Blackbird Report Finds No Blame in Lake Tahoe Avalanche That Killed 9 Skiers
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 8
Blackbird Report Finds No Blame in Lake Tahoe Avalanche That Killed 9 Skiers
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 8
Summary
A report commissioned by Blackbird Mountain Guides found no direct blame against the company in the Feb. 17 Lake Tahoe-area avalanche that killed nine skiers.
The review reconstructed the 15-member group's movements from Frog Lake Huts near Donner Pass using media accounts, GPS tracks from two members, and avalanche and weather data.
It stopped short of conclusions on mistakes and did not answer why the party left the huts during a major snowstorm rather than staying sheltered.
The avalanche's exact cause remains unknown, with the report saying it can never be determined whether the slide was naturally triggered or set off by the group's weight.
Nevada County's sheriff said Friday the case remains open and under district attorney review, while potential civil lawsuits by victims' families have not been filed.