Ten backcountry skiers are unaccounted for after an avalanche struck near Lake Tahoe on Tuesday while heavy snow fell in the area.

The group of skiers, which included four guides and 12 clients, were in the Sierra Nevada’s Castle Peak area near Truckee, California when the avalanche erupted at around 11.30am, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced.

At least six skiers survived, but were awaiting rescue on Tuesday afternoon as authorities told them to shelter in place.

Nearly 50 first responders are now scouring the area to reach the survivors. A SnoCat team was also launched to help find the survivors.

But the sheriff’s office said conditions remain ‘highly dangerous’ with an avalanche warning remaining in effect through Wednesday.

Ten backcountry skiers are unaccounted for following an avalanche near Lake Tahoe. The area is seen under white-out conditions

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.