Eight backcountry skiers died, and one is missing after a powerful avalanche hit a guided ski trip near Lake Tahoe in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said Wednesday that search efforts have moved from rescue to recovery. Families of the victims have been informed. The avalanche struck Tuesday morning near Castle Peak, close to Donner Summit, during severe winter weather with heavy snow and strong winds. Emergency crews got a distress call around 11:30 am about several skiers buried under snow. Around 50 rescuers worked through low visibility, gale-force winds, and ongoing avalanche dangers. Six skiers were found alive after hours of searching under extreme conditions. Two injured skiers were rushed to hospital; one was discharged Tuesday night, and the other was expected to leave on Wednesday. The group was on the last day of a three-day backcountry guided trip led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The avalanche covered an area roughly the length of a football field, hitting a popular but avalanche-prone slope. Blackbird Mountain Guides confirmed full cooperation with authorities and had warned of unstable snow due to a fierce winter storm. Experts said a weak snow layer gave way under the weight of fresh snow, causing the deadly slide. The area had a 4 out of 5 avalanche risk, with forecasters warning of likely natural and human-triggered avalanches. Heavy snowfall in the Lake Tahoe region has caused road closures and travel disruptions on Interstate 80, increasing avalanche hazards in backcountry areas. Officials reminded that unlike ski resorts, backcountry zones do not have controlled snow management and carry higher, unpredictable risks. Castle Peak has seen deadly avalanches in the past. About 25 to 30 people die each year in the U.S. in backcountry avalanche accidents. This tragedy involving an experienced guided group highlights the dangers posed by extreme weather and unstable snow, even for experts.