TRUCKEE, Calif. – Blackbird Mountain Guides (BMG) has released the preliminary findings of an independent investigation into the February 17, 2026 avalanche near Castle Peak that killed six clients and three BMG guides. The independent preliminary report was prepared by Don Sharaf, an avalanche professional with 35 years of field, education, and consulting experience across the avalanche and ski guiding industries. Among the report’s findings:When the avalanche struck, the group was in low-angle, treed terrain. (Independent Preliminary Report, p25)GPS data suggests the group repeatedly attempted to reach terrain farther from the avalanche runout zone before being turned back by an unusually open, uncrossable creek. The full report and supplemental document are available at:2.17 Independent Preliminary Report & Supplemental Key Findings.