Eight skiers have been found dead following an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains northeast of Sacramento, California, with one individual still missing. The incident occurred late Tuesday morning at Castle Peak when a 15-person group was swept away by the snowslide. Six skiers were rescued with injuries, two of whom required hospitalization. Extreme weather conditions, including a severe winter storm bringing thunderstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall, hampered the multi-hour rescue operation involving over 50 personnel. The group was on a three-day tour through rugged terrain, and authorities are investigating the decision to proceed with the excursion despite forecasts of inclement weather. The victims, including three guides, were discovered close together, comprising seven women and two men aged 30 to 55. This marks the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. since 1981.