Backcountry guide company faces $150K in fines after California’s deadliest modern avalanche
Summary
A backcountry guide company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, was fined $151,300 by California workplace safety officials after an avalanche in February killed nine skiers in the state’s deadliest modern avalanche. The company is appealing the fines, and investigations for possible criminal charges are ongoing.Key Facts
- The avalanche occurred on February 17 near Castle Peak in California’s Sierra Nevada.
- Nine of the 15 skiers on a guided trip died; three of the dead were guides.
- California’s workplace safety agency, Cal/OSHA, fined Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 for seven safety violations.
- The largest fine of $81,000 was for not addressing the danger of traveling in high avalanche risk terrain.
- Other violations include inadequate employee training and delayed reporting of the deaths.
- Blackbird Mountain Guides claims it followed safety rules and has appealed the fines.
- The Nevada County Sheriff’s Department and Cal/OSHA’s criminal investigation units are reviewing the case for possible charges.
- The skiing group was on a three-day trip in remote wilderness, carrying their own food and supplies.
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