Families on Thursday publicly identified six of the eight individuals killed in a catastrophic avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada, as recovery crews prepared to resume operations in treacherous mountain conditions. The slide, which struck near Frog Lake Huts outside Truckee, has been described as the deadliest avalanche in the United States in decades. One additional skier remains unaccounted for and is presumed dead.

In a joint statement, the families named Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar and Kate Vitt. They said the women were part of a close-knit circle of longtime friends and seasoned backcountry skiers who were experienced in navigating alpine terrain. The group’s residences included the Bay Area, Idaho and the Truckee–Tahoe region.

“We are devastated beyond words,” the families wrote. “Our current focus is on supporting our children through this unimaginable tragedy and honoring the lives of these remarkable women.” They described the victims as mothers, wives and friends united by their love of the outdoors. “They were passionate and skilled skiers who treasured their time together in the mountains.”

According to the statement, eight close friends had planned a professionally guided, two-night hut trip organized well in advance. The women were trained, prepared for backcountry travel and fully equipped with avalanche safety gear. They placed their trust in their professional guides for the journey. The trip was being led by Blackbird Mountain Guides when the avalanche struck around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Recovery efforts for the nine total victims were paused Thursday because of hazardous weather and unstable snow conditions, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies explained that the victims could not be safely extracted from the mountain, and operations are expected to continue into the weekend as conditions allow.

The families expressed deep gratitude to Nevada County Search and Rescue, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and all assisting agencies for their tireless response. “We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted,” the statement read. They also asked for privacy and space as they grieve the sudden and profound loss.