SODA SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Rescue crews are hoping to resume their efforts on Friday to recover the bodies of eight individuals killed and one person who remains missing following a tragic avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada. These recovery efforts have been hindered by dangerous weather conditions over the past few days.

Authorities are investigating the decision to proceed with the backcountry ski trip in the midst of severe weather advisories. Ashley Quadros, a spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, indicated that the investigation will explore whether any aspect of the trip could be deemed criminal negligence. Details were not disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing.

Of the deceased, six were part of a well-knit group of friends who were experienced backcountry skiers, according to their families. The other three identified victims were guides. In a somber statement, the families described their loved ones as mothers, wives, and dedicated friends who shared a profound love for the outdoors. They emphasized that these individuals were equipped with avalanche safety gear and were adequately prepared for backcountry travel.

The six victims identified were Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, and Kate Vitt. They resided in various locations including the San Francisco Bay Area, Idaho, and the Lake Tahoe region. Families have requested privacy as they navigate their grief. Names of the other victims have yet to be released. Two members of the group survived, along with four others including a guide.

As avalanche warnings were set to expire early Friday and a forecast for drier, milder weather was expected over the weekend, the urgency for ground recovery efforts increased, as noted by the Sierra Avalanche Center. This avalanche incident stands out as the deadliest in the United States since 1981, when 11 climbers lost their lives on Mount Rainier in Washington State.

The group of 15 skiers began their three-day expedition on Sunday, coinciding with escalating storm warnings. By early Tuesday, officials specifically cautioned that avalanches were likely, raising concerns about the decision-making process of the tour guides. Investigations are underway to determine what the guides and their tour company understood regarding the avalanche warnings and why they chose to proceed with the trip.

It is not uncommon for backcountry skiers to venture out even when avalanche watches or warnings are in effect, as explained by avalanche safety experts. Blackbird Mountain Guides, which organized the trip, stated that their guides were trained or certified in backcountry skiing and were instructors with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. Zeb Blais, the founder, noted that guides maintain communication with senior staff while in the field to assess conditions and adjust routing as needed.

California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that some of his wife's "old family friends" were part of this unfortunate trip. His office refrained from providing further details regarding these connections. Expressing concern, Governor Newsom remarked how troubling it was that experienced guides were involved in this incident.

Among the deceased, Sekar and Clabaugh were sisters. McAlister Clabaugh shared details with The New York Times about their family, mentioning that Sekar was the mother of two and resided in San Francisco, while Liz Clabaugh worked for St. Luke's Health System in Idaho. Kate Vitt, who lived in San Francisco, had prior experience working at SiriusXM and Pandora. In a message to families, the Kentfield School District affirmed that Vitt's two sons were safe with their father during this profound loss. Carrie Atkin was also noted as a former corporate executive and Division I Track & Field athlete, residing with her husband and two children.

Some individuals in the group had connections to the prestigious Sugar Bowl Academy, a school renowned for training competitive skiers and snowboarders, some of whom have become Olympians. Notably, one victim was married to a member of a local backcountry search and rescue team, as mentioned by Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo.