LAKE TAHOE, Calif.—Placer County is forming a regional avalanche canine search team to help in emergencies in the North Lake Tahoe area.

Twenty dogs and their handlers are practicing at Squaw Valley Ski Resort, said sheriff’s Sgt. Dan Ingalls.

The team includes ski patrol members from Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl, Homewood and Boreal ski resorts _ along with Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and Australian shepherds and cattle dogs.

Each handler owns and trains his or her own dog.