Deadliest U.S. Avalanche in Decades Leaves Families Mourning and Community Seeking Answers
A Tragedy in the Sierra Nevada
Many questions remain in the aftermath of the deadliest avalanche in the United States in decades, a disaster that unfolded in the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe. The event has left families grieving and communities searching for clarity as more details continue to emerge.
The devastating avalanche struck during a backcountry skiing expedition on Tuesday, claiming the lives of up to nine people. The scale of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through outdoor communities and beyond.
Authorities have described the incident as both historically severe and deeply heartbreaking, given the experience level and close relationships of those involved.
Victims Identified as Close-Knit Group of Friends
As information has come to light, loved ones have identified at least six of the victims as a tightly bonded group of mothers who shared a deep passion for the outdoors. Their families released a joint statement naming the women as Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and sisters Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh.
They were remembered as inseparable friends united by adventure, mutual support, and a strong dedication to their families. Their loved ones emphasized the depth of their connection and the meaningful traditions they built together through travel and skiing.
”We are devastated beyond words,” the families said in the statement. “Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.”
Experienced Skiers on a Guided Expedition
The women, many of whom lived in California, Idaho, and the Truckee–Tahoe region, were experienced backcountry skiers who were equipped with avalanche safety gear at the time of the incident. Their families noted that their bond extended far beyond recreational outings.
They described the group as mothers, wives, and friends connected through their love of nature and shared experiences in the mountains. Their skill and enthusiasm for skiing were central to their friendships.
”They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors. They were passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.”
A Trip That Turned Tragic
Authorities reported that the group was returning to camp when the avalanche struck near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada. The expedition was part of a guided multiday trip involving 15 skiers.
Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon later confirmed that the search operation transitioned from rescue to recovery after hopes of locating additional survivors began to fade. The challenging terrain and severity of the slide made rescue efforts particularly complex.
”They were on their way back to camp when the avalanche actually hit,” Moon said, adding that it took rescuers hours to locate the first survivors.
Officials have confirmed that eight people have died, while one additional skier remains missing and is presumed dead.
A Historic and Deadly Event
The avalanche has been described as the deadliest in California history and the most lethal in the United States since 1981. Its scale and sudden force have drawn national attention and concern from outdoor safety experts and local authorities.
Such a catastrophic event underscores the unpredictable risks associated with backcountry travel, even for experienced and well-equipped groups.
The disaster’s classification as one of the most severe in decades reflects both the number of casualties and the circumstances under which it occurred.
Remembering the Lives Lost
Among those who died was Kate Vitt, a mother of two and former SiriusXM executive who lived in Marin County with her husband and children. Her community has expressed deep shock and sorrow as support efforts for affected families continue.
Caroline Sekar, 45, a San Francisco mother of two, was also among the victims, along with her sister Liz Clabaugh, 52, a Boise-based graduate nurse residency coordinator. Their loss has been particularly profound for their family and those who knew them.
Their brother spoke about the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, “I’m just devastated. These are two of the best people I’ve ever known. They were incredible sisters, mothers, wives and friends. And the idea that they are both gone is, I don’t even know how to put it into words.”
Connections Within the Skiing Community
Several members of the group were connected to Sugar Bowl Academy, a competitive ski school community that is now mourning alongside the victims’ families and friends. The tragedy has deeply affected those who shared professional and personal ties with the group.
The academy’s leadership acknowledged the collective grief felt across the community, highlighting the strength of the support network that has formed in response to the loss.
”This tragedy has affected each and every one of us. The depth of support for the families whose lives have been changed forever reminds us of how special this community is,” Executive Director Stephen McMahon said.
Intense Rescue and Recovery Efforts
The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. local time, prompting a large-scale search-and-rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Emergency teams mobilized quickly despite difficult weather conditions and unstable snowpack.
Rescue crews worked tirelessly in hazardous conditions, facing ongoing risks posed by the terrain and the potential for additional slides. These challenges significantly slowed recovery efforts.
Authorities have closed public access to the Castle Peak area through mid-March to protect first responders and ensure safety as operations continue.
Community Support and Gratitude
Families of the victims expressed deep gratitude for the extensive rescue operations and the widespread support received from the Tahoe community and beyond. The outpouring of compassion has provided some comfort during an overwhelmingly painful time.
”We are profoundly grateful for the extensive rescue efforts by Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and all of the authorities involved, and for the outpouring of support from the Tahoe community and beyond.”
Support networks have formed rapidly, with friends, neighbors, and community members offering assistance to the grieving families.
Grief, Reflection, and Ongoing Questions
Despite the strong support from the community, the emotional toll of the tragedy remains immense for the families and loved ones affected. The loss of multiple individuals in a single event has created a shared sense of mourning.
Families continue to lean on one another as they navigate the aftermath while honoring the lives and memories of the women they lost.
”We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted.”
The scale of the disaster has also left many unanswered questions about the circumstances leading up to the avalanche and the factors that contributed to its severity.
A Lasting Impact on Families and the Outdoor Community
The tragedy has profoundly impacted not only the victims’ families but also the broader outdoor and skiing communities. The women were known for their love of adventure, strong friendships, and commitment to family life.
Their legacy is being remembered through stories of their passion for the mountains, their dedication to their children, and the meaningful bonds they shared with one another.
As recovery efforts continue and investigations unfold, the focus remains on honoring those who were lost and supporting the families left behind.
This heartbreaking avalanche stands as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the enduring strength of communities that come together in times of profound loss.