SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The third week of February was a heavy week in Lake Tahoe, following the deadly avalanche at Castle Peak and two deaths at Heavenly Ski Resort, as well as two deaths at Northstar.

It was announced on Saturday that one of the avalanche’s victims, Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, Calif. (Blackbird Mountain Guide), hailed from South Lake Tahoe.

Following these tragedies, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass released the following statement:

“Our community is mourning a profound and heavy loss today. The last two weeks have brought a succession of tragedies to the Lake Tahoe region. On behalf of the City Council and the people of South Lake Tahoe, we want to express our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those we have lost.

Yesterday, Friday, February 20, we received the heartbreaking news of two separate fatalities at Heavenly Mountain Resort. While these incidents were unrelated, their occurrence on the same day underscores the fragile nature of life, even in the places where we find our greatest joy. We are deeply grateful to the Heavenly Ski Patrol and the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District for their rapid response and the exhaustive life-saving efforts.

These losses follow what has already been an incredibly difficult week for our region. The devastating avalanche near Castle Peak, which claimed the lives of nine members of our backcountry community, has left a void in the hearts of all who call the Sierras home. This month has tested our resilience, with a total of fourteen lives lost in snow-sports-related incidents across the region since February 6. We are grateful for all the agencies involved along with their swift response and support during these difficult circumstances.

To our visitors and residents: We know that the mountains are a place of sanctuary, but they can also be unforgiving. Considering the recent heavy snow accumulations and variable conditions, I urge everyone to exercise extreme caution. Please respect all resort boundaries, stay informed on avalanche forecasts, and look out for one another on the slopes. Safety must always be first.

South Lake Tahoe is a community built on a shared love for these peaks and a commitment to one another. In the coming days, we will work closely with our regional partners and resort operators to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys our beautiful landscape.”

Mayor Cody Bass
City of South Lake Tahoe