A massive avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada has left 10 skiers missing near Castle Peak, north of Truckee, as a severe winter storm pummeled the Lake Tahoe region. The Nevada County Sheriff's Office reported that 16 skiers including four guides and 12 clients were caught in the slide at approximately 8,200 feet elevation.

Rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center rushed to reach at least six survivors who remained at the avalanche site. The incident occurred amid whiteout conditions with winds gusting up to 80 mph and snowfall rates of 12-20 inches. The Sierra Avalanche Center rated the slide as D2.5, indicating a "large" to "very large" avalanche capable of burying or seriously injuring a person.

The search and rescue operation involves 46 emergency responders battling extreme conditions as Interstate 80 remains closed from Colfax to the Nevada state line. The same area saw a fatal avalanche on January 5 that killed a snowmobiler, highlighting the persistent danger in the region's unstable snowpack. Authorities continue warning that avalanche danger remains high through Wednesday morning, with travel in or below avalanche terrain not recommended.