Lake Tahoe avalanche explained by warm weather

Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 10:00 pm

Warm Weather Suspected in Deadly Lake Tahoe Avalanche

A devastating avalanche at Castle Peak mountain near Lake Tahoe, California, has claimed the lives of eight skiers, with one still missing and presumed dead. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, is suspected to be linked to unseasonably warm weather patterns that have gripped the western United States, including the Lake Tahoe region.

Climate scientists believe the warm temperatures may have caused a partial melt of the thin snow cover at higher elevations, creating an unstable base layer. This unstable base was then covered by a significant snowfall over the past few days, with some areas receiving up to three feet of snow in a 24-hour period and over five feet since Sunday. This sudden shift from warm and dry conditions to heavy snowfall is considered a key factor in the avalanche.

Experts from the Sierra Avalanche Center, which monitors the Tahoe-Truckee area, have been tracking the weakening snow surface and issuing warnings. The combination of an unstable base and a thick layer of fresh snow is a dangerous condition that can trigger avalanches. Six other skiers survived the avalanche but required rescue due to blizzard-like conditions.

Scientists are investigating the potential link between climate change and the increased risk of avalanches. While rising temperatures may lead to less snowfall at lower altitudes, higher elevations could experience increased snowfall due to warmer temperatures that still remain below freezing, allowing for more moisture in storms. The likelihood of warm, dry conditions preceding heavy snowfall, as seen in this instance, is believed to be increasing in California.

BNN's Perspective: The tragic events at Lake Tahoe highlight the complex interplay between weather patterns and the environment. While the exact role of climate change in this specific avalanche is still under investigation, the incident underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness in areas prone to such hazards. It also reinforces the importance of supporting scientific research to better understand and mitigate the risks associated with a changing climate.

Keywords: Lake Tahoe, avalanche, warm weather, climate change, skiers, Castle Peak, snowfall, unstable snow, Sierra Avalanche Center, Truckee, California, Nevada, weather, National Weather Service, Daniel Swain

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