NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. – The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) conducted aerial flights today of the Castle Peak avalanche scene. The objective of the aerial surveys is to visually assess the conditions of the avalanche scene and snowpack, to determine if controlled avalanche mitigation may be possible at some point.
Controlled avalanche mitigation consists of pre-planned explosive deployment to intentionally release unstable snowpack. These proactive measures are designed to reduce the risk of naturally occurring avalanches and enhance first responder safety within the affected area, so they may recover victims with lower risk.
The eight known decedents remain on the mountain at this time, with an additional victim unaccounted for, but also presumed deceased. Adverse weather, coupled with ongoing avalanche danger, has hindered the recovery process.
Should it be determined that avalanche mitigation is possible, the public will be notified before any activity commences. Tahoe National Forest issued a public safety closure of the Castle Peak area from Feb. 20 to March 15, if needed. Unauthorized individuals must stay out of the area for their safety and the safety of first responders. Unauthorized individuals who enter the area may negatively impact the recovery operations to safely retrieve loved ones.
Today’s avalanche mitigation efforts were conducted in partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric using two helicopters. The mitigation work relied exclusively on water to promote safer snow conditions.
Partners today include California Highway Patrol Air Operations; Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue; Placer County Sheriff’s Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue; Care Flight, a service of REMSA Health; Sierra Avalanche Center; and Pacific Gas & Electric.
Using water to manage snow and create safer, more navigable conditions is a proven technique, particularly in areas with heavy snowfall. It works primarily by using the thermal capacity of water—often groundwater or geothermal sources—to melt snow on contact, prevent ice formation, or manage snow density. By doing this, they are creating a safer area for teams to locate the bodies.