A devastating avalanche swept through a segment of expert trails at a California ski resort near Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, claiming the life of one person and injuring another. The incident occurred as a major storm, accompanied by snow and gusty winds, moved into the region, prompting Palisades Tahoe to shut down just 30 minutes after opening. Search crews were dispatched to ensure no one was trapped or injured.
Sgt. David Smith, the spokesperson for the Placer County sheriff, later reported that a male individual lost his life, while another person sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Fortunately, no one else was reported missing. The avalanche unfolded around 9:30 a.m. on the steep slopes beneath the KT-22 lift, designated for “black diamond” runs catering to skilled skiers and snowboarders. Palisades Tahoe announced the closure of both sides of the mountain for the remainder of the day via a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The aftermath of the avalanche revealed a debris field spanning approximately 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep, according to the sheriff’s office. In a statement, the sheriff’s office expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with their family members at this difficult time.”
The tragic incident coincided with a powerful storm expected to bring up to 2 feet of snow to the highest elevations by early Thursday. Palisades, historically known as the site for the 1960 Winter Olympics, is situated on the western side of Lake Tahoe, approximately 40 miles from Reno, Nevada. The National Weather Service in Reno forecasted snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour around the lake on Wednesday.
