Exclusive: First Look at Lake Tahoe Avalanche Aftermath – Rescuer Shares Harrowing Experience

A search and rescue expert has shared his firsthand account of the ongoing efforts to find survivors following a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe. Speaking from atop the mountain, John Gilchrist described the scene at Castle Peak where the tragedy unfolded.

On Wednesday night, Gilchrist recounted being at the Frog Lake huts, where 15 skiers had been staying before being struck by the massive snow slide. The avalanche, which occurred on Tuesday morning, has claimed the lives of eight individuals, while one person remains unaccounted for. Six others were successfully rescued after an extensive operation by emergency teams.

Gilchrist and his wife, Jess Reese, posted a photograph from their position at the Frog Lake huts, illustrating the conditions in which they are working. The image shows one of them perched atop “The Ginger Hut,” which is almost entirely buried under a thick blanket of snow, obstructing lower windows and doors.

In an emotional reflection shared online, Gilchrist, who goes by the nickname “Frog Lake hutmeister,” expressed the dual nature of snow, saying, “It is overwhelming how snow can bring both immense joy and such profound sadness. The heartbreak I feel is immeasurable.”

One can be seen sitting on top of “The Ginger Hut,” which has a huge snowdrift covering much of the lower windows and doors.

Gilchrist, who refers to himself online as “Frog Lake hutmeister,” wrote: “It is overwhelming how snow can bring both immense joy and such profound sadness. The heartbreak I feel is immeasurable.

“@reeciecup37 and I were not involved in the avalanche on Perry’s near Castle Peak but did help with search and rescue operations. We are currently safe at the Frog Lake Huts.”

Four travel guides and 11 guests were caught in the avalanche. Among the 15, six had been rescued — one man and five women aged 30 to 55.

The community were bracing for the release of the victims’ names, which town council Jan Zabriskie suggested would be soon.

Nearby ski resort Sugar Bowl revealed many of the victims in the tragedy were part of their community and involved with the academy there.

A statement read: “The Sugar Bowl community and the Donner Summit community are grieving the loss of multiple lives in the avalanche at Castle Peak.

“Multiple members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and the backcountry community died in an avalanche on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

It continued: “Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy.

“Most importantly, the Sugar Bowl Academy community will continue to be there in the months and years ahead for the families that have lost loved ones.”

Executive Director Stephen McMahon added: “We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us.

“The depth of support for the families whose lives have been changed forever reminds us of how special this community is.

“The best thing we can do is surround our athletes and families with care and support while providing the necessary space and time for grief and healing.”

Parents connected to Sugar Bowl were reluctant to speak on the tragedy on Wednesday night, as details were slow to emerge.

Kurt Althof, whose son skis in the race program, told Mercury News: “The only comment that I can possibly make is that it’s an absolute tragedy.

“My heart, my family’s heart, goes out to all of those that have been impacted by this.”