A tragic avalanche occurred near Lake Tahoe in California, claiming the lives of at least eight skiers, in what is now recognized as the most destructive avalanche in the state's recent history. The incident involved a group of 15 individuals, including four guides, who were engaged in a three-day skiing trip in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Castle Peak. Among the deceased, seven are women and two are men, with one skier still reported missing and presumed dead.

The avalanche struck at approximately 11:30 AM, overwhelming the group during their outdoor adventure. While the tragic fate of the majority of the group has been reported, six other members were successfully rescued from the mountain later that evening, with one of them still hospitalized as of Wednesday. The rescue operations were reportedly aided by the survivors' efforts to create a temporary shelter and communicate with rescuers using emergency beacons and iPhones.

This incident underscores the dangers associated with backcountry skiing and raises questions about safety measures and preparedness for such outdoor activities. Authorities are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding the avalanche to improve safety protocols and prevent future tragedies.