{
  "id": 2434430,
  "title": "Backcountry guide company faces $150K in fines after California’s deadliest modern avalanche",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/backcountry-guide-company-faces-150k-in-fines-after-californias",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T21:11:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/08/21/backcountry-guide-company-faces-150k-in-fines-after-californias-deadliest-modern-avalanche"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "San Francisco (AP) — California workplace safety officials have imposed a $150,300 fine on Blackbird Mountain Guides following a deadly avalanche that claimed nine lives during a backcountry skiing excursion in February. The guide company, which led 15 skiers on a three-day trek into the Sierra Nevada wilderness, was cited for seven alleged violations by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The largest fine, $81,000, was for the company's failure to address the high avalanche danger. Blackbird Mountain Guides, owners of which include experienced backcountry skiers and American Mountain Guides Association-certified professionals, has filed an appeal and maintains it was fully compliant with regulations. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Department is conducting a criminal investigation, and the case may lead to criminal charges.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Blackbird Mountain Guides fined $150,300 by Cal/OSHA",
    "Nine killed in February avalanche in Sierra Nevada",
    "Company appeals fine, claims compliance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}