UPDATE: The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reports a fatality due to an avalanche that happened Monday near Truckee. The victim has been identified as Chris Scott Thomason, 42, of Bend, Oregon. The following is an updated news release from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.
Approximately 45 emergency responders were called Monday to an avalanche in the vicinity of Johnson Peak and Castle Peak in Truckee, Calif.
Search efforts concluded last night on the evening of Jan. 5. All remaining individuals known to be in the area are accounted for and are safe. There are no other victims or outstanding persons.
This incident began when a group of five experienced snowmobilers set off for the day from the Johnson Canyon area (originally reported as Johnson Peak) and made their way successfully to Castle Peak. The group of five friends were all well-prepared for backcountry exploration, wearing appropriate protective equipment, including avalanche beacons/transceivers. Two individuals in the group are locals and know the area well (one is also CPR certified). The three others, including the victim, were visiting from Bend, OR (with another individual CPR certified).
On the group’s return from Castle Peak, an avalanche was triggered on the backside of the mountain, burying the victim, identified as Chris Scott Thomason, 42, of Bend, OR. The group immediately tracked Thomason’s beacon and began digging him out. After successfully retrieving him and beginning CPR, another group of three individuals, not affiliated with the group, came across the scene. One of these individuals happened to be an off-duty Truckee Fire medic who immediately began leading emergency efforts and CPR.
Despite the group taking several safety precautions and Thomason receiving high-level CPR, he sadly did not survive the incident.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the nearly 50 individuals who helped aid this rescue mission and to the four friends and three Good Samaritans who worked together against all odds.
The following is a good source of information for avalanche awareness and emergency preparedness: https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/
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Approximately 45 emergency responders and counting responded Monday to an avalanche in the vicinity of Johnson Peak and Castle Peak in Truckee, Calif.
The original 911 call was received by the Nevada County Regional Dispatch Center at 2:19 p.m. as a transfer call from Washoe County’s 911 center, reporting a possible avalanche that unfolded among a group of snowmobilers with one unaccounted. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched in partnership with Truckee Fire and North Truckee Fire. A mutual aid request for emergency helicopter support was unavailable.
At the time of the call, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue (NCSSAR) team was already on an active call for a Placer County Sheriff’s Office missing person’s case but transitioned to the avalanche based on possible level of severity. Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue also immediately responded. A total of three SnoCats were deployed, along with three snowmobile teams and several ski teams.
As events unfolded, it was learned the one snowmobiler initially reported missing was found buried under the snow several minutes later. He was recovered by fellow recreationists and despite lifesaving efforts, he did not survive. His identity is pending next of kin notification.
The scene remains active as emergency personnel work to safely extract the victim and confirm there are no other victims. Further avalanche activity remains possible; recreationists should avoid the area. An update will be provided when possible.
The Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones impacted by this tragic incident.
