Snow drought helped set the stage for deadly California avalanche, leading to unstable conditions

Associated Press (AP)EN 4 min read 100% complete by By TAMMY WEBBERFebruary 19, 2026 at 08:23 AM

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A deadly avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California on Tuesday was triggered by unstable snow conditions. Experts attribute the avalanche to a recent "snow drought" followed by several feet of new snow. The dry period caused the existing snow layer to harden, preventing the new snow from bonding properly and creating a weak layer. The avalanche occurred near Lake Tahoe during a winter storm, trapping a group of backcountry skiers. At least eight skiers were killed, six survived, and one remained missing as of Wednesday. Authorities had issued avalanche warnings due to the increased risk following the heavy snowfall.

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AP News ×330% Interstate 80 30% Soda Springs 40% San Jose State University 50% Lake Tahoe 60% Craig Clements ×370% Sierra Nevada ×480% California ×290%

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