Nine people died in the Castle Peak avalanche on February 17, 2026 during one of the biggest storms in the last 50yrs. This is a internationally certified guide’s breakdown of what happened, why it happened, and what you can do to prevent further deaths. We cover the snowpack, the terrain, the four route options, the human factor traps, and why the backcountry community, guides & the public, need stop-and-go guardrails like other high risk industries where lives are on the line. This video is not about blame, it’s about saving the next nine. Our deepest condolences to the families and communities affected.