Avalanche near Lake Tahoe claims nine lives weeks after deadly Sierra Nevada slide

NEVADA CITY, Ca. (CNN) -- Just six weeks after Bend resident and snowmobiler Chris Thomason of Thomason Auto Group, was killed in an avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada, another deadly slide in nearly the same area has claimed more lives.

Authorities in Nevada County confirmed Saturday that search crews recovered the bodies of nine skiers killed in an avalanche earlier this week near Castle Peak, just outside Lake Tahoe.

Sheriff Shannan Moon of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said all nine victims have now been located and returned to their families.

“Nine victims have been safely recovered for their families and their loved ones,” Moon said. “While we wish we could have saved them all, we are grateful that we can bring them home.”

Searchers located five of the victims Friday night, but dangerous weather slowed further recovery efforts. Crews were able to reach the remaining four bodies Saturday after conditions improved.

Officials said the group included six women and three guides. Six others survived the avalanche.

The latest tragedy has added to a somber winter season for outdoor enthusiasts in the Sierra Nevada, where avalanche danger remains high after a series of powerful storms.