An avalanche struck a group of backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe during a powerful winter storm. Rescuers saved six skiers and nine are still missing. 

According to AP, the 15-member group was touring near Castle Peak when the snow slide hit. Authorities received a 911 call reporting people buried under snow. Teams from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office pushed through deep snow and dangerous conditions to reach the site. Two of the rescued skiers were taken to hospital.

The expedition was led by Blackbird Mountain Guides. Emergency beacons helped crews to locate survivors. Heavy snowfall and strong winds had triggered avalanche warnings across the Sierra Nevada.