Six skiers rescued, nine missing following avalanche near Lake Tahoe

NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA) - An avalanche near Lake Tahoe has triggered a massive search and rescue effort, with several skiers rescued and others still missing in dangerous backcountry conditions.

The avalanche struck Tuesday morning in the Castle Peak area, near Truckee, as heavy snow pounded the sierra.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) now says 15 people, four guides and eleven clients, were on the trip when the slide hit.

Six skiers initially reported missing have since been rescued with varying injuries, according to NCSO. Rescuers faced extreme weather, taking hours to safely reach the group.

All six were evaluated by Truckee Fire Protection District, and two were taken to a hospital for further treatment.

Nine skiers remain unaccounted for, and nearly 50 first responders are involved in the ongoing operation near Lake Tahoe.

Officials say the search will continue as weather conditions allow.