California workplace regulators have fined Blackbird Mountain Guides after a backcountry trip in the Sierra ended in the deadliest avalanche in the state's recorded history, as KCRA reported.
The move is putting a spotlight on what can happen when paying clients and workers are exposed to extreme danger in the wilderness.
Here's what to know
The California Department of Industrial Relations says Cal/OSHA is pursuing $151,300 in penalties against Blackbird Mountain Guides, according to the station. The proposed fines stem from a multiday trip in the Castle Peak area where an avalanche hit near the Frog Lake Huts on Feb. 17, killing six clients and three guides.
At the time of the slide, KCRA reported avalanche risk was high, according to the Sierra Avalanche Center, and winter storm warnings were still in place after several days of strong winds, snowfall, and whiteout conditions.
Blackbird pushed back on the fines in a statement.
"The citations do not reflect the reality of our profession or the safety program we have built," the company wrote.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
KCRA also cited an independent investigation commissioned by Blackbird, which said the group was facing unusual challenges, including a creek they could not access.
The report also mentioned that the group tried to avoid going on private property, where the owner had previously aggressively pursued trespassers. The document didn't conclude whether the group caused the avalanche or if it was naturally triggered.
One more aspect of the report cast doubt on whether the guides knew they were in the path of an avalanche, as the station noted. The report author came to that conclusion based on how closely the skiers were spaced.
The biggest penalty Blackbird faces is an $81,000 violation alleging the company failed "to correct the imminent hazard posed by traveling in avalanche terrain when the avalanche danger was rated high," per KCRA.
What's being done?
Blackbird said it plans to contest the citations and is cooperating with investigators and the authorities.
"Mountain guiding takes place in dynamic wilderness environments where conditions change minute to minute — it's not a controlled setting such as construction sites," the company wrote in a statement shared by the station. "We welcome the opportunity to work with Cal/OSHA to contextualize the unique realities of operating in backcountry environments."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
