Blackbird Mountain Guides

Blackbird Mountain Guides is a backcountry skiing guide service operating near Lake Tahoe, California. The organization is currently under investigation by authorities, including the Nevada County Sheriff's Office and OSHA, following a deadly avalanche that occurred during a three-day backcountry skiing trip. The avalanche resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including skiers and their guides. The investigation aims to determine if criminal negligence played a role in the incident. Six survivors from the group used the iPhone's emergency SOS feature to contact law enforcement, providing critical information that aided in rescue efforts and the discovery of some of the deceased. The incident, described as California's deadliest avalanche, has brought increased scrutiny to backcountry guiding practices and safety protocols, highlighting the inherent risks associated with such activities and the importance of responsible risk management.