Search For Missing Tahoe Ski Instructor Underway Despite Avalanche Warning
TRUCKEE (CBS SF) -- The search for a 23-year-old Tahoe ski instructor continued Friday at Sugar Bowl ski resort in the Sierra Nevada Mountains amid an avalanche warning in that area.
Ski instructor Carson May was last seen skiing at the resort near Donner Lake on Thursday. The Placer County Sheriff's Office investigators said a search for May was initiated Friday with the assistance of the Tahoe Nordic Team when May failed to return home from the resort Thursday night and was reported missing by friends Friday morning.
Authorities said May did not show up for his ride home Thursday and by Friday morning it was clear that he never made it home and that his belongings were still in his locker at the resort.
Despite an avalanche warning in effect in the mountains around Lake Tahoe, rescuers continue their search for May after the latest winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow at the upper elevations.
Skiers, snowmobiles and a Sno-cat were deployed on the mountain and, according to sheriff's deputies, rescuers have narrowed their search to the backside of the resort. The resort's ski patrol unit is also searching for May.
Authorities say May was last seen wearing a blue Colombia jacket, bright green pants and a blue helmet.
The search for May coincides with an avalanche warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area issued by the National Weather Service Friday morning. The warning remains in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service reported that the most recent snowstorm dropped about a foot of snow at most Tahoe resorts and that up to 6 inches of new snow is forecast in the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe on Friday night and Saturday.
By Hannah Albarazi - Follow her on Twitter