Greg Michek

They were Carrie Atkin of the Truckee Tahoe area, Liz Klabaugh of Boise, Idaho, Carolyn Sekar of San Francisco, and Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, and Kate Vitt of Marin County.

The family said the eight close friends were passionate, skilled skiers who loved the outdoors and were prepared for the backcountry, equipped with avalanche safety equipment.

Governor Gavin Newsom says some of the victims were family friends.

The Nevada County Sheriff's Department says all the victims remain on the mountain as adverse weather and ongoing avalanche danger has hindered the recovery process.

For NPR News, I'm Greg Michek.

The skiers have been staying at backcountry huts and were heading back when the avalanche struck.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a warning for the area just hours earlier.

Lead forecaster Brian Schwartz says dangerous conditions are complicating rescue efforts.

Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides did not confirm it was one of their tour groups, but it said it was responding to the incident and is in contact with affected clients.

For NPR News, I'm Greg Michek.

The skiers have been staying at backcountry huts and were heading back when the avalanche struck.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a warning for the area just hours earlier.

Lead forecaster Brian Schwartz says dangerous conditions are complicating rescue efforts.

Truckee-based Blackbird Mountain Guides did not confirm it was one of their tour groups, but it said it was responding to the incident and is in contact with affected clients.

For NPR News, I'm Greg Michek.