
https://lite.cnn.com/2026/02/19/us/california-avalanche-skiers-lake-tahoe-thursday
KTLA: Camper, dog rescued by snowcat after being stranded in snow near Big Bear
"...A camper and his dog were safely rescued from a remote wilderness area near Big Bear after becoming stranded for several days following heavy snowfall this week, officials said.
The rescue happened Wednesday afternoon in Holcomb Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Crest Trail, after more than three feet of snow blanketed the area, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department...."
Nevada County Sheriff's Office
"In response to our ongoing avalanche victim recovery efforts and the safety of our teams and the general public, U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest has issued the closure of all National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, Calif. from Feb. 20 – March 15, 2026.
“Due to the current instability of the snowpack and need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations,” the statement reads.
Please respect the closure notice and remain out of the area."
U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest
In response to a backcountry avalanche that occurred Feb. 17, 2026 resulting in multiple skier fatalities, Tahoe National Forest has issued the closure of all National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, Calif. The closure is required for public and first responder safety and to provide for the recovery of the victims. Due to the current instability of the snowpack and need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations.
In order to continue recovery operations, emergency personnel will need to use snow machines, aircraft, various other heavy equipment and possibly explosives to mitigate further environmental hazards to the safety of first responders conducting recovery efforts.
“It is our top priority to ensure the safety of first responders during this recovery mission and aid in the return of each victim to their families,” said Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier. “Our deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones from this tragic incident. Our sincere appreciation to all first responders, law enforcement and partners that are supporting this recovery.”
The Castle Peak Avalanche Closure area applies to National Forest lands between Castle Peak to the South Fork of Prosser Creek. The closure prohibits the following:
-Going into or being upon any National Forest System Lands in the area which is closed for the protection of public health and safety as shown on the closure order map.
-Being on a trail within the closure area.
This closure order is effective Feb. 20 through March 15, 2026. The closure may be rescinded earlier if public safety measures are mitigated. The full closure order including a detailed closure area description and map can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/alerts/castle-peak-avalanche-closure
Nevada County Sheriff's Office
"In response to our ongoing avalanche victim recovery efforts and the safety of our teams and the general public, U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest has issued the closure of all National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, Calif. from Feb. 20 – March 15, 2026.
“Due to the current instability of the snowpack and need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations,” the statement reads.
Please respect the closure notice and remain out of the area."
U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest
In response to a backcountry avalanche that occurred Feb. 17, 2026 resulting in multiple skier fatalities, Tahoe National Forest has issued the closure of all National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, Calif. The closure is required for public and first responder safety and to provide for the recovery of the victims. Due to the current instability of the snowpack and need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations.
In order to continue recovery operations, emergency personnel will need to use snow machines, aircraft, various other heavy equipment and possibly explosives to mitigate further environmental hazards to the safety of first responders conducting recovery efforts.
“It is our top priority to ensure the safety of first responders during this recovery mission and aid in the return of each victim to their families,” said Tahoe National Forest Supervisor Chris Feutrier. “Our deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones from this tragic incident. Our sincere appreciation to all first responders, law enforcement and partners that are supporting this recovery.”
The Castle Peak Avalanche Closure area applies to National Forest lands between Castle Peak to the South Fork of Prosser Creek. The closure prohibits the following:
-Going into or being upon any National Forest System Lands in the area which is closed for the protection of public health and safety as shown on the closure order map.
-Being on a trail within the closure area.
This closure order is effective Feb. 20 through March 15, 2026. The closure may be rescinded earlier if public safety measures are mitigated. The full closure order including a detailed closure area description and map can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/alerts/castle-peak-avalanche-closure
"...The bodies of eight had been left on the icy mountainside, and a final member of the group was still missing, presumed dead among the blanket of snow. ..."
Nevada County Sheriff's Office
"In response to our ongoing avalanche victim recovery efforts and the safety of our teams and the general public, U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest has issued the closure of all National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area near Truckee, Calif. from Feb. 20 – March 15, 2026.
“Due to the current instability of the snowpack and need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations,” the statement reads.
Please respect the closure notice and remain out of the area."
CNN 2/19/2026
Search to recover bodies of skiers killed in avalanche hindered by another day of heavy snow and risky conditions
https://lite.cnn.com/2026/02/19/us/california-avalanche-skiers-lake-tahoe-thursday
"...The bodies of eight had been left on the icy mountainside, and a final member of the group was still missing, presumed dead among the blanket of snow. ..."
CNN 2/19/2026
Search to recover bodies of skiers killed in avalanche hindered by another day of heavy snow and risky conditions
https://lite.cnn.com/2026/02/19/us/california-avalanche-skiers-lake-tahoe-thursday
