Tahoe avalanche rescuers may need explosives to recover bodies of eight dead skiers

Rescuers are currently weighing the idea of setting off explosives in order to trigger additional avalanches on the mountain where at least eight skiers were killed.

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has been unable to recover the bodies of the dead skiers since the horrific avalanche Tuesday. In order to make conditions safer for rescuers, officials will now take to the air to decide whether or not they can manually trigger avalanches with explosives.

Rescuers are currently weighing the idea of setting off explosives in order to trigger additional avalanches on the mountain where at least eight skiers were killed. Josh Edelson for CA Post

“The objective of the aerial surveys is to visually assess the conditions of the avalanche scene and snowpack as well as to make determinations if controlled avalanche mitigation may be possible at some point. Controlled avalanche mitigation consists of pre-planned explosive deployment to intentionally release unstable snowpack,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.

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“These proactive measures are designed to reduce the risk of naturally occurring avalanches and enhance first responder safety within the affected area, so they may recover victims with lower risk.”

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has been unable to recover the bodies of the dead skiers since the horrific avalanche Tuesday. Josh Edelson for CA Post

The recovery process has been delayed by inclement weather and the fear of additional avalanches in the area. While eight skiers are confirmed dead, there’s at least one more missing and presumed dead.

If a decision is made to deploy the explosives, officials say they’ll first inform the public. The Tahoe National Forest announced a closure of the Castle Peak area from Feb. 20 to March 15.