Cal/OSHA Fines Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 Over Avalanche That Killed 9
Updated
Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Aug 21
Cal/OSHA Fines Blackbird Mountain Guides $151,300 Over Avalanche That Killed 9
3 articles · Updated · KCRA Sacramento · Aug 21
Summary
$151,300 in Cal/OSHA fines hit Blackbird Mountain Guides over a February backcountry trip near Frog Lake that ended in California's deadliest recorded avalanche, killing six clients and three guides.
$81,000 of the penalties stem from a willful-serious citation alleging the company failed to correct the imminent hazard of traveling in avalanche terrain while danger was rated high and storm warnings were in effect.
Five other citations allege Blackbird failed to assess avalanche hazards, train employees, evaluate protective equipment needs, maintain an injury-prevention program and promptly report the three worker deaths; a heat-plan deficiency drew a $500 fine.
Blackbird said it will appeal, arguing the citations ignore the realities of mountain guiding in fast-changing wilderness conditions even as it says it is cooperating with ongoing investigations.
An independent report released earlier this month said unusual conditions, including an inaccessible creek, also complicated the group's route in the Castle Peak area near Truckee.