Story perspectives

Cal/OSHA Fines Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 After Avalanche

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 for seven violations after the Feb. 17 avalanche.
Cal/OSHA classified an $81,000 penalty as a willful-serious violation for allowing guides into high-risk avalanche terrain.
Blackbird Mountain Guides said its safety program meets professional standards and will appeal the citations.
Nevada County Sheriff’s officials forwarded the criminal probe results to District Attorney Jesse Wilson for review.

History

Historical Context

President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act on 29 December 1970, creating OSHA to enforce workplace safety nationwide. In 1978 California launched its own Cal/OSHA, issuing penalties such as an $81,000 fine for safety violations. Those federal and state precedents underpin today’s liability investigations of outdoor operators after the February 17 avalanche that led to a $151,300 fine.

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Story summary

California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 for seven violations after the Feb. 17 avalanche.
Cal/OSHA classified an $81,000 penalty as a willful-serious violation for allowing guides into high-risk avalanche terrain.
Blackbird Mountain Guides said its safety program meets professional standards and will appeal the citations.
Nevada County Sheriff’s officials forwarded the criminal probe results to District Attorney Jesse Wilson for review.

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