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How a snow drought helped set the stage for deadly California avalanche

How a snow drought helped set the stage for deadly California avalanche

Summary

A snow drought in Northern California's Sierra Nevada created conditions for a dangerous avalanche, leading to the deaths of at least eight backcountry skiers. Heavy snowfall on top of a hardened snow layer caused the avalanche near Lake Tahoe. Rescuers are searching for one missing skier from the group.

Key Facts

  • An avalanche in the Sierra Nevada was deadly for at least eight backcountry skiers.
  • A "snow drought" meant there was little snowfall for weeks in the region.
  • Heavy snowfall occurred on top of an older, hardened snow layer, making the snow unstable.
  • The avalanche happened near Lake Tahoe during a winter storm.
  • Six skiers survived, and one person is still missing.
  • The group was on a three-day ski trek when the avalanche struck.
  • Craig Clements, a meteorology professor, explained the snow didn't have time to bond properly.
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