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In the wake of a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe, recovery crews are diligently working to retrieve the bodies of skiers who tragically lost their lives. As a precautionary measure, officials have decided to close off the area to the public for an extended period.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Department released a statement indicating that the U.S. Forest Service-Tahoe National Forest has enacted a closure of all public lands and trails in the Castle Peak vicinity near Truckee, California. This closure is effective from February 20 to March 15, 2026, as part of the ongoing efforts to recover the avalanche victims and ensure the safety of both the recovery teams and the public.
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The statement further emphasized the importance of this decision, highlighting the instability of the snowpack in the region. “Due to the current instability of the snowpack and the need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations,” read the announcement from the U.S. Forest Service. Authorities are urging everyone to adhere to the closure notice and avoid the area.
The necessity of this closure was underscored by the challenges faced by rescue teams. Just hours prior, officials had announced that adverse weather conditions had thwarted their efforts to reach and recover the bodies of the eight skiers who perished in the avalanche. Additionally, a ninth skier remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead.
“Please respect the closure notice and remain out of the area.”
The order comes only a few hours after rescuers announced they were unable to reach the bodies of the eight dead skiers Thursday because of poor weather conditions. It is presumed a ninth skier who has not been located is also dead.
Six of the original 15 skiers were rescued following the tragic event — five women and one man ages 30-55.
