As of February 19, 2026, the avalanche near Castle Peak in California's Sierra Nevada mountains has tragically claimed the lives of eight skiers, with one still missing and presumed dead. The group, which included four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, was returning to the trailhead when the avalanche struck during severe weather conditions. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the mission has shifted from rescue to recovery, as stated by Sheriff Shannan Moon, who communicated with the families of those still unaccounted for. This incident is now recognized as one of the deadliest avalanches in U.S. history, marking the highest death toll since 1981 when 11 climbers died on Mount Rainier (South China Morning Post, The Hindu).