Massive avalanche sweeps away skiers in California

California emergency services are conducting a frantic search operation after a massive avalanche swept away more than a dozen skiers at an unspecified mountain resort in the state on an unspecified date, with rescue teams working against time to locate survivors in the dangerous snow-covered terrain. The avalanche has triggered a large-scale response involving local authorities, ski patrol teams, and potentially specialized avalanche rescue units, as reported by CBS News correspondent Matt Gutman who is covering the developing story. Rescue teams face significant challenges navigating through unstable snow conditions and treacherous terrain as they work to determine the exact number of people affected and their current status. While California's ski areas are not as avalanche-prone as more mountainous regions, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with winter sports in mountainous environments, particularly following periods of heavy snowfall or rapid temperature changes that can destabilize snowpacks.