Summary
A powerful avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada mountains resulted in the deaths of nine skiers in the Lake Tahoe area. Five days after the avalanche, rescuers found the final missing skier. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Key Facts
- The avalanche happened in the backcountry of Lake Tahoe, California, involving a group of 15 skiers.
- Nine skiers died in the avalanche, and six members of the group were rescued.
- It took five days to find all the bodies, with the last skier recovered on Saturday.
- Harsh weather, including white-out conditions, made the rescue efforts difficult.
- High winds initially prevented the use of helicopters; they later helped reduce avalanche risk.
- The avalanche is described as the deadliest in modern California history, extending over the size of a football field.
- Authorities are looking into the possibility of criminal negligence related to the disaster.
