A string of winter emergencies across the Sierra this week has kept search and rescue teams busy, as authorities respond to stranded recreationists, fatal ski incidents, and the aftermath of a deadly avalanche now under criminal investigation.
On Thursday, Douglas County Search and Rescue personnel assisted a stranded backcountry snowshoer while en route to help transport an injured skier across rugged terrain. Team members followed the snowshoer’s tracks through the snow and located her and her partner at a disabled Jeep.
Earlier in the week, 12 Douglas County Search and Rescue members responded to rescue a skier stuck in deep snow on the west slope of East Peak. Crews found the skier alive.
Tragedy also struck at several Sierra ski areas. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of a 21-year-old man who failed to return from skiing at Northstar California. Deputies located his vehicle in the parking lot late Wednesday night, prompting a search that began around 11 p.m. The man was found deceased at approximately 9 a.m. Thursday.
In Douglas County, two separate fatal ski incidents occurred late Friday morning near Heavenly’s Boulder Lodge. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, life-saving efforts were performed by ski patrol before both individuals were pronounced dead at the base area.
The incidents are not connected. Authorities have not yet released the victims’ identities pending notification of next of kin.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the avalanche near Castle Peak that killed nine people during a guided backcountry tour led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has launched a standard criminal investigation.
They also notified Cal/OSHA due to the potential workplace fatalities.
The avalanche struck Feb. 17 as the group was returning to the trailhead on the final day of a three-day hut trip. Nine people, including six clients and three guides, died.
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