Avalanche in Sierra Nevada Kills Eight, Leaves One Missing; Victims Linked to Ski Academy Community
Eight people were confirmed dead and a ninth remained missing after a large avalanche struck a backcountry slope near Castle Peak in Californiaâs Sierra Nevada Mountains on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Authorities said the 15-member party, made up largely of parentsâpredominantly mothersâconnected to Sugar Bowl Academy, was completing the final day of a three-day guided ski […]