BODY CAM FOOTAGE JUST RELEASED: Heart-wrenching rescue scenes from the ᴅᴇᴀᴅliest avalanche in California history… rescuers battling blinding blizzards, digging through tons of snow in sub-zero hell to reach the victims 

It was supposed to be an epic backcountry ski day near Lake Tahoe on Feb. 17… 15 experienced skiers and guides hit the slopes on Castle Peak. Then a mᴀssive wall of snow—football-field sized—swept them away in seconds. 12 buried alive. Three fought to dig out friends. Six survived thanks to heroic companion rescues… but nine never made it home.

Now, newly released body-worn camera footage shows the grueling recovery: rescuers on skis and snowcats pushing through whiteout conditions, high winds howling, avalanche danger still screaming “extreme.” The raw, emotional moments as teams locate and extract the bodies days later—after storms delayed everything—will leave you speechless.

This footage is raw and real…  You have to see it to believe the bravery. 

Authorities have released portions of body-worn camera footage captured during the grueling recovery efforts following a catastrophic avalanche near Lake Tahoe that claimed the lives of nine backcountry skiers, marking one of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅliest such incidents in California history.

The avalanche struck on Feb. 17, 2026, in the Castle Peak area northwest of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains. A group of 15 backcountry skiers, including professional guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, was caught in the slide. Officials from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and collaborating agencies described the event as a large, destructive avalanche triggered by unstable snow conditions amid heavy winter storms.

Initial reports indicated that 12 of the 15 skiers were buried when the slide hit. Three members of the party who remained unburied immediately began companion rescue efforts, locating and digging out three buried individuals. Six survivors—four men and two women—were eventually evacuated from the scene that night, some under their own power to nearby Frog Lake Huts before being transported via snowcat to definitive medical care.

The remaining nine skiers were not located during the initial response due to deteriorating weather, including blinding snow, high winds, and ongoing avalanche risk. Rescue operations shifted to recovery mode as conditions prevented safe access to the site. Crews utilized snowcats, skis, and helicopters to navigate the treacherous terrain, often working in partnership with utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric to mitigate further slide dangers through controlled explosives or other measures.

By Feb. 22, 2026, authorities confirmed the recovery of all nine bodies. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced that the final victims had been located and airlifted out, ending a five-day operation hampered by relentless winter weather. The victims included six women and three men, with several from the San Francisco Bay Area, Idaho, and the Lake Tahoe region. Among the deceased were guides Michael Henry, 30; Andrew Alissandratos, 34; and Nicole “Nikki” Chu, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, an avid outdoors enthusiast and co-founder of community initiatives.

The released body-worn camera footage, shared by responding agencies, provides a stark glimpse into the challenges faced by search and rescue teams. Clips show rescuers traversing deep snow in near-zero visibility, communicating urgently over radios, and methodically probing avalanche debris fields. The videos capture the physical and emotional toll: teams digging through compacted snow, using transceivers and probes to locate remains, and coordinating helicopter extractions under extreme conditions. Officials noted that the footage highlights the professionalism and bravery of first responders who pushed forward despite constant threats of secondary slides.

Forensic examinations of the recovered victims have been completed and incorporated into the ongoing investigation. Authorities, including the Sierra Avalanche Center, continue to analyze factors such as snowpack stability, weather patterns, and group decision-making. Questions have arisen about why the group proceeded with the tour despite an avalanche watch or warning in the area, though no official conclusions have been released. The incident is described as the ᴅᴇᴀᴅliest avalanche in California’s recorded history in terms of fatalities from a single event in recent decades.

Heroic details emerged in subsequent updates from the Sierra Avalanche Center. The three unburied skiers’ quick actions in performing companion searches were credited with saving lives amid chaos. Survivors were treated for injuries including hypothermia and trauma, but all six were reported stable following evacuation.

The community response has been profound. Tributes poured in for the victims, many of whom were remembered as pᴀssionate skiers, professionals, and family members. Friends and colleagues shared stories of their love for the outdoors and the joy they found in backcountry adventures. One victim’s spouse was a member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, which participated in the operation, adding a layer of personal tragedy to the collective grief.

Backcountry skiing near Lake Tahoe attracts experienced enthusiasts drawn to the region’s steep terrain and powder. However, the Sierra Nevada’s variable snow conditions—exacerbated by recent storms—create inherent risks. Experts emphasize the importance of avalanche education, proper gear like beacons and airbags, and conservative decision-making in high-hazard zones.

The recovery operation underscored the dangers first responders face in mountainous environments. Teams from multiple counties and agencies, including Placer and Nevada counties, coordinated efforts under hazardous conditions. Helicopters provided aerial support when weather allowed, while ground crews advanced slowly to avoid triggering additional slides.

As the investigation progresses, authorities have stressed that the footage release serves to document the response rather than sensationalize the tragedy. Portions were edited for sensitivity, focusing on operational aspects while respecting the victims’ families.

The avalanche has prompted renewed calls for avalanche awareness and safety protocols among backcountry users. Organizations like the Sierra Avalanche Center have reiterated warnings about unstable layers in the snowpack, particularly after heavy precipitation followed by wind-loading.

For the families of the nine who perished, the pain remains raw. Memorials and fundraisers have been established to support those left behind, with communities in the Bay Area and Tahoe rallying to honor the lost lives.

The released body cam recordings serve as a somber record of both the devastation and the dedication of those who responded. In a region where winter sports define much of the culture, this incident stands as a tragic reminder of nature’s power and the thin line between adventure and peril.

With all victims now recovered and forensics underway, the focus shifts toward closure for grieving families and lessons to prevent future losses in California’s backcountry.