Avalanche in Tahoe National Forest Kills Oregon Snowmobiler

TRUCKEE — A 42-year-old man from Bend, Oregon, died on January 5 after being buried in an avalanche while snowmobiling near Castle Peak in the Tahoe National Forest. The incident occurred in Nevada County, near Truckee, and prompted a large-scale emergency response involving nearly 50 personnel.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported that a group of five experienced snowmobilers had successfully reached Castle Peak earlier in the day. All members were well-equipped with avalanche beacons, transceivers, and other protective gear, and two were locals familiar with the terrain. On their return trip, an avalanche triggered on the backside of the mountain, burying one rider, identified as Chris Scott Thomason.

Group members immediately used Thomason’s beacon signal to locate him and began digging him out. They initiated CPR upon recovery. Shortly afterward, three unrelated passersby arrived at the scene, including an off-duty Truckee Fire medic who took over resuscitation efforts. Despite rapid response and skilled medical aid, Thomason did not survive.

Emergency teams, including the Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, Truckee Fire, and North Truckee Fire, deployed SnoCats, snowmobiles, and ski teams to the area after a 911 call at 2:19 PM. Search efforts concluded that evening, confirming all individuals in the vicinity were accounted for and no additional victims existed.

At the Sierra County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Tahoe Forest Yuba District Ranger Tom Parrack commented on the tragedy, saying, “Just a reminder for folks if they’re out recreating that we haven’t had a ton of snow, but there are still hazards out there, and I encourage everybody to use precautions and take care of themselves.”

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office thanked responders, the victim’s companions, and the Good Samaritans for their efforts under difficult conditions. Officials continue to urge backcountry users to check avalanche forecasts and carry proper safety equipment. The Sierra Avalanche Center, at www.sierraavalanchecenter.org, offers daily advisories and educational resources for those recreating in the region.