As of February 18, 2026, the situation has tragically escalated, with authorities confirming that eight skiers have been found dead following a severe avalanche near Castle Peak in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. One skier remains missing and is presumed dead, prompting officials to shift their mission from rescue to recovery. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon stated, 'We did have conversation with the families of the folks that are still outstanding and let them know that our mission... went from a rescue to a recovery' (Global News). The avalanche, which occurred around 11:30 a.m. PST, initially affected a group of 16 skiers, including four guides and 12 clients. Six skiers were rescued with varying injuries, but recovery efforts are now complicated by ongoing blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall in the area, which has prompted avalanche warnings from the Sierra Avalanche Center (NBC News World, The Guardian).