Authorities have officially identified the final three victims of the deadly avalanche that struck the Castle Peak area of Tahoe National Forest, confirming that all nine people who lost their lives have now been recovered from the mountain.

The avalanche occurred on February 17 during a guided backcountry skiing trip near Lake Tahoe, sending shockwaves through the outdoor recreation community and leaving families across multiple states grieving an unimaginable loss.

According to a statement released on February 21, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the final three victims were professional guides employed by Blackbird Mountain Guides, a respected backcountry guiding service.

The guides were identified as:

• Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada

• Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, California

• Michael Henry, 30, of Soda Springs, California

Their bodies were recovered during a complex two-day operation amid challenging weather conditions. Five victims were recovered on the evening of February 20, while the remaining four were located and retrieved the following morning.

A Tragedy That Touched Many Lives

“There are no words that truly capture the significance of this loss,” said Sheriff Shannan Moon in a public statement. “Our hearts mourn alongside the families of those affected by this catastrophic event. The weight of this tragedy is felt across many families, friends, and colleagues.”

The avalanche has been described by authorities as one of the most devastating backcountry skiing accidents in recent California history. Beyond the immediate loss of life, it has left a lasting emotional impact on the tight-knit mountain and guiding communities.

The Six Victims Identified Earlier

In the days following the avalanche, six other victims were identified by family representatives. They were described as mothers, wives, and lifelong friends who bonded through their shared love of skiing and the outdoors.

The victims were:

• Carrie Atkin, 46, Soda Springs, California

• Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, Boise, Idaho

• Danielle Keatley, 44, Soda Springs and Larkspur, California

• Kate Morse, 45, Soda Springs and Tiburon, California

• Caroline Sekar, 45, Soda Springs and San Francisco, California

• Katherine Vitt, 43, Greenbrae, California

In a joint family statement, loved ones said the women were “passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains.” They emphasized that the group was experienced in backcountry travel and had prepared carefully for the trip.

What Happened on the Mountain

The group was nearing the conclusion of a three-day guided backcountry skiing trip when the avalanche struck near Castle Peak, an area known for both its beauty and its unpredictable winter conditions.

According to Blackbird Mountain Guides, the trip had been planned well in advance, and participants were trained, equipped, and traveling with professional guides. Despite these precautions, the avalanche occurred suddenly, overwhelming part of the group.

Six people survived the incident, enduring hours in deep snow and freezing temperatures while awaiting rescue. Authorities initially confirmed eight fatalities, while a ninth skier remained missing and was presumed dead. Recovery efforts were delayed by severe weather, forcing teams to pause operations until conditions improved.

A Difficult Recovery Effort

Search and recovery teams worked tirelessly under dangerous conditions to retrieve the victims. Heavy snowfall, unstable terrain, and limited visibility made the operation both slow and risky.

Officials praised the coordinated efforts of local law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, and avalanche specialists who worked around the clock to bring all nine victims home.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that once the final bodies were recovered, families were notified immediately and offered support services.

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Investigation

While recovery efforts have concluded, questions remain. In a joint statement, the families of the six women said the tragedy has left them with “many unanswered questions.”

“They deeply respected the mountains,” the families wrote. “They were experienced backcountry skiers who trusted their professional guides on this trip.”

Authorities have not indicated wrongdoing, but an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the avalanche is ongoing. Officials are reviewing weather conditions, avalanche forecasts, and route decisions to better understand how the tragedy unfolded.

A Community in Mourning

The loss has reverberated far beyond the slopes of Tahoe National Forest. Vigils have been held, tributes shared, and messages of condolence poured in from across the country.

For the guiding community, the deaths of three professional guides have been especially painful. Colleagues described them as dedicated, skilled, and deeply committed to keeping others safe in the mountains they loved.

“This tragedy reminds us how powerful and unpredictable nature can be,” one community member shared. “And it reminds us of the courage and care that guides bring to their work every day.”

Remembering the Lives Lost

As families begin the long process of grieving, many are choosing to remember the victims not for how they died, but for how they lived—full lives marked by friendship, adventure, and a profound connection to the outdoors.

Authorities say the investigation will continue in the coming weeks, but for now, the focus remains on honoring those who were lost and supporting the families left behind.

The mountain is quiet again. But the impact of February 17 will be felt for years to come.