All nine bodies of skiers killed in California avalanche recovered | California

Authorities announced Saturday that the bodies of nine missing skiers killed in a devastating avalanche in California had been found after several days of search efforts.

The avalanche occurred in the Sierra Nevada mountains of northern California near Lake Tahoe, a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. No more people are missing after Tuesday’s deadly avalanche.

“As much as we would have loved to save them all, we are grateful to be able to bring them home,” Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said at a news conference Saturday afternoon.

Moon praised the collective efforts of the many agencies that helped recover the bodies — from the California Highway Patrol to the National Guard to the Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company — and the 42 volunteers who helped on the final day of the operation.

“We are fortunate in this mountain community to be very united and our community shows up in times of tragedy,” Moon said.

The sheriff named for the first time the three deceased Blackbird Mountain Company guides: Andrew Alissandratos, 34, Nicole Choo, 42, and Michael Henry, 30.

The recovery of the bodies Saturday marked the end of a five-day effort to find nine skiers missing after one of the deadliest avalanches in recent history.

On Saturday morning, authorities and agencies were able to complete rescue operations with the help of a Black Hawk helicopter in the snow-covered region. Earlier in the week, six survivors were rescued, eight others were found dead and one was reported missing and presumed dead. Four of the bodies were found Friday evening and the remaining five Saturday morning.

Among the dead were six women and three professional guides. More than 40 rescuers from various local and federal agencies participated in the effort Saturday, including the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol, as well as the Pacific Gas & Electric Company. Severe weather conditions and snow prevented crews from rescuing the bodies earlier this week.

The avalanche was the deadliest since 1981, with experts estimating the path of the slide to be about the size of a football field, the AP reported.

In calls to dispatchers Tuesday, it was reported that several skiers were buried by the avalanche. Later that night, rescuers and crews made contact with the six survivors and discovered additional deceased people. Crews were unable to recover the bodies due to brutal snowy conditions. The Snow Lab near Donner Pass had recorded 28 inches of snow that day with more warnings and avalanche danger expected.

“I want to recognize the strength of volunteers from all the search and rescue units that our agencies truly rely on,” Moon said. “They are extraordinary people and it is an honor to work with them.”

Skiers came from different parts of the United States to enjoy a guided ski tour last weekend. Their families said they were a close-knit group of friends, experienced cross-country skiers and knew how to navigate the Sierra Nevada wilderness. The group had skied to cabins near Frog Lake, where they stayed for two nights before resuming their return journey when the avalanche struck.

They were identified as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt, all in their 40s. They lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, Idaho, and the Lake Tahoe area.

“We are devastated beyond words,” the families said in a statement. “Our goal right now is to support our children through this incredible tragedy and honor the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all connected by a love of the outdoors.”

The land will be off-limits to visitors until mid-March, said Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor for the Tahoe National Forest. Authorities intended to restore public access once the investigation was complete.

“We are investigating the incident to determine if there were any factors that could be considered criminal negligence,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “It is too early to know whether criminal charges will apply, as the investigation is preliminary and remains active and ongoing. The Prosecutor’s Office will ultimately be the determining authority for any criminal charges to be filed.”