Blackbird Mountain Guides faces $150K in fines over state’s deadliest avalanche
TRUCKEE, Calif. —
California workplace regulators have fined the ski guide company that led backcountry skiers on a Nevada County trip that would result in the state’s deadliest avalanche in its recorded history.
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Blackbird Mountain Guides is facing $151,300 in fines issued by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), according to a statement from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
A group of skiers, guided by BMG staff, were on a dayslong trip in the Castle Peak area when the avalanche occurred on Feb. 17 near the Frog Lake Huts. The slide left six clients and three guides dead.
Avalanche conditions were dangerously high at the time, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center, and winter storm warnings were in effect due to multiple days of strong winds, snow and whiteout conditions.
Below are the following violations BMG is now facing:
Failing to correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was rated high. $81,000 (willful-serious accident-related)Failing to adequately identify and assess avalanche hazards. $16,200 (serious accident-related)Failing to provide effective employee training. $16,200 (serious)Failing to assess the need for protective equipment. $16,200 (serious)Failing to establish and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program. $16,200 (serious)Deficiencies in the employer’s Heat Illness Prevention Plan. $500 (general)Failing to report the three employee fatalities to Cal/OSHA within the required timeframe. $5,000 (regulatory).
In a statement, BMG said it plans to appeal the fines and is cooperating with all investigations.
“The citations do not reflect the reality of our profession or the safety program we have built,” Blackbird Mountain Guides said. “We believe Blackbird operated in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and consistent with the established safety frameworks of the broader professional mountain guiding industry. Mountain guiding takes place in dynamic wilderness environments where conditions change minute to minute — it’s not a controlled setting such as construction sites. We welcome the opportunity to work with Cal/OSHA to contextualize the unique realities of operating in backcountry environments.”
A report from an independent investigation released earlier this month stated that unusual conditions posed a challenge for the group, including a creek that was inaccessible.
The nine people who died in the avalanche are:
Andrew Alissandratos, 34, from Verdi, NevadaMichael Henry, 30, from Tampa Bay, FloridaNicole “Niki” Choo, 42, from South Lake TahoeCarrie Atkin, 42, from South Lake TahoeLiz Clabaugh, 52, from Boise, IdahoDanielle Keatley, 44, from Marin CountyKate Morse, 45, from Marin CountyCaroline Sekar, 45, from San FranciscoKate Vitt, 43, from Marin County
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