California workplace safety officials have assessed fines totaling $151,300 against Blackbird Mountain Guides following a fatal avalanche incident that occurred in February. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, issued citations based on seven alleged violations discovered during its investigation of the incident.
The largest single fine, valued at $81,000, addressed what officials characterized as the company’s failure to mitigate the imminent hazard associated with traveling through avalanche terrain when danger levels were classified as high. Additional citations focused on workplace safety matters, including allegations that the company did not provide adequate training to employees and failed to promptly report the deaths of three staff members to regulatory authorities.
The incident occurred when a group of 15 backcountry skiers organized by Blackbird Mountain Guides was descending from remote huts situated at 7,600 feet in Tahoe National Forest near Castle Peak. An avalanche struck the group as they attempted to ski down the mountain during conditions marked by a powerful winter storm. The incident resulted in nine fatalities, including three guides, while six other skiers were rescued after sheltering in place during blizzard conditions.
Blackbird Mountain Guides has formally contested the citations, asserting full compliance with applicable regulations. Company leadership emphasized that the guides possessed extensive backcountry skiing experience and held certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association. The company argued that mountain guiding operations inherently differ from controlled environments and that conditions in wilderness settings change dynamically.
Parallel investigations remain underway. Cal/OSHA’s Bureau of Investigations continues reviewing the incident for potential criminal charges, while the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department has forwarded its criminal investigation findings to the district attorney’s office for consideration of possible charges. The fines were officially issued earlier this month.
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