
A major search and rescue operation is underway in California to find 10 missing skiers after an avalanche hit Castle Peak, a mountain in the Sierra Nevada range in the northern part of the state that has been hit by multiple storms in recent days, authorities said.
A group of 16 skiers, including four guides, were swept away by the avalanche, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.
"At least six skiers survived ... and are still at the scene, awaiting rescue, while the other ten are missing," the Office said.
"Rescue operations continue with 46 emergency services members" involved, but "weather conditions continue to be extremely hazardous," the statement continued.
An emergency avalanche warning is in effect to notify skiers that there is a high risk these days.
California has been hit by a storm since Sunday that caused heavy rainfall in Los Angeles, in the south, and heavy snowfall in the mountains, in its northern part.