Crews found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near California's Lake Tahoe and were searching for one more after they were caught in an avalanche, the nation's deadliest in nearly half a century,

One person remains missing . Dozens of first responders searched the Lake Tahoe area, which has seen heavy snowfall.

Rescuers trekked hours in whiteout conditions to reach the group and transported six skiers off the mountain on Tuesday evening. Two of those rescued were hospitalized, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office.

A group of 15 backcountry skiers was reportedly involved in the incident, the sheriff's office says. Nine remain unaccounted for.

Six others from the group have already been rescued after they became stranded on Tuesday, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office says.

Search teams are looking for nine backcountry skiers buried by a major avalanche in Northern California after the area saw several feet of snow along with gale-force winds.

Crews have pushed through mountainous wilderness in California near Lake Tahoe during a snowstorm to rescue six backcountry skiers who survived an avalanche but were trapped by its snow and

Authorities say six backcountry skiers were found alive and 10 others were still missing Tuesday after an avalanche in Northern California.