Coordinated recovery effort ends at Castle Peak; 9 victims identified

TRUCKEE, Calif. — After a five-day of coordinated search and recovery work in rugged winter terrain have lead authorities to confirmed all nine victims of the Castle Peak avalanche have been recovered and identified.

The avalanche struck the backcountry near Castle Peak on February 17, prompting a large-scale response led by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Recovery teams brought five victims down from the mountain Friday evening, with the remaining four recovered Saturday morning.

Officials released the names of the victims in alphabetical order:

• Andrew Alissandratos, 34, of Verdi, Nevada (Blackbird Mountain Guide)

• Carrie Atkin, 46, of Soda Springs, California

• Nicole Choo, 42, of South Lake Tahoe, California (Blackbird Mountain Guide)

• Lizabeth Clabaugh, 52, of Boise, Idaho

• Michael Henry, 30, of Soda Springs (Blackbird Mountain Guide)

• Danielle Keatley, 44, of Soda Springs and Larkspur, California

• Kate Morse, 45, of Soda Springs and Tiburon, California

• Caroline Sekar, 45, of Soda Springs and San Francisco, California

• Katherine Vitt, 43, of Greenbrae, California

Sheriff Shannan Moon described the tragedy as a profound loss felt far beyond Nevada County, extending through families, friends, and the mountain community.

The operation required extensive coordination among local, state, and federal partners. Assisting agencies included Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol Air Operations, Sierra Avalanche Center, the United States Forest Service and the California National Guard, along with numerous regional partners.

Authorities say the recovery phase of the mission is now complete.

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