damage

Federal disaster loans available for some nonprofits affected by January's storms

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for some California private nonprofit organizations. The federal government is offering assistance after the severe winter storms, flooding and mudslides hit the state Jan. 3-12, 2017.

The eligible nonprofits must provide essential services of a governmental nature.

Tax relief for El Dorado County property damaged in 2017 winter storms

El Dorado County property damaged in 2017 winter storms are eligible for immediate property tax relief according to El Dorado County Assessor Karl Weiland. There are provisions of the County's Revenue & Taxation code that immediately reduce the assessed value in recognition of loss caused by storm damage.

Seven Principles of Leave No Trace program; Team in South Lake Tahoe to teach and inspire

Leave No Trace is a national program that teaches and inspires people to enjoy the outdoors while also helping to protect it.

While protecting the outdoor environment and keeping it clear and free of trash and debris should be commonplace, it isn't.

The Leave No Trace team was recently in South Lake Tahoe on a vacation but stopped by South Tahoe High to talk to members of Generation Green. Many may remember the team as community members who left last year to travel the country and teach and train along the way.

Was your home damaged during recent storm?

If you experienced damage during the recent storms, now is the time to start tracking it and report to the State and Federal Government. The City of Sough Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County and the State of California all declared a State of Emergency in order to pave the way for relief funds to come to the area.

With Highway 50 closed, Sheriff tells drivers: Do not go by your GPS!

With the closure of Hwy 50 due to a mudslide, several motorists have taken to their GPS units to try to navigate around the closure. This has led to numerous parties getting stuck on roads that are closed during the winter, and in the end, has tied up valuable resources rescuing them from deep snow or impassable roads.

In the winter, the only safe alternate route when Hwy 50 is closed is to use SR88 to the South, or I80 to the North. You can take Hwy 49 in Placerville to reach either one. At this time though, both alternative routes are closed.

Douglas County declares State of Emergency

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency due to a flood and wind event that took place over the last couple of days. The flood event is supposed to continue into the duration of the weekend. The declaration has been submitted to the State of Nevada and will allow regional partners to speed up the delivery of resources required to more effectively aid in requesting additional resources, aid in recovery, and meet the needs of the community during a time of crisis.

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!!

Today is Thursday, February 9.

WINTER STORM WARNING IN AFFECT FROM 10:00AM THRU 1:00AM SATURDAY. RAIN & STRONG GUSTY WINDS REPORTED AT RESORTS WITH MOST ALL RESORTS CLOSED. CALL AHEAD…
OPEN RESORTS:
HEAVENLY: CALIFORNIA BASE SIDE OPEN UP TO TOP OF POWDER BOWL.
SIERRA AT TAHOE: LOWER FRONT SIDE LIFTS TURNING UP TO TOP OF NOB HILL
DIAMOND PEAK: LOWER LIFTS & TOWS TURNING
NORTHSTAR: STARTING WITH FRONT SIDE LIFTS
SUGAR BOWL: LOWER LIFTS TURNING

Avalanche takes out power to Fallen Leaf Lake, no reported damage

An avalanche near the Stanford Sierra Camp on the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake near Lake Tahoe took out a main power line, causing the area to be without power for much of Tuesday.

Camp officials said there was no damage. Snow came down the mountain as it does about every other year, coming to rest against one of the Stanford Camp's cabins as well as an employee restroom.

Liberty Utilities crews were called out at 10:30 a.m. February 7 to repair the power line and restore power to 25 customers. Power was back up to all by 3:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Online map provides current status of El Dorado County roads, trails and parks

El Dorado County has added a new feature on its website that provides the most up to date information available about roads, parks and trails throughout the County. Users can open a map, and by clicking on icons, can get needed information before heading out. In addition to the status of County roads, parks and trails, the map has information from inside and outside of the County from Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol.

Fatal crash south of Lake Tahoe claims life of Carson City man

11:00 a.m. update February 2 - A 30-year-old Carson City resident died in the Wednesday night three-car crash at the top of Luther Pass on SR89 near Grass Lake. The unidentified man was driving a Ford F150 northbound at about 4:29 p.m. when, for unknown reasons, drifted to the right. A witness told the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that the driver then overcorrected and went into oncoming traffic.

I-80 to close in both directions two hours tonight to repair mudslide damage

Caltrans is alerting motorists that Interstate 80 (I-80) will be closed in both directions from 11 p.m. Tuesday, January 31 to 1 a.m. Wednesday, February 1 at the following locations to allow the repair of power transmission lines damaged during the January 8 mudslide just west of the Donner Lake Interchange.

Westbound I-80 will be closed at Donner Park Road (Exit 184). Automobiles will be detoured onto Donner Pass Road and can rejoin I-80 at the Donner Lake Interchange. Trucks will be turned at Exit 184 and are encouraged to find parking in the Reno area during the closure.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: Snow removal, fire code, state of emergency and more

It’s been great seeing all of my friends and acquaintances who have lived here for less than 10 years posting photos and sharing how Snowmageddon 2017 has blown them away. I did the same when I first moved to Tahoe back in the 70’s and storms like this were not uncommon. Back then playing was more important than clearing the snow. I had a big Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup and I j drove over the snow in my driveway and packed it down. I did not own a snowblower and can’t remember shoveling much. One year the packed snow was so high I could not get the truck under the carport.

Governor's declaring state of emergency paves way for South Lake Tahoe money

After California suffered through two weeks of storms, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Monday, paving the way for cities and counties to get reimbursed for storm damage.

The City of South Lake Tahoe declared a state of emergency at their City Council meeting last week and is now going through the community to assess the damage.

El Dorado County man sentenced for attack on Lassen Park Ranger

Nicholas Martin Coberley, 45, of Pollock Pines, will be spending the next 27 months in prison for assault with a deadly weapon on a park ranger.

How much snow is too much snow for your Lake Tahoe home's roof?

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - With the collapse today of the roof at a local liquor store and the evacuation of another commercial area, the City of South Lake Tahoe is reaching out to the community with information on potential hazards with snow loads on roofs.

But what is the snow load for your roof?

Roof collapse in South Lake Tahoe at Harrison Avenue complex

The historic building that housed a liquor store and other businesses in South Lake Tahoe suffered significant damage after a heavy snow load contributed to the collapse of the building's roof early Monday morning.

Lake Valley Fire kept busy this week with South Shore and Strawberry fires

Two South Shore fires and one near the Strawberry Lodge kept crews from Lake Valley Fire Department (LVFD) busy this week.

On Tuesday about 11:30 a.m., a home on Alice Lake Road in the Montgomery Estates neighborhood suffered smoke damage after a fire started in the garage. The fire started in the garage near the furnace and hot water heater and flames were contained to the garage.

LVFD was assisted by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue.

Liberty Utilities advises customers to be prepared this weekend for power outages

With high winds and two to four feet of snow due at lake level by Monday morning, Liberty Utilities is alerting Lake Tahoe area residents to expect possible extended power outages. They are asking people to be prepared and not be caught off guard like many were during last week's storm caused outages.

City of South Lake Tahoe declares state of emergency to pave way for funding

The South Lake Tahoe City Council members voted unanimously to declare a state of emergency in the city after widespread flooding occurred after an atmospheric river passed over the community on January 7 and 8, 2017. The flooding was replaced by several feet of snow through January 12.

While the total impact on the community during the storm has yet to be tallied, making the declaration directs state and federal funds to South Lake Tahoe to alleviate the financial burden should major repairs be needed.

Kingsbury Grade reopens after flood damage repairs made

Kingsbury Grade, the main connection between Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley, has been reopened by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).

In December, a sinkhole formed where a drainage pipe crosses underneath the road at mile marker 4.3, approximately 10 miles up the road on the Carson Valley side. NDOT closed it on January 3 to put in temporary repairs and reopened three days later.

Power restored to all Liberty Utilities customers in Lake Tahoe

Power is back on to the 136 customers in the River Road area off of SR-89 after last week's storm severely damaged power lines.

"We also want to sincerely thank those hardy customers for their patience and understanding during this multi-day outage until we could reach and repair the severe damage caused by the winter storms. At this time, most if not, all customers should have power restored," said Liberty Utilities spokesperson Kathy Carter.

Power being restored to more Lake Tahoe residents

7:00 p.m. update - All customers except those who live in the River Road area have had their power restored. Since Saturday, Liberty has been using a helicopter to reach remote areas to repair severe damage necessary to restore service to the 136 customers in the River Road area. Unfortunately, helicopter operations were limited today due to weather and once they were underway, additional damage was discovered. If the weather cooperates and the helicopter is able to fly, Liberty hopes to restore power to these last customers by Tuesday night.

Helicopters used to survey power line situation in Lake Tahoe

Liberty Utilities is continuing their restoration efforts throughout the north, west and south shores of Lake Tahoe. On Friday, helicopters helped Liberty Utilities take a look at previously inaccessible areas to survey damage to downed power poles and lines.

A helicopter is coming in from Southern California on Saturday and will drop crews and equipment into remote areas to begin restoration that is expected to take several days. Snow cats and snowmobiles will be used to get crews and equipment into Tahoe Pines tomorrow, and this is also expected to take several days.

North Shore agencies coordinate efforts to check on residents' safety

Due to ongoing power outages and damage caused by extreme winter conditions in Lake Tahoe, a West Shore Safety Assessment Operation is being coordinated by a group of local agencies led by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) and North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD) to make sure residents are safe. Other participants include the Placer County Office of Emergency Services, Meeks Bay Fire Protection District, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and NTFPD Community Emergency Response Team are coordinating a West Shore Safety Assessment Operation.

Douglas County road crews cannot work again until January 17

The Douglas County road crews cannot work anymore hours over the three-day weekend due to their having reached the maximum number of driving hours allowed due to flooding and snow conditions in the Carson Valley over the last week.

Hours are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Douglas County staff can resume regular duty on Tuesday January 17, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. If an emergency arises, staff may be called in after 5:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Meyers family trapped when tree falls and splits roof during blizzard

During the height of Tuesday's blizzard, Lake Valley Fire (LVF) crews responded to home in Meyers where a tree had fallen and crashed through the roof, pinning one person against a window.

A Sokolov family of three, Paul, Jamie and Alyssa, lived in the home which suffered major damage as the mature tree went through the roof, through bedrooms and to the garage. Jamie was pinned, but LVF was able to quickly extricate her, the rest of the family and their pets.

Miraculously, all were unharmed.

Power could be out for days for those between Tahoe City and Fallen Leaf Lake

5:30 p.m. update Thursday - The Tahoe Keys and Tahoe Mountain area has just lost power temporarily. The West Shore has been restored from Tahoe City South to Sugar Pine Rd. and HWY89 (735 Customers). South Shore crews are deployed and working on six primary wires serving multiple areas. Restoration times are estimated between 8:00 p.m. tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Tahoe Pines Area (Barker Pass Rd. to Cherry St.) has very heavy damage with multiple poles down that requires helicopter repair. Weather permitting, helicopter repair will start tomorrow.

NDOT begins long list of repairs in Nevada after storm damage

After Nevada Governor Sandoval toured the flood damaged areas of Western Nevada, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and their emergency contractors jumped on their long list of repair needs after the flooding damaged several state routes.

SLT Fire Rescue responds to house fire and 34 other calls in 24 hours

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has had a very busy week, from battling flooded streets, homes, businesses, downed power lines, fallen trees, stuck cars, collisions and even a house fire.

South Lake Tahoe has just two fire engine companies, so 35 calls in one day would keep a department three times as big very busy.

Nevada starts to clean up after floods; Roads remain closed including Kingsbury Grade

Many roads in Nevada were under water Sunday after torrential rains went through, causing rivers and streams to flood. In Reno alone 50 roads were closed due to high water levels, and all bridges over the Truckee River in Reno were also closed.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) spent the day evaluating the state's roads affected by floods and rain. Multiple state roads in the greater Truckee Meadows and Carson Valley areas remain closed, including those in the Sparks industrial area and areas of Reno, including East McCarran Boulevard and South Virginia Street.

Power restored to 2700 customers of Liberty Utilities in South Lake Tahoe

10:00 p.m. - 20 customers are without power near Turnback Lane and Golden Bear due to a tree falling on a power line.

* * *
9:15 p.m. - The power has been restored to all South Lake Tahoe customers affected from Al Tahoe to Heavenly. Those who were affected on the west shore and north shore have not yet been restored.

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Liberty Utilities is reporting a circuit tripped in the substation at Stateline, putting 2,700 customers in South Lake Tahoe into the dark.

The customers stretch from Heavenly Mountain Resort to Al Tahoe and some stop lights in the area are also out.

Liberty Utilities asks for customers to be prepared for power outages

Weather conditions are expected to worsen over the weekend and increased power outages are anticipated. Liberty Utilities is doing all possible for preventative measures, however they are urging their customers to be prepared.

The utility company has added additional line crews for the weekend in preparation and will address the most serious and potential safety situations in priority.

They are asking customers to only call in case of an emergency 1-844-245-6868.

Over 3,000 Liberty Utilities customers without power in Meyers and West Shore area

2:15 p.m. update - All power has been restored to Liberty Utility customers in Lake Tahoe.

* * *
9:30 a.m. update - About 394 Liberty Utility customers are still affected by the power outage on Grizzly Mtn Drive, Arapahoe Street, Kickapoo, Snowflake, South Upper Truckee Drive, Reindeer Way, Woodchuck Court, St. Nick Way, Santa Claus in Christmas Valley. They expect to have all back on line by 11:30 a.m. today.

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What is this 'atmospheric river' heading to Lake Tahoe?

Imagine a long, narrow river in the sky about 250 to 375 miles wide, moving along with the weather. It transports water vapor with a flow several times faster than the water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. A river that, when it hits land, releases 30-50 percent of the area's annual precipitation in the form or rain or snow in just a couple of days.

This "river" is called an atmospheric river, and a powerful one can create extreme rainfall and floods and is capable of disrupting travel and causing catastrophic damage.

Guest Columist: The many faces of human trafficking

Since January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, what do you think of when you hear the term "human trafficking"? If you're like most people, you think of a story like the following true story, where police conduct an operation at a suspected residential brothel and encounter Sally, a 25-year-old citizen of Korea. Sally came to the U.S. having been promised a job as a maid. Instead, she was threatened with violence and forced to work in a brothel until she made $15,000. But the brothel owner retained $10,000, plus additional fees for food and a motel room when she could not work.

Small fire in South Lake Tahoe duplex

For the third time in two evenings, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was called out to a fire, this time at a duplex on Markoffer Road near Pioneer Trail.

At 7:06 p.m., firefighters responded to an emergency call to one unit of the duplex where an electrical fire had occurred.

It was a small fire according to SLT Fire Captain Al Martinez. He said the likely cause is a nail through a wire leading to the home's furnace. Martinez told South Tahoe Now that the solo occupant of the home was displaced for the night since the heater was out of service.

Family pets killed in early morning fire in Round Hill that displaces residents

1/1/17 update 3:20 p.m. - A local restaurant manager has been identified as one of the victims in the South Lake Tahoe New Year's fire that destroyed both sides of Round Hill duplex.

Joanna Janowicz, manager of Casey's, an American Cantina at the Round Hill mall, her five-year-old son and boyfriend were out to dinner when fire broke out in their home, destroying all of their belongings and killing their three pets.

Broken water pipes could continue to be an issue with upcoming cold weather

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe over the next seven days calls for cold temperatures, winds and several inches of snow, a recipe for an increased risk of broken pipes in homes and businesses in the area.

Last week, both a private home on Saddle Road and the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe suffered through broken pipes, a scene that the SLT Fire Rescue Department sees about two dozen times a year. Over the last seven years, SLTFR has responded to 168 calls for broken water pipes. Local plumbers have responded to hundreds of others as well.

Structure fire causes major damage to lodge structure at Lake Tahoe's Homewood Mountain Resort

5:00 p.m. update 12/28/16: Homewood Resort at Lake Tahoe will be opening their lifts on Thursday, just one day after a fire destroyed their South Lodge.

"We are expecting to have 'top-to-bottom' skiing and boarding available to our guests," says a message on the Homewood website. "Our team would like to thank the North Tahoe Fire Protection District, Placer County Sheriffs, our community partners and most importantly our amazing employees that are working to get our operations up and running for tomorrow."

Boys & Girls Club able to remain open after water pipes break

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue personnel were called out to the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe (BGCLT) after a pipe burst in the ceiling on Christmas Day at 4:00 p.m. Damage was kept to ceiling tiles with some minor water damage to walls of a hallway.

BGCLT was able to open Tuesday as they were able to have the kids access classrooms from the outside instead of the affected hallway.

The pipe that burst leads to the boiler.

Sheriff's office looking for Douglas High vandals

Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is looking for the suspect(s) responsible for the breaking of windows and other vandalism at Douglas High during the early morning hours of December 21.

The suspect is described as approximately 5’11 to 6 feet, wearing dark clothing, dark gloves and shoes, and a camouflage colored hat with matching face mask. During the crime is carrying a black or dark blue “Jan Sport” backpack with a suede bottom.

Ask Henry: Anything I should not give Fido and Fluffy for Christmas?

As we are fast approaching the biggest giving season of them all I wanted to remind our wonderful Tahoe pet lovers what to avoid as gifts for your furry family member this year. I would like to thank the folks at Pet Plan Pet Insurance for the following great advice. Speaking of pet insurance, if you’re looking for a practical gift for your pet owning friends pet insurance would make a nice gift!

Dumpster fire at South Lake Tahoe hotel

A fire inside a dumpster at the Tahoe Lakeshore Lodge in South Lake Tahoe was quickly distinguished Monday evening.

At 6:48 p.m. December 19, South Lake Tahoe Fire Department received the call, and one engine responded and quickly put out the fire. Damage was contained to the dumpster.

No cause was evident.

South Lake Tahoe fire causes $400,000 in damage

A quick response by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) saved a Merced Avenue four-plex from major damage Wednesday night.

At 10:54 p.m. December 14, SLTFR received a call of fire in one of the four two-story units. When they arrived they found the bottom floor engulfed. Within seven minutes, the fire was knocked down according to South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Jeff Meston.

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe.

Today is Wednesday, December 14.

GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN EARLY AS A HIGH WIND WARNING GOES INTO EFFECT AT 10AM THRU TOMORROW TILL 4PM. HEAVENLY OPENS CALIFORNIA SIDE TODAY-WWP; MAMMOTH MTN FIRES UP 20 LIFTS WITH 92 RUNS OPEN; MT ROSE IS CLOSED TODAY DUE TO HIGH WINDS; UPPER MTN AT SQUAW IS CLOSED DUE TO WINDS; SUMMIT SIX AT ALPINE IS CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WINDS…

South Lake Tahoe fire displaces occupants of six apartments

8:00 p.m.update 12/7/16: South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has ended their command at the 10th street apartments that suffered major damage in a blaze earlier today. The loss is estimated to be $250,000.

The unit where the fire started is uninhabitable, upper units received some water and heat damage as the fire spread up to the second floor by lapping up the outside of the structure. The fire did not extend into the attic space.

Red Cross is helping the fire victims with temporary housing.

Caltrops on South Shore roads causing dozens of flat tires

South Lake Tahoe local Monika Taboada was picking her daughter up from the training room at South Tahoe High on Sunday when she received a flat on one of her new snow tires, leaving her the victim of another "Ninja Road Star" being left on roads around town.

Over the past several months there have been dozens of stories just like Taboada's.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - The following is a recap of some of the 411 calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to between November 15 and November 28, 2016.

Calls resulting in arrests:

11/15/16
"Other" misdemeanor at Cedar & Stateline Aves
Felony "Other" in the 4000 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Driving on a suspended/revoked license at Friday Ave & Lake Tahoe Blvd
"Other misdemeanor in the 3900 block of Lake Tahoe Blvd
Drunk in public in the 1000 block of Lakeview Ave
"Other misdemeanor in the 3400 block of Spruce Ave

Fire starts in truck bed at Happy Homestead Cemetery

South Lake Tahoe firefighters responded to the Happy Homestead Cemetery on Johnson Blvd. Wednesday evening to put out a fire that started in the bed of an older model Ford truck. Crews quickly extinguished the flames.

No injuries were reported.

The fire is under investigation according to SLT Fire Rescue and amount of damage has not been reported as of yet.

Emerald Fire showed how fuel reduction minimized forest damage

It doesn’t take a wildland fire professional to see how fuel reduction can protect forests and communities.

It just takes a field trip to the site of the Emerald fire near the southwestern shores of Lake Tahoe.

Despite burning at the same time and under similar conditions to the disastrous Little Valley fire, the Emerald fire was much less destructive.

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