A severe blizzard at the end of October lasting into November 1846 sealed their fate. In December, 15 of the 89 original party members tried to get over the pass to Sutter’s Fort.

They traveled through drifts ranging from 12 to 60 feet of snow.

Yep – 60 feet of snow.  Welcome to Lake Tahoe, the Jewel of the Sierra.

Be smart.

Check weather here before you go, and Avalanche conditions here.