Living in Truckee, I have received a number of emails and texts about the Castle Peak avalanche tragedy, so I am kind of giving an update from my perspective. (And, yes, I am fine and was hunkered down at home with Southside through the storm.)

It is all very fresh and emotional for many. Sorry. Confusion. Anger. Frustration. The list goes on. Why? and How? are questions I can’t answer, and I am not sure will ever fully be. 

This was not a bunch of irresponsible women who aimlessly headed out into the backcountry, but an apparently responsible group of HUMAN friends, each with their own families, that hired four guides from a very well-known backcountry guiding company. 

But being or having guides doesn’t make ignoring or minimizing the storm and avalanche warnings that, trust me on this, were ubiquitous and repetitive, starting at least as early as Saturday, before they headed out (though maybe they weren’t as aware as I was, as they lived 3+ hours away in the Bay Area and beyond), especially since the Castle Peak area is known for having avalanches. 

I have my personal feelings and questions, though I do not believe personally know any of the victims or survivors. But, as the families and others involved have repeatedly requested, I am not going to publicly speculate or opine beyond that. Although this is “tourist season”, Truckee is a pretty small community, so this tragedy really hits home. OK?

So far, the most reasoned and unemotional article I have read is this one. No opinions or conclusions. Just background: As Inquiries Begin in Avalanche Deaths, a Question Emerges: Was Anyone at Fault?

Thank you for all of your concern!