A devastating avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Lake Tahoe claimed the lives of eight backcountry skiers on February 17, 2026, marking one of the deadliest such incidents in the United States in nearly half a century. Among the victims were six close-knit women—experienced, passionate skiers who bonded over their shared love of the outdoors and their roles as devoted mothers. On February 19, their families released a joint statement identifying the women and expressing profound grief, asking for privacy as they support grieving children and honor lives cut tragically short.
The victims have been named as Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. These women, ranging in age from their 40s to early 50s, hailed from the Bay Area in Northern California, the Truckee-Tahoe region, and Idaho. Many resided in communities like Marin County and San Francisco, where they raised families while pursuing active lifestyles centered on adventure and nature. The group was part of a larger party of 15—eight women and four guides—on a multi-day backcountry skiing trip to the Frog Lake huts near Castle Peak in Nevada County. The women were described as “passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains,” fully equipped with avalanche safety gear and well-versed in backcountry risks.
The tragedy unfolded amid treacherous conditions following heavy snowfall and high winds. On the final day of their trip, a massive slab avalanche released, burying the group under tons of snow. Rescue efforts, hampered by ongoing storms and dangerous terrain, recovered eight bodies over subsequent days, with one skier still missing and presumed deceased as of February 20. Authorities from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple search-and-rescue teams described the operation as complex, with recovery efforts expected to continue into the weekend due to weather delays.
The families’ statement, released through a spokesperson, captured the raw emotion of the loss: “We are devastated beyond words. Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women. They were all mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors.” The message emphasized gratitude toward first responders and requested privacy during this time of mourning. Many of the women were mothers to young children, leaving behind families grappling with sudden, unimaginable grief.
Tributes from communities have poured in, highlighting the women’s vibrant personalities and dedication. Neighbors in Mill Valley and Greenbrae described Kate Vitt and Kate Morse as devoted mothers who walked their kids to school, volunteered locally, and embodied warmth and energy. Caroline Sekar and her sister Liz Clabaugh shared a particularly close bond, often traveling together for outdoor adventures; their deaths have left family members reeling from double loss. Friends recalled group trips filled with laughter, shared challenges, and deep camaraderie—traditions now shattered.
The incident has sparked broader reflection on backcountry safety in the Tahoe region. Despite warnings of extreme avalanche danger from the Sierra Avalanche Center and local authorities, the group proceeded with their planned excursion. All were experienced and prepared, underscoring that even skilled adventurers face unpredictable risks in high-consequence environments. The avalanche’s scale—triggered by a fragile snowpack after a powerful winter storm—serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power.
Survivors from the group, including some of the guides, have been recovering physically and emotionally. The backcountry skiing community in the Bay Area and Tahoe has mobilized support networks, fundraisers, and counseling resources for affected families. Vigils and memorials have emerged in local parks and trailheads, with flowers, skis, and notes honoring the women’s adventurous spirits.
This tragedy highlights the profound bonds formed through shared passions and the devastating ripple effects when lives are lost. The six women were more than statistics; they were pillars in their families and communities—balancing demanding careers, parenting, and personal pursuits with grace and enthusiasm. Their children now face futures without mothers who instilled love for the mountains and resilience in the face of challenges.
As recovery operations conclude and investigations into the avalanche’s causes continue, the focus remains on healing. The families’ plea for space reflects a desire to grieve privately amid overwhelming public attention. Yet their words resonate widely: devastation beyond measure, but also a commitment to cherishing memories and supporting the next generation.
In the shadow of Castle Peak, the mountains stand silent, forever changed by the loss of these extraordinary women. Their legacy endures in the lives they touched, the adventures they inspired, and the love that persists even in profound sorrow.
