Ongoing Hazardous Winter Conditions Continue to Delay Recovery of Avalanche Victims

by | Feb 19, 2026 | Uncategorized

Feb. 19, 12 p.m.: Recovery Efforts to Extend into Weekend

Amid another round of heavy snowfall and continued avalanche risk, recovery of the nine remaining victims of Tuesday’s avalanche has been delayed, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Eight of the nine victims’ bodies have been located and secured, one remains unfound. Recovery efforts are expected to carry into the weekend.

“Until the recovery mission is completed, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office is unable to confirm the identifications, ages, affiliations, or cities of origin for the victims,” the sheriff’s office stated in a press release today.

IN EFFECT: The Sierra Avalanche Center maintains that its avalanche warning that went into effect Tuesday morning, Feb. 17, will extend to Friday morning, Feb. 20. Screenshot

Ten inches of snow have fallen in the past 24 hours at Castle Peak, where the avalanche occurred — this in addition to 20- to 30-mph winds and an anticipated 15 inches of new snow to fall on Feb. 19. Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning — extending  its previously issued avalanche watch — beginning Feb. 17 at 5 a.m., to expire Friday, Feb. 20, at 4 a.m.

“Large to very large avalanches remain a very real concern with ongoing uncertainty with how weak layers will respond to additional storm snow load,” the SAC notice stated.

~ AH