Lake Tahoe avalanche: How six survivors used iPhone SOS to alert rescuers after deadly Green Mountain slide

Fifteen guided backcountry skiers were hit by a powerful avalanche near Lake Tahoe, killing eight people and six survivors who were rescued after hours in freezing conditions, authorities said. One person is still missing.The avalanche struck late Tuesday morning in the Green Mountains area of ​​Tahoe National Forest as the group was wrapping up a three-day ski expedition led by Blackbird Mountain Guides.According to officials with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, one skier yelled “Avalanche!” Moments later, a massive wall of snow came down the slope and engulfed the group.Authorities received an emergency alert around 11:30 a.m. local time. Rescue workers later confirmed that eight people had died in the landslide, six had survived and one was missing.The avalanche occurred in a remote and rugged area of ​​the Sierra Nevada Mountains during a severe winter storm, making rescue operations extremely difficult.

Survivor uses iPhone SOS and avalanche beacon to call rescuers

Officials said six survivors managed to survive freezing temperatures for several hours by using emergency gear and building makeshift shelters with tarps.Crucially, the organization uses avalanche beacon devices and the iPhone SOS emergency feature to alert rescuers and stay connected while waiting for help. At least one tour guide was able to send text messages to authorities that helped pinpoint their location.Rescue teams reached the survivors shortly after 5:30 p.m., more than six hours after the avalanche struck. A snowcat was used to transport them safely out of the area. The two survivors suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospital.

Survivors endured for hours with victims

When rescuers arrived, the survivors had found three of their companions dead in the snow. Officials said the survivors ranged in age from 30 to 55 and included a guide.Authorities say the avalanche zone is extremely dangerous, with deep snow, unstable terrain and bad weather hampering search efforts.

Avalanche risk is high during storm conditions

Experts say the area’s avalanche danger level is level 4 out of 5 and is considered “high risk” due to heavy snowfall and unstable snowpack. Investigators believe a weak layer beneath fresh snow collapsed, triggering the deadly slide.Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims, saying their families are still being notified.The search for the missing skier continues, but authorities have warned that deteriorating weather and dangerous terrain could further complicate efforts.