An avalanche in Northern California has left ten skiers missing, prompting a major search operation in the region. Local authorities confirmed that six individuals who were skiing off-piste have been rescued alive after being caught in the avalanche on Tuesday morning local time. However, ten others are still unaccounted for, raising concerns for their safety as the search efforts continue amidst challenging conditions.

The incident follows a heavy winter storm that has hit the region, leading to substantial snowfall, with the nearby town of Soda Springs reporting as much as 76 centimeters of snow within a day, according to CNN. The large amount of fresh snow can create unstable conditions that significantly increase the risk of avalanches, adding urgency to the ongoing search efforts.

Authorities are working diligently to locate the missing skiers and ensure the safety of the area as weather conditions remain unpredictable. The situation highlights the dangers associated with skiing in backcountry areas, particularly following storms that result in heavy snowfall, which can lead to dangerous conditions.