1 Dead In Avalanche Near Lake Tahoe, California

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office is confirming that a male snowmobiler died yesterday, January 5, 2026, in an avalanche near Truckee, California. Truckee is 14 miles north of Lake Tahoe.

According to a media release, the initial 911 call was received at 2:19 p.m. Approximately 45 emergency responders were dispatched to the scene from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Truckee Fire, and North Truckee Fire. Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue also responded to the call.

A total of three SnoCats, three snowmobile teams, and multiple skier teams were deployed near Johnson and Castle Peaks, a popular backcountry recreation zone.

"As events unfolded, it was learned (that) the one snowmobiler initially reported missing was found buried under the snow several minutes later," writes The Nevada County Sheriff's Office. "He was recovered by fellow recreationists, and despite lifesaving efforts, he did not survive."

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office advises backcountry users to avoid the area while they extract the victim.

Avalanche danger remains high in the area.

A snowboarder was buried up to his neck in an avalanche on Mt. Judah yesterday as well (image below). Judah is a peak on the other side of Interstate-80 from Castle and Johnson Peaks, where the fatality occurred.

The Sierra Avalanche Center is forecasting 'Moderate' avalanche danger for today, January 6, 2026.

The incident marks the second avalanche-related death in California, and the third in the country, during the Winter 25/26 season. California's first fatality occurred at Mammoth Mountain on December 26, 2025. Ski patroller Cole Murphy died in the accident.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the victim