India, Feb. 19 -- The bodies of eight skiers were found dead after a powerful avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California on Tuesday. One person remains missing, authorities said during a Wednesday press conference.

According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, a group member shouted "avalanche!" before the snow came down quickly and overwhelmed them.

Six other skiers survived by building a temporary shelter with a tarp near the area where the victims were later found.

Shannan Moon said it took time for rescue teams to bring their equipment to the area and reach the remote backcountry location. Officials used the iPhone SOS feature to stay in contact with the six survivors while crews made their way to them. Avalanche beacon devices wer...