Climate-driven snow drought set stage for deadly California avalanche, experts say

Key Highlights

• Eight skiers have died, and one is missing following an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada.
• A snow drought preceding the avalanche created unstable conditions.
• New snow fell on an earlier hardened layer, triggering the avalanche.
• The incident occurred near Lake Tahoe on February 18, 2026.
• Avalanches are common in this region, according to the National Avalanche Center.