Avalanche Experts Question Guide Decisions in Fatal California Backcountry Incident
An analysis by the Sierra Avalanche Center has raised concerns about the decisions made by guides during a deadly avalanche incident in California's Sierra Nevada. On February 17, nine backcountry skiers were killed when an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe. The report criticizes the guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides for not spacing out the group, which consisted of 15 skiers, as they traveled through avalanche-prone terrain. This practice is considered a 'golden rule' in backcountry travel to minimize risk. Despite some skiers wearing avalanche airbag backpacks, none deployed during the incident. The report also notes that the group was traveling through a potential avalanche path following heavy snowfall. Blackbird Mountain Guides has stated that an investigation is ongoing and that the report does not encompass all facts. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and state workplace regulators are conducting separate investigations. 
