First photo from site of deadly Lake Tahoe avalanche — as rescuer speaks out from snowed in huts

A search and rescuer who was hunting for survivors at the site of a deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe has spoken out from the top of the mountain.

John Gilchrist revealed on Wednesday night he was at Castle Peak at the huts where 15 skiers had been staying before they were hit by the huge snow slide.

Eight are confirmed dead and one is still missing after the disaster struck on Tuesday morning. Six were later saved following a mammoth operation by authorities.

Gilchrist and his wife Jess Reese shared a picture of them from the Frog Lake huts after joining the search for survivors.

One can be seen sitting on top of “The Ginger Hut,” which has a huge snowdrift covering much of the lower windows and doors.

Gilchrist, who refers to himself online as “Frog Lake hutmeister,” wrote: “It is overwhelming how snow can bring both immense joy and such profound sadness. The heartbreak I feel is immeasurable.

“@reeciecup37 and I were not involved in the avalanche on Perry’s near Castle Peak but did help with search and rescue operations. We are currently safe at the Frog Lake Huts.”

Four travel guides and 11 guests were caught in the avalanche. Among the 15, six had been rescued — one man and five women aged 30 to 55.

The community were bracing for the release of the victims’ names, which town council Jan Zabriskie suggested would be soon.

Nearby ski resort Sugar Bowl revealed many of the victims in the tragedy were part of their community and involved with the academy there.

A statement read: “The Sugar Bowl community and the Donner Summit community are grieving the loss of multiple lives in the avalanche at Castle Peak.

“Multiple members of the Sugar Bowl Academy community and others with strong connections to Sugar Bowl, Donner Summit, and the backcountry community died in an avalanche on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

It continued: “Sugar Bowl Academy is focused on supporting its athletes, students, staff, and families through this tragedy.

“Most importantly, the Sugar Bowl Academy community will continue to be there in the months and years ahead for the families that have lost loved ones.”

Executive Director Stephen McMahon added: “We are an incredibly close and connected community. This tragedy has affected each and every one of us.

“The depth of support for the families whose lives have been changed forever reminds us of how special this community is.

“The best thing we can do is surround our athletes and families with care and support while providing the necessary space and time for grief and healing.”

Parents connected to Sugar Bowl were reluctant to speak on the tragedy on Wednesday night, as details were slow to emerge.

Kurt Althof, whose son skis in the race program, told Mercury News: “The only comment that I can possibly make is that it’s an absolute tragedy.

“My heart, my family’s heart, goes out to all of those that have been impacted by this.”