California Avalanche Victims Identified as Six Mothers

At least nine people were killed in a tragic avalanche on February 17 near Lake Tahoe, California, with six victims identified as outdoor-loving mothers: Kate Vitt, Carrie Atkin, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and sisters Caroline Sekar and Liz Clabaugh. The women were experienced backcountry skiers, and the incident marked California’s deadliest avalanche. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with a closure of National Forest lands around Castle Peak to ensure safety for first responders. Families expressed their heartbreak and gratitude for community support during this devastating time.