On February 17, 2026, a massive avalanche struck the Castle Peak area north of Lake Tahoe, causing at least 10 backcountry skiers to go missing. The incident occurred around 11:30 am local time during a severe winter storm in the Sierra Nevada. The storm brought heavy snow, hurricane-force winds, and whiteout conditions. The skiing group had 16 people—four guides and 12 clients—on a three-day tour near Frog Lake huts at 8,200 feet elevation. Rescuers found six survivors alive but still needing extraction. Ten others remain unaccounted for and are feared buried under deep snow. Emergency teams with snowcats, snowmobiles, and ski rescuers are battling blizzard-like conditions to reach the victims. Visibility is poor, and shifting winds make the rescue risky. The Sierra Avalanche Center had warned of "high avalanche danger" just hours before, expecting up to 8 feet of snow in parts of the range. Nearby Lake Tahoe ski resorts closed or limited access due to the storm. This avalanche is part of one of the deadliest winters in recent California mountain history, with multiple previous fatalities caused by snow instability and falls. Experts stressed that backcountry skiing in such severe weather and unstable snowpack layers is extremely dangerous. The Castle Peak avalanche attracted national attention because it involved an experienced, guided group and occurred during a powerful storm system that shut down highways and dumped heavy snow. Rescue crews must work slowly because avalanche risk remains high even after the slide. The heavy snow and winds create unpredictable, dangerous conditions different from controlled ski resorts. The wider Lake Tahoe region is facing record snowfall, and officials have warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to blocked roads and spinouts. Families of the missing wait anxiously for news as rescue efforts go on amid brutal cold and wind. Nevada County Sheriff and state agencies continue coordinating the difficult, risky search. This tragedy highlights the beauty and serious danger of winter backcountry adventures during harsh storms.