A devastating avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, United States, has claimed the lives of nine individuals, including six close friends and three professional guides. Authorities have described the incident as the deadliest avalanche in the country in the past 45 years.
The victims were not only accomplished professionals in their respective careers but also devoted mothers and wives. Their profound love for the mountains led them to embark on a three-day backcountry skiing expedition under the supervision of experienced guides.
Among the deceased were sisters Liz Clabbagh and Caroline Secker. The family has also confirmed the identities of four other friends—Carrie Atkin, Daniel Kitly, Kate Morse, and Kate Veit. The group hailed from Idaho and the San Francisco Bay Area and had shared a longstanding passion for skiing and mountain adventures.
Family members emphasised that all the victims were highly skilled skiers, equipped with appropriate safety gear and training. Despite their preparation, nature’s fury proved overwhelming. On Tuesday morning, as the group was preparing to return, a sudden avalanche the size of a football field swept over them.
Eyewitnesses described how, within seconds, the group was buried beneath a mass of snow and ice comparable to an iceberg. Rescue teams responded immediately to distress signals, but adverse weather conditions—including high winds and zero visibility—delayed access to the site. By the time rescuers arrived, several hours had passed. Six individuals survived, while the remaining victims could not be saved.
The local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, examining whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported that conditions at the site remain extremely hazardous. As a result, the bodies of eight victims have yet to be fully recovered, and one person remains missing. Survivors recounted taking shelter under a temporary snow cave for several hours before help arrived.
The identities and details of the victims are summarised below:
| Name | Relation | Residence | Notable Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liz Clabbagh | Sister | Idaho, US | Experienced skier |
| Caroline Secker | Sister | Idaho, US | Experienced skier |
| Carrie Atkin | Friend | Bay Area, CA, US | Longtime ski partner |
| Daniel Kitly | Friend | Bay Area, CA, US | Skilled skier |
| Kate Morse | Friend | Bay Area, CA, US | Proper safety equipment used |
| Kate Veit | Friend | Bay Area, CA, US | Experienced skier |
| 3 Professional Guides | – | – | Supervised expedition |
The tragedy has cast a shadow of grief over the local community, highlighting the perilous balance between passion for the mountains and the inherent risks of extreme environments. Psychologist Sara Boylen observed that for mountain enthusiasts, such losses are irreplaceable. “Where they once found peace, they now carry trauma,” she said. “This incident underscores the delicate line between adventure and danger.”
The Sierra Nevada expedition, intended as a celebration of friendship and a love of skiing, ended in heartbreaking loss, leaving families, friends, and the wider community mourning the sudden and tragic deaths of nine lives.