Avalanche Tragedy Near Castle Peak | California News

Nine backcountry skiers lost their lives in a deadly avalanche near Castle Peak, and a new report from Blackbird Mountain Guides reveals chilling details about the group’s final hours. Despite knowing avalanche danger was “high” and storm conditions worsening, guides chose to leave their huts early, chasing a brief weather window — confident they could navigate through blizzards and steep terrain. They underestimated the risk, failed to recognize they were in an avalanche path obscured by trees, and didn’t adjust course when their route became impassable. The report doesn’t assign blame but raises critical questions about decision-making under pressure — why they pressed forward, why they didn’t turn back, and how so many were caught together in one slide. All nine — six clients and three guides — died from asphyxiation after being buried. The investigation continues, but this tragedy underscores the razor-thin margin between survival and disaster in the backcountry. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0e973ad4ef611768