California Company Faces Penalties After Deadly Avalanche
In a significant development following California’s deadliest avalanche in recent history, Cal/OSHA has issued citations to Blackbird Mountain Guides. The company, based in Truckee, is facing $151,300 in proposed penalties for seven alleged safety violations connected to the tragic event on February 17 that claimed nine lives.
The citations include a “willful” violation, accusing the company of exposing guides to avalanche terrains amidst high danger ratings. This marks the first formal fault finding against Blackbird since the tragic incident near Perry’s Peak in the Sierra Nevada backcountry, which involved three guides and six clients.
Blackbird Mountain Guides, disputing the citations, has filed an appeal. The company claims the accusations do not accurately represent their safety efforts, stating, “We believe Blackbird operated in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.” They emphasized the unpredictable nature of mountain guiding in “dynamic wilderness environments.”
Focus on Safety Violations
Cal/OSHA’s focus is on workplace safety, specifically concerning the deceased Blackbird guides. The most severe violation, with an $81,000 penalty, is classified as “willful-serious accident related.” It highlights the company’s failure to keep a written injury and illness prevention program. Investigators noted that the guides were not removed from hazardous areas during heightened avalanche risks.
Another significant violation, carrying a $16,200 penalty, involved the lack of effective procedures when the Sierra Avalanche Center elevated the danger rating to “high.” The agency noted that Blackbird’s guides did not adequately fill out hazard and risk forms on the day of the avalanche.
Additional Serious Violations
Cal/OSHA identified three “serious” violations, each with a $16,200 fine. These include the failure to assess the need for protective equipment, such as avalanche airbags and Avalungs, and inadequate training for guides on risk management and emergency response. The agency also noted deficiencies in Blackbird’s written safety plan.
Blackbird was further penalized for not reporting the deaths of the guides within the legally required timeframe and for lacking a heat illness prevention plan for outdoor employees.
Ongoing Investigations and Past Incidents
While Blackbird’s violations have been marked as “corrected,” investigations continue. Cal/OSHA’s Bureau of Investigations is considering potential criminal charges, and the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has forwarded its case to the District Attorney for review.
This case follows another incident where Cal/OSHA fined Mammoth Mountain Ski Area $126,000 for violations related to a December 2025 avalanche that resulted in one death and another serious injury.
For further details, visit the full article on Capital Public Radio.
