Lake Tahoe avalanche: investigators weigh criminal negligence in deadly incident

Nevada County investigators are examining whether criminal negligence contributed to a deadly avalanche that swept a group of 11 skiers and 4 guides near Castle Peak, north of Lake Tahoe, killing at least eight during a severe storm with avalanche dangers and warnings in place. Rescue efforts faced treacherous conditions, eight bodies were recovered and one person remains missing, with several injured. California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health is probing the guiding company Blackbird Mountain Guides as authorities review why the trip proceeded amid avalanche watches, marking the deadliest U.S. avalanche since 1981.