Authorities have recovered all nine victims killed in a massive avalanche near Castle Peak following a complex, multi-day operation carried out in dangerous winter conditions.
The victims are Carrie Atkin of Truckee/Tahoe; Danielle Keatley of Marin County, California; Kate Morse of Marin County, California; Kate Vitt of Marin County, California; Caroline Sekar of San Francisco, California; Liz Clabaugh of Boise, Idaho; Andrew Alissandrastos of Verdi, Nevada; Nicole Chu of South Lake Tahoe, California; and Michael Henry of Tampa, Florida.
Search and rescue crews located and retrieved the final victim after heavy snowfall, high winds, and the ongoing threat of additional avalanches slowed efforts. Officials said whiteout conditions at the time of the slide significantly hampered the initial search.
Helicopters from the California National Guard and the California Highway Patrol hoisted each of the victims from the mountainside to a staging area, where snowcats and ground crews assisted in bringing them down the mountain.
Multiple agencies assisted in the operation, including the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, local search and rescue teams, air operations units, and avalanche experts. Officials described the terrain as steep and hazardous, requiring specialized equipment and close coordination.
The avalanche occurred in backcountry terrain near Castle Peak, a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
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