Story perspectives

Nine Die in Castle Peak Avalanche, Negligence Probes Launched

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nine backcountry skiers died of asphyxiation in the Castle Peak avalanche on Feb. 17, 2026.
The slide formed a 100-foot-wide wall that fell 400 feet, burying victims five to eight feet deep.
The fatalities included six friends and three Blackbird Mountain Guides, while five clients and one guide survived.
Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson and the sheriff’s office opened criminal-negligence probes after the Sierra Avalanche Center rated danger “high” that day.

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Story summary

Nine backcountry skiers died of asphyxiation in the Castle Peak avalanche on Feb. 17, 2026.
The slide formed a 100-foot-wide wall that fell 400 feet, burying victims five to eight feet deep.
The fatalities included six friends and three Blackbird Mountain Guides, while five clients and one guide survived.
Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson and the sheriff’s office opened criminal-negligence probes after the Sierra Avalanche Center rated danger “high” that day.