California’s First Deadly Avalanche of the Season Strikes Near Tahoe
A tragic avalanche near Luther Pass claimed the life of Frederic Dross of South Lake Tahoe on Monday, February 17.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) Search and Rescue team responded to the scene after Dross was reported overdue. His wife found his car parked on SR-89, prompting friends to search the Powderhouse Peak area, where they discovered his body. Due to unsafe conditions, retrieval efforts were postponed until Tuesday morning.
The Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC) had issued warnings about dangerous avalanche conditions, calling the current situation a “complex avalanche scenario.” A persistent slab avalanche was reported Monday at the 8,800-foot level on Powderhouse Peak, where unstable snow layers continue to pose risks.
SAC emphasized that while some areas are stabilizing, large persistent slab avalanches remain possible and could break wider than expected. Warmer temperatures could also contribute to wet snow hazards.
Dross’ family has set up a GoFundMe to support expenses related to the tragedy. More information can be found at this link.
