Eight skiers found dead and one still missing after California avalanche

Eight skiers have been found dead, six have survived and one is still missing following an avalanche in California (Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP)

Eight skiers have been found dead and one remains missing after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe in California, officials said, in what is the deadliest avalanche in the US in more than four decades.

Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said during a news conference that authorities have told the families the mission has moved from rescue to recovery.