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  "path": "/latest/nine-skiers-still-missing-after-avalanche-in-california-six-rescued/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-18T16:33:16.000Z",
  "site": "https://humenglish.com",
  "tags": [
    "Latest",
    "Sport",
    "Nine skiers still missing after avalanche in California; six rescued",
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  "textContent": "CALIFORNIA: Nine skiers remain missing after an avalanche struck California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, while six others from the group have been rescued, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.\n\nThe avalanche hit the Castle Peak area near Truckee, about 10 miles north of Lake Tahoe, around 11:30 am local time on Tuesday. According to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, the avalanche engulfed a group of backcountry skiers who were on a guided excursion.\n\nRescue officials said the six recovered skiers sustained various injuries, with two transported to hospital for treatment. Survivors had taken shelter in a makeshift structure built partly with tarpaulin sheets and were able to communicate with rescuers through radio beacons and text messages.\n\nAuthorities warned that search operations for the missing skiers are progressing slowly due to hazardous weather conditions and the continued threat of additional avalanches. A winter storm has recently dumped several feet of fresh, unstable snow across the high Sierra region.\n\nThe Sierra Avalanche Center said its avalanche warning, issued Tuesday, remains in effect. The agency cautioned that “high avalanche danger” could persist through Wednesday.\n\nInitially, officials believed 16 people were part of the group, but the sheriff’s office later revised the number to 15.\n\nBlackbird Mountain Guides, the company organising the tour, said the group was returning from a three-day trip when the avalanche struck. The company earlier stated the group included four guides and 12 clients.\n\nThe skiers were staying at the Frog Lake Backcountry Huts near Donner Summit, located at an elevation of about 7,500 feet northwest of Truckee. The area is known for heavy snowfall, receiving more than 400 inches annually in a typical winter.\n\nFounded in 2020, Blackbird operates guided ski and alpine climbing trips in California, Washington state, British Columbia, and other international ski destinations. The company also provides avalanche safety education.\n\nAvalanches claim an average of 27 lives each winter in the United States, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. So far this season, six avalanche-related fatalities have been recorded nationwide.\n\nCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident. His office said state authorities are coordinating a comprehensive search-and-rescue effort alongside local emergency teams.\n\nRescue operations remain ongoing.\n\nThe post Nine skiers still missing after avalanche in California; six rescued appeared first on HUM News.",
  "title": "Nine skiers still missing after avalanche in California; six rescued"
}