TRUCKEE, CA (Feb. 21, 2026) – We continue to grieve the devastating loss of life from the February 17 avalanche near Castle Peak. Following the release of the names by Nevada County, we hold each individual and their loved ones in our hearts. Those who lost their lives were deeply loved family members, friends, partners, and valued members of the broader mountain community. Among them were members of our guiding team: Andrew Alissandratos, Niki Choo, and Mike Henry; skilled professionals, colleagues, and friends whose passion for the mountains shaped who we are. We also mourn the guests who lost their lives; individuals who shared a love of the outdoors and were part of this close-knit mountain community. We are heartbroken with everyone who is grieving during this profoundly difficult time.

TRUCKEE, CA (Feb. 18, 2026) – Zeb Blais, founder of Blackbird Mountain Guides, today released the following statement related to an avalanche that struck a Blackbird Mountain Guides group on Tuesday, February 17, 2026:

“This was an enormous tragedy, and the saddest event our team has ever experienced. In addition to mourning the loss of six clients, we also mourn the loss of three highly experienced members of our guide team. We are doing what we can to support the families who lost so much, and the members of our team who lost treasured friends and colleagues.

“The group involved four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides and 11 participants. They were returning to the trailhead on the last day of a three-day Hut Trip involving backcountry skiing. Five participants and one Blackbird guide survived the avalanche.

“All of the guides with the group were AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) trained or certified in backcountry skiing. Each guide was also an instructor with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), the industry standard for avalanche education, and was certified to teach.

“In addition, guides in the field are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions. There is still a lot that we’re learning about what happened. It’s too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.

“Our most important focus is on those directly impacted and supporting their needs. As such, we’ve suspended field operations at minimum through February 22, and may extend that into the next week or two.

“We ask that people following this tragedy refrain from speculating. We don’t have all the answers yet, and it may be some time before we do. In the meantime, please keep those impacted in your hearts.

“Please also join us in thanking the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Search and Rescue, Truckee Fire Protection District, California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Boreal Mountain Ski Resort, Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, Truckee Donner Land Trust, and other organizations that assisted.

"We have no further information to offer at this time."

TRUCKEE, CA — The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has informed Blackbird Mountain Guides they will be taking the lead on all direct communications and status updates from this point to ensure families rapidly receive the most current details.

The leadership team at Blackbird Mountain Guides remains fully engaged in assisting the Search and Rescue efforts on the ground as we navigate this incredibly difficult situation alongside those involved. 

TRUCKEE, CA — Blackbird Mountain Guides is currently responding to a serious backcountry incident involving an avalanche that occurred this morning, February 17, near the Frog Lake huts in the Castle Peak area.

A total of 11 clients and four guides had been staying at the Frog Lake huts since February 15. The group was in the process of returning to the trailhead at the conclusion of a three-day trip when the incident occurred.

The leadership team at Blackbird Mountain Guides is working in full coordination with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada County Search and Rescue to support the ongoing rescue operation.

Blackbird Mountain Guides is in direct contact with the emergency contacts of the affected clients and guides and is providing them with regular updates as verified information becomes available.

Media Contact: All further inquiries regarding the status of the rescue operation should be directed to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue.