The backcountry skiers hit by a huge avalanche near Lake Tahoe took the most dangerous route to escape the mountain, reports say.
The11 skiersand four guides are said to have opted for terrain that was more at risk of snow slides than longer exit paths, it was claimed.
It comes as cops and the state launched separate investigations into whether any criminal negligence was involved and whether the tour organizers were at fault.
Eight people were killedin the avalanche at Castle Peak, near Truckee, on Tuesday, with another still missing and presumed dead.
Theskiersare believed to have headed northwest from Frog Lake huts towards interstate 80 just before lunch time on Tuesday, theSan Francisco Chroniclereports.
The path is said to have a “complex” 60 degree incline and was given the second highest rating on the avalanche risk scale, the Truckee Donner Land Trust website says.
But, according to the Chronicle, there was a longer, flatter route they could have taken that was graded as the second lowest threat of snow slides.
Blackbird Mountain Guides, which organized the trip, said in a previous statement “guides in the field are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions.”
It added: “There is still a lot that we’re learning about what happened. It’s too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.”
Jim Zellers, who regularly visits the huts, warned the route they took may have been the best option given the circumstance.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
