Nine skiers still missing, six rescued, after California avalanche

A devastating avalanche occurred on Tuesday morning on Castle Peak, located in the Donner Pass region of California's northern Sierra Nevada. As a result of this incident, at least eight backcountry skiers have been confirmed dead, while one skier remains missing. This avalanche is noted to be the deadliest in the United States since the 1981 disaster on Mount Rainier, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives. Local officials reported that several skiers were missing following the avalanche, and as of Wednesday, six individuals have been rescued from the site. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to "horrific conditions," complicating efforts to reach the affected area. The avalanche has drawn attention to the heightened risk of avalanches in the region, particularly in the Lake Tahoe area, where perilous conditions are not uncommon. Experts have indicated that a worrying snow drought in the western United States, exacerbated by climate change, contributed to the conditions that led to this deadly avalanche. As the search continues for the missing skier, weather forecasts predict an additional foot of snow in the Sierra Nevada, which may further complicate rescue efforts. The situation remains critical as rescuers work under challenging circumstances to locate the remaining individual and ensure the safety of others in the area.