Was Anyone at Fault in Sierra Nevada Avalanche Deaths?

Authorities are trying to piece together what led to the deaths of at least eight people in an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada; a ninth person is missing and presumed dead. Cal-OSHA has opened an investigation into Blackbird Mountain Guides, whose guides were leading the group.

Those who died included three experienced Blackbird guides and six clients from a group of mothers who skied together; six other people in the party, including one other Blackbird employee, were rescued. The avalanche occurred near the end of the group’s three-day trip to the Frog Lake huts near Castle Peak, and authorities have not yet been able to return to the area to recover the bodies or released many details.

Forecasters and public safety officials had warned of a high risk of avalanches before the trip began, and additional warnings came during the excursion. Several experts and local officials cautioned that too little is known to assess whether Blackbird had been negligent.

United States, Sierra Nevada, California

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