California Fines Backcountry Guide Company $151,300 After Deadly Avalanche
California workplace safety officials have fined a backcountry guide company, Blackbird Mountain Guides, $151,300 following the state's deadliest modern avalanche in February, which killed nine people. The company is appealing the fines, asserting it was in compliance with all regulations.
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 21, 2026 —
California workplace safety regulators have issued a fine of $151,300 to Blackbird Mountain Guides, a backcountry guide company. The penalty follows the state’s deadliest modern avalanche in February, an incident that resulted in the deaths of nine people.
The fines were levied by California’s workplace safety officials. The avalanche occurred in February, leading to the fatalities. Details regarding the specific location of the avalanche and the circumstances surrounding the incident were not provided in the summary.
Blackbird Mountain Guides is reportedly appealing the imposed fines. The company asserts that it was in compliance with all applicable regulations prior to the avalanche. The outcome of the appeal process was not detailed in the provided information.
The summary did not specify the names of the individuals who died in the avalanche, nor did it provide further details on the operational status of Blackbird Mountain Guides following the incident. Information regarding any inspections conducted by workplace safety officials or specific code violations cited was also not included.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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