Blackbird Mountain Guides fined $151,300 over deadly avalanche

California workplace safety regulators have proposed $151,300 in penalties against Blackbird Mountain Guides following an investigation into a February 17, 2026, avalanche near Castle Peak that killed nine people, marking the deadliest ski or snowboard-related avalanche in U.S. history. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as CalOSHA, issued seven citations to the Truckee-based guiding company on August 12, 2026, alleging a series of safety failures leading to the deaths of three Blackbird guides and six clients.

The most significant citation, a willful-serious violation carrying a proposed penalty of $81,000, accuses the company of failing to correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain while the danger rating was high. CalOSHA stated this violation directly contributed to the deaths of the three guides. The agency defines a willful violation as one where the employer knew about a hazard and proceeded anyway. Additional serious citations, each proposing a $16,200 penalty, allege Blackbird failed to adequately assess avalanche hazards, provide effective employee training, and evaluate the need for protective equipment such as...