KQED's The California Report Eight Dead, One Still Missing Following Tahoe-Area Avalanche
Feb 19, 2026
Sarah Wright, KQED outdoors engagement reporter who covers outdoor safety, walks through a deadly Donner Summit avalanche and the regional storm conditions that made slopes unstable. She explains how often avalanches happen in Tahoe and contrasts backcountry risks with resort controls. Practical safety gear and quick survival tips are also discussed.
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Backcountry Trip Turned Tragic
- A group of 15 backcountry skiers returning from a remote hut was buried by an avalanche near Donner Summit on Tuesday morning.
- Six were rescued Tuesday night and one remains missing and presumed dead.
Storms On Weak Bases Create Dangerous Layers
- Rapid heavy snowfall on a weak, dry January base creates highly unstable layers in the Sierra snowpack.
- Light, fluffy snow and strong wind-driven drifts further amplify avalanche risk during storms.
Avalanche Risk Exists Even At Resorts
- Avalanches occur frequently in Tahoe and can happen both in the backcountry and inside resorts.
- Resorts reduce risk through patrols and controlled triggering, but slides still occasionally cause fatalities.