Horse dies after barn collapse in Sierra snow: ‘A quick check could save a life’

A horse died Thursday in Nevada County after a record-breaking snowstorm pummeled the Sierra Nevada, bringing the coldest weather system of the season, according to a nonprofit.

The horse was inside a barn in Grass Valley when the structure’s roof collapsed under steady snowfall, according to Nevada County Sheriff’s HEART, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing animals.

The snowstorm led to California’s deadliest avalanche on Tuesday that buried 15 people near Castle Peak near Truckee. Authorities rescued six people, but eight bodies remain in the snow after dangerous conditions halted recovery efforts. One person remains missing and was presumed dead.

Snowfall totaled 25 inches in the Tahoe area, creating whiteout conditions and prompting authorities to urge residents to avoid travel. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport recorded 4 inches by 4 p.m. Wednesday, breaking the previous record of 3 inches set in 1971, according to the National Weather Service’s station in Reno.

Nevada County Sheriff’s HEART said the deadly weather served as an urgent reminder that snow is heavy and buildings may not withstand the weight of excessive accumulation.

Residents were urged to check barns and other buildings for sagging roofs, safely remove snow and ensure animals are in a secure location.

“A quick check could save a life,” the organization wrote. “Stay safe, and please look out for your animals and your neighbors.”

This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 8:46 PM with the headline "Horse dies after barn collapse in Sierra snow: ‘A quick check could save a life’."