Avalanche Tragedy: Nine Skiers Missing in Sierra Nevada

An avalanche in Sierra Nevada, California, has left nine skiers missing and six rescued with injuries. The incident occurred near Castle Peak in Truckee, raising concerns over 'high avalanche danger.' Authorities are coordinating search-and-rescue efforts amid ongoing hazardous conditions.

Nine skiers are missing following a severe avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, while six have been rescued, authorities report. The incident occurred Tuesday in the Castle Peak area of Truckee, near Lake Tahoe, involving a group originally reported to be 15 individuals.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a 'high avalanche danger' warning prior to the avalanche, which if fatal for the nine missing, could become one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Rescue operations are complicated by ongoing avalanche threats, with rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner's Alder Creek Adventure Center participating.

State authorities and California Governor Gavin Newsom are spearheading a coordinated rescue effort. Meanwhile, criticism arises over the ski tour company's decision to proceed despite adverse conditions. Hazardous weather is expected to persist, complicating search efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)