In a devastating incident at Palisades Tahoe resort on the California side of Lake Tahoe, one person lost their life, and another was injured in an avalanche, marking the first US avalanche fatality of the 2023-2024 winter season, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragic news, reporting that the victims, both guests visiting from outside the area, were caught in the avalanche near the KT-22 lift.
Placer County Sheriff Confirms Tragic Avalanche Incident Involving Out-of-Town Guests
The avalanche occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with the resort’s debris field measuring about 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep.
Palisades Tahoe Resort’s Vice President of Mountain Operations, Michael Gross, shared during a press briefing that the deceased individual was buried in the avalanche, withholding further details at this time.
The other guest suffered non-life-threatening injuries, as confirmed by Sgt. David Smith of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
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California Search Efforts and Resort Closure
Sgt. David Smith stated that no one has been reported missing, and search efforts have concluded. Both sides of the mountain are now closed, emphasizing the resort’s commitment to safety.
The incident remains under investigation, with Palisades Resort CEO and President Dee Byrne describing the situation as dynamic.
The avalanche occurred amid a strong storm that has covered much of the Sierra Nevada mountains with snow throughout the week. Ongoing snowfall in the Tahoe, California, area is expected to bring an additional foot or more by Thursday morning.
As the community mourns the loss and wishes a swift recovery for the injured, the incident at California Palisades Tahoe serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter sports and the importance of prioritizing safety during adverse weather conditions.
The resort continues to work closely with authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly.
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