Authorities in Nevada County responded to emergency calls about an avalanche near Lake Tahoe that occurred around 11:30 AM on Tuesday. Initial reports indicated that out of the nine skiers involved, eight have been found dead, and one skier is still unaccounted for. Two of the survivors required hospitalization due to injuries sustained in the avalanche, highlighting the severe consequences of the avalanche, which is reported to be one of the deadliest in the United States according to Reuters.

The search and rescue efforts for the remaining missing skier have been hampered by the continued risk of avalanches in the area. Officials, including Nevada County Sheriff’s spokesperson Russell Greene, emphasized the need for caution in the rescue operations due to the high risk of further avalanches following recent severe winter storms that have brought significant snowfall to the region. Authorities are working carefully to navigate the hazardous terrain as they proceed with their search.

In the wake of this tragic event, several ski resorts around Lake Tahoe have been partially or completely closed due to the extreme weather conditions and avalanche warnings that were in place prior to the avalanche incident. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with winter sports in areas prone to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks, especially during severe winter weather events that can create perilous conditions. The ongoing investigation is likely to focus on the weather forecasts and avalanche warnings that were issued leading up to the tragic avalanche incident.