![\"A](\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-2262187195.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe California workplace safety agency alleges Blackbird Mountain Guides failed to properly train employees and evaluate avalanche hazards before a February slide killed nine people in the backcountry.<\/p>\n
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A aerial view of a snow-covered road by the Castle Peak Trailhead near Soda Springs, Calif on February 20, 2026 (Photo: Stephen Lam\/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Published August 24, 2026 05:16PM<\/p>\n
On February 17, a devastating backcountry avalanche<\/a> killed three guides and six clients near Truckee, California. On August 12, the State of California slapped the guiding company that oversaw the trip with $151,000 in fines.<\/p>\n The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal\/OSHA) said that Blackbird Mountain Guides (BMG) violated seven workplace rules,\u00a0including failure to identify an avalanche and properly train staff.<\/p>\n Cal\/OSHA sent Outside a copy of its investigation. The list of citations in the document includes:<\/p>\n Correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was rated high ($81,000) In a statement published on its website, BMG said it would appeal the citations, arguing that the company complied with required safety standards.<\/p>\n \u201cThe citations do not reflect the reality of our profession or the safety program we have built,\u201d BMG wrote in a statement<\/a>. \u201cWe believe Blackbird operated in full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and consistent with the established safety frameworks of the broader professional mountain guiding industry.<\/p>\n A legal expert not involved in the case told Outside these citations are among the most serious investigators can issue.<\/p>\n \u201dA willful citation is Cal\/OSHA\u2019s most serious classification,\u201d John Roach<\/a>, a San Francisco-based attorney specializing in personal injury who has been following the case, told Outside.<\/p>\n The largest single penalty, $81,000, is based on a combination of two violations that Cal\/OSHA describes as \u201cwillful-serious.\u201d Cal\/OSHA uses this distinction\u00a0for cases in which an employer knew about a hazard that could reasonably kill or seriously injure someone, and didn\u2019t reasonably address it.<\/p>\n According to Cal\/OSHA\u2019s\u00a0report<\/a>, BMG guides entered avalanche terrain when danger was considerable<\/a>. On the morning of the avalanche, Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning<\/a> and rated the avalanche danger as high, the second-highest rating available. The report also determined that BMG guides entered a high-risk avalanche area to provide aid, despite local law enforcement\u2019s recommendation against it.<\/p>\n This is not the first time Cal\/OSHA has levied fines after an avalanche. On August 10, 2026, the agency fined Mammoth Mountain ski resort $126,000 for a fatal 2025 avalanche that killed ski patroller Cole Murphy. Mammoth Mountain is currently appealing that report.<\/p>\n A Different Report Clears BMG<\/p>\n In its statement<\/a>, BMG said it is appealing all seven charges, arguing that mountain guiding happens in \u201cdynamic wilderness environments where conditions change minute to minute.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAdequately identify and assess avalanche hazards ($16,200)
\nProvide effective employee training ($16,200)
\nAssess the need for protective equipment ($16,200)
\nEstablish and maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program ($16,200)
\nReport the three employee fatalities to Cal\/OSHA within the required timeframe ($5,000), and
\nDeficiencies in the employer\u2019s Heat Illness Prevention Plan ($500)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-2262590067.jpg\"\/)
Attendees raise their candles during a vigil for the nine Castle Peak avalanche victims in Truckee, California (Photo: San Francisco Chronicle\/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images)
\nA Serious Distinction<\/p>\n