Tragedy in the Backcountry
Truckee/North Tahoe This Week: Feb 23 - Mar 1
Hi friends - the past couple weeks have been heavy in our community. Between the tragedy at Castle Peak, multiple in-bounds fatalities at Northstar and Heavenly, and recent incidents at Safeway and Save Mart, many are feeling it, myself included.
My colleague Kathleen wrote a thoughtful piece on ways we can support one another during times like this.
The Town of Truckee and community partners are also offering connection and grief-support resources for those who need them.
This Week at a Glance
Castle Peak avalanche recovery complete – All victims from the Feb. 17 avalanche near Castle Peak have now been recovered. Community vigils and grief-support resources are ongoing. Community vigils and grief-support resources are ongoing. Read more: Sierra Sun
Rain returns Tuesday – A warmer storm system arrives late Monday night. Expect valley rain Tuesday, snow levels rising above 7,500 ft, and gusts up to 30 mph. Forecast: NOAA
Snowfest kicks off - The annual North Lake Tahoe Snowfest kicks off this week, with events running Feb 26 - Mar 8. View more: SNOWFEST!
The Olympics wrapped up – Scroll down for final results from our local athletes in Milan/Cortina.
Keep reading for more!
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Weather Outlook
Last week certainly delivered. 111” fell at the Snow Lab, the third snowiest 5 day period on record.
A quiet start to this week gives way to a warmer system late Monday night.
Tuesday: Rain in town. Snow levels above 7,500 ft. Southwest winds 15–20 mph, gusting near 30 mph. Around 0.25–0.50” of precipitation possible.
Wednesday: Clearing by morning with partly sunny skies returning.
Highs near 50°F Monday, mid-40s Tuesday, then warming into the 50s by week’s end.
In short: not a powder day - more of a rain and wind event.
Full forecast: NOAA
Local News & Community Updates
Castle Peak Avalanche
Search and rescue teams have completed recovery operations following the Feb. 17 avalanche near Castle Peak. The tragedy has deeply impacted the Truckee ski and backcountry community. Local officials have announced vigil gatherings and ongoing grief-support opportunities.
Backcountry users are urged to monitor avalanche forecasts and respect current area closures. The Sierra Avalanche Center forecast remains Considerable (Level 3) as of Monday morning, with danger expected to rise Tuesday.
The U.S. Forest Service closed the Castle Peak area during recovery efforts. Reopening status remains unclear. Check official Forest Service updates before heading out.
Full coverage:
Northstar Incident
An off-duty Northstar employee was found deceased last Thursday morning after being reported missing the night prior. Authorities are continuing to investigate.
More info:
Community Leadership Update
Town leadership continues focusing on housing, wildfire mitigation, public safety, and transportation initiatives heading into 2026.
Mayor’s message:
Tahoe SNOWFEST Kicks Off
One of North Lake Tahoe’s biggest winter traditions is back. SNOWFEST brings parades, snow sculpture contests, live music, fireworks, polar plunges, races, and dozens of community events across Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach, and beyond.
Now in its 40+ year tradition, SNOWFEST blends classic mountain-town energy with family-friendly programming and local fundraisers. Expect everything from quirky costume races to pancake breakfasts to late-night concerts.
Full schedule available at tahoesnowfest.org.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Feb 24
Alibi Trivia Night – Benefits Mountain Area Preservation. 6–8pm, Alibi Truckee.
Wednesday, Feb 25
Trivia Night at Tremigo – 7:30–9:30pm, Tremigo, Palisades Tahoe.
Boots ‘n’ Besties Line Dance Night – 8–10pm, Alibi Truckee. $10 cover.
Thursday, Feb 26
Garwoods SNOWFEST Kick-Off Party with Blues Monsters – 5–9pm.
Truckee Chamber February Networking Mixer – 5–7pm, Wagon Train (registration required).
Midlife Wellness Monthly Gathering – 5:30–6:45pm, Lift Community Workspace.
Friday, Feb 27
Nordic Nights (SNOWFEST event) – 5–7pm, North Tahoe Regional Park.
SNOWFEST Fireworks with the NOMADS – Live music 5:30pm, fireworks at dark, Tahoe City Winter Sports Park.
Saturday, Feb 28
KT Bass Bar Music Series – DJ Joey Sik, 2–6pm, Palisades Tahoe.
Sunday, Mar 1
The Great Ski Race – Fundraiser for Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue. 8:30am, Tahoe XC.
Ski Report
With warming temperatures and rain expected Tuesday, anticipate mixed in-bounds conditions this week.
Parking reservations at Palisades and Northstar are required before 1pm on weekends and holidays.
Local Highlight
Noah Gaffney skis The Fingers – Watch Noah drop into one of Palisades Tahoe’s most iconic lines with speed and precision. A reminder that even in heavy weeks, the mountains still offer moments of flow and perspective.
Avalanche Safety Reminder
Danger is rated Considerable (Level 3) today at all elevations and is expected to rise to High (Level 4) Tuesday with a significant rain-on-snow event and strong southwest winds.
Wind slabs, lingering deep weak layers, and warming temperatures are creating unstable conditions, especially on NW–N–NE aspects.
Backcountry travel is not recommended in avalanche terrain, particularly where recent avalanches, cracking, or collapsing have been observed.
Remember to:
Check the daily Sierra Avalanche Center forecast
Carry beacon, shovel, and probe
Make conservative terrain choices
Respect closures and advisories
Daily bulletin:
Local Olympics Watch
The 2026 Milan/Cortina Games have officially wrapped. Final results from our local athletes:
Hahna Norman – 25th in Snowboard Slopestyle
AJ Hurt – 19th in Slalom
Nina O’Brien – DNF in Slalom
Abby Winterberger (Truckee resident, Olympic Valley Freestyle Team) – 15th in Women’s Ski Halfpipe and the youngest U.S. Olympian at this year’s Games
Community Reminders
Palisades and Northstar parking reservations required before 1pm on weekends and holidays
Rain and wind expected Tuesday
Grief-support resources available through the Town of Truckee
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Stay safe, stay connected, and we’ll see you out there.