Avalanches happen more often, and are deadlier across the country than we thought

NEVADA CITY, Calif. (KGO) — Avalanches are common in the Sierra. The Tahoe region alone sees as many as 40 reported slides each winter.

Most of them are in the backcountry during winter storms. They are dangerous and sometimes deadly.

In February, eight backcountry skiers were found dead after an avalanche near Donner Pass in the Sierra, authorities said. One person still missing.

In early January, a 42-year-old snowmobiler from Oregon died in an avalanche in the same area as the latest avalanche — the castle peak area of Nevada County. That’s just west of Truckee.

MORE: 8 backcountry skiers found dead, 1 still missing after avalanche near Donner Pass, authorities say

Authorities has warned about the serious risk of avalanches in the Tahoe Basin Area.

Chris Thomason of Bend, Oregon, was killed as he and four companions were snowmobiling in the area.

Authorities say the people involved were experienced snowmobilers wearing appropriate protective equipment, including avalanche beacons.

According to the National Avalanche Center, each winter, 25 to 30 people die in avalanches across the United States.

In January 2024, a 66-year-old skier was killed in an avalanche on the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe.

Kenneth Kidd — a resident of Truckee and Point Reyes Station was killed.

Officials say Kidd was caught in an avalanche as wide as half a football field on the KT-22 run at Palisades Tahoe.

According to the National Avalanche Center, “high risk spots” for avalanches include Utah, and Washington.

Areas of “considerable risk” for avalanches include parts of California, Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.

MORE: Experts share tips for staying safe while backcountry skiing

In wake of the deadly Castle Peak avalanche, experts share tips for staying safe while backcountry skiing.

Backcountry tourism is by far the deadliest activity when it comes to avalanches.

Since 1950, 337 people touring the backcountry have been killed in avalanches.

The next deadliest activity is snowmobiling.

February is the deadliest month when it comes to avalanches. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, since the 2015 season there have been 73 deaths by avalanche in February – the next closest month is January with 56 deaths.

It seems like avalanches are getting deadlier. According to data from CAIC, the progression of deaths by year in avalanches since 1950 shows that the numbers keep going up. The worst year by far was 2021 when 37 people died in one year.