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Deadly Sierra Nevada Avalanche Claims Second Victim

1/6/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

An avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada on January 5, 2026 killed a snowmobiler near Truckee.
Emergency responders, including 45 personnel, were dispatched after a 911 call at 2:19 p.m.
The victim was located shortly after and did not survive.
This is the region's second fatal avalanche in ten days.
It follows Mammoth Mountain's ski patroller death, and the Sierra Avalanche Center warns of ongoing elevated risks.

History

Historical Context

The 1950 avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada, which killed 28 people, underscored the region's hazardous winter conditions. In response, the U.S. Forest Service enhanced safety measures, including avalanche forecasting. Recent avalanches, such as those in 2025 near Mammoth Mountain, highlight ongoing risks for winter sports enthusiasts, emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols in avalanche-prone areas.

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Story summary

An avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada on January 5, 2026 killed a snowmobiler near Truckee.
Emergency responders, including 45 personnel, were dispatched after a 911 call at 2:19 p.m.
The victim was located shortly after and did not survive.
This is the region's second fatal avalanche in ten days.
It follows Mammoth Mountain's ski patroller death, and the Sierra Avalanche Center warns of ongoing elevated risks.

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