Cecilia Lei

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It's Thursday, February 19th.

I'm Cecilia Ley, and this is Apple News Today.

This past Sunday, 15 skiers in Northern California set off into the Sierra Mountains for a backcountry trip.

In the end, only six came back alive.

Yesterday, rescue teams said that one remains missing and is presumed dead.

Sarah Wright is the outdoors engagement reporter for KQED who's been covering the story.

Meteorologists have predicted a pair of storms would bring treacherous conditions to Northern California, and up to eight feet of snow could ultimately fall.

An avalanche watch was issued on Sunday, the same day the skiers started their journey.

Then, that watch was upgraded to a warning only hours before it hit.

Wright explained the weather dynamics that led to the disaster.

Those conditions have also complicated things for first responders who use snow cats, vehicles with tank-like treads, and individuals on skis to navigate the harsh terrain.

California's Nevada County Sheriff Shannon Moon spoke about what rescuers are facing at a press conference on Wednesday.

And Placer County Sheriff Wayne Wu told reporters one of the deceased was the spouse of a rescue team member.

The group was with a tour guide company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, which specializes in high-end skiing adventures.

They said in a statement they were assisting in search and rescue efforts.

Wright said some skiing experience was a prerequisite for the tour.