Boston College graduate Kate Vitt among eight dead after guided backcountry avalanche near Lake Tahoe

A fatal slide during a guided trek in the Castle Peak area

A Boston College alumna, Kate Vitt, was among the skiers killed in a large avalanche that struck the Castle Peak backcountry north of Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Vitt graduated from Boston College in 2004 with an English degree, the university confirmed.

The avalanche occurred during the final day of a multi-day guided backcountry skiing trip in the Tahoe National Forest, as a group traveled out from the remote Frog Lake hut area. Authorities said the party included 15 people: 11 clients and four guides. Six people survived and were rescued; eight were confirmed dead. A ninth person remained missing and was presumed dead amid difficult recovery conditions.

Victims identified as experienced skiers and close friends

Family statements identified six of the deceased as longtime friends who regularly skied together: Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and Caroline Sekar. The women were described by their families as experienced backcountry skiers who carried standard avalanche safety equipment.

Public reporting also identified ties between multiple victims and the Sugar Bowl ski community in the Tahoe region, a connection that local schools and community organizations acknowledged as they began providing support to affected families.

Weather and avalanche conditions complicated rescue and recovery

Rescuers faced blizzard conditions, high winds, and continuing avalanche danger as they responded. Officials said severe weather and poor visibility slowed both initial access and subsequent recovery operations. Portions of major mountain corridors, including Interstate 80 and other Sierra routes, were closed at times as the storm intensified.

Avalanche forecasters had warned of high danger across the central Sierra Nevada during the storm cycle, citing rapid snowfall and wind loading. Officials described the Castle Peak slide as large enough to bury people in deep debris, contributing to the high fatality count.

Investigations opened, with conclusions pending

Local authorities said the circumstances of the avalanche are under investigation, including the sequence of events surrounding the guided tour and the conditions on the slope at the time of the slide. No findings regarding fault or decision-making had been released as of Friday, February 20, 2026.

• Date of avalanche: February 17, 2026
• Location: Castle Peak area, north of Lake Tahoe, California
• Group size: 15 (11 clients, four guides)
• Outcome reported by officials: eight dead, six rescued, one missing and presumed dead

Recovery efforts continued into the weekend as officials assessed when conditions would allow safer access to the avalanche site.

Boston College officials said they were in contact with Vitt’s family as the university community mourned her death. Authorities in California urged backcountry travelers to heed avalanche warnings during ongoing storms and to avoid hazardous terrain when conditions are rated high.