A dedicated search and rescue worker, actively involved in the mission to find survivors after a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe, has shared his experiences from the scene atop the mountain.
John Gilchrist, speaking on Wednesday evening, disclosed that he was at Castle Peak, precisely at the huts where a group of 15 skiers had been residing before being caught in the massive snow slide.
The tragic event, which occurred on Tuesday morning, has resulted in eight confirmed fatalities, with one individual still unaccounted for. In a remarkable effort, authorities managed to rescue six people.
Alongside his wife, Jess Reese, Gilchrist posted a photo of themselves at the Frog Lake huts, where they were part of the ongoing search operation.
The image shows one of them perched atop “The Ginger Hut,” which is noticeably engulfed in a significant snowdrift, obscuring much of its lower windows and doors.
Expressing his emotions online, Gilchrist, known by the nickname “Frog Lake hutmeister,” remarked: “Snow can evoke both incredible joy and deep sorrow. My heartache is beyond words.”
“@reeciecup37 and I were not involved in the avalanche on Perryâs 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 â one man and five women aged 30 to 55.
The community were bracing for the release of the victimsâ 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: âThe Sugar Bowl community and the Donner Summit community are grieving the loss of multiple lives in the avalanche at Castle Peak.
âMultiple 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: âSugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy.
âMost 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.â
Executive Director Stephen McMahon added: âWe are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us.
âThe depth of support for the families whose lives have been changed forever reminds us of how special this community is.
âThe 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.â
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: âThe only comment that I can possibly make is that itâs an absolute tragedy.
âMy heart, my familyâs heart, goes out to all of those that have been impacted by this.â
