Castle Peak

Castle Peak is an area in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, California. It's known for its backcountry skiing opportunities, but also for its susceptibility to avalanches. Recently, Castle Peak has been the site of a deadly avalanche that occurred in mid-February 2026. A group of 15 backcountry skiers were caught in the avalanche, resulting in the deaths of nine people. Six skiers were rescued with varying injuries. The incident is the deadliest avalanche in the region in over 40 years. The Sierra Avalanche Center has recorded numerous avalanches in the Lake Tahoe area since September 2025, highlighting the inherent risks of backcountry activities in the region. The event underscores the importance of avalanche safety and awareness, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack.