US News
California regulators fine backcountry guide service $151,300 over deadly avalanche
Cal/OSHA cited Blackbird Mountain Guides for seven workplace violations following a February avalanche that killed nine people.
The short version
- Cal/OSHA issued $151,300 in penalties against Blackbird Mountain Guides after an avalanche killed three guides and six clients near Castle Peak in February.
- Regulators cited the company for seven violations, with the largest penalty assessed for traveling in avalanche terrain under high danger ratings.
- The guide company is appealing the fines, maintaining it adhered to regulations and that citations misunderstand the fluid risks of backcountry guiding.
- County prosecutors and a state workplace unit are separately evaluating whether to file criminal charges.
Key facts
- Cal/OSHA fined Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 across seven alleged workplace safety violations.[ABC News]
- The largest single citation of $81,000 was issued for failing to address the hazard of moving through avalanche terrain during high danger conditions.[ABC News]
- The February 17 avalanche killed nine members of a 15-person ski group, including three guides, making it California's deadliest modern avalanche.[ABC News]
- Additional citations against the company involve alleged shortcomings in worker training and delayed reporting of employee fatalities.[ABC News]
- Blackbird Mountain Guides filed an appeal against the citations, asserting full compliance with safety standards and highlighting its guides' certifications.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether local prosecutors will pursue criminal charges based on the completed Nevada County Sheriff's Department investigation.[ABC News]
- The outcome of a separate ongoing review into workplace fatalities by Cal/OSHA's Bureau of Investigations.[ABC News]
- The final resolution of Blackbird Mountain Guides' appeal against the state citations.[ABC News]