mountains

Enjoying nature around Lake Tahoe comes with a responsibility

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With throngs of people heading to Lake Tahoe over the holidays, not only did they travel during a regional and state stay-at-home order, they also failed to remove their broken sleds and other trash when they left. What was left behind has drawn numerous complaints left on social media and with local authorities.

Avalanche warning issued for the backcountry around Lake Tahoe

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area through 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5.

The affected area is the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

Avalanche Danger...HIGH avalanche danger exists today and tonight in the mountains.

Mountains Calling offers winter accessories as well as face masks in Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

No matter what’s happening in your life, the mountains are always calling. This is the theme behind South Lake Tahoe winter accessory and facemask company "Mountains Calling."

Serving customers since 2010, the family run business with a love for the mountains and the community produces individual and practical bandanas, hats, beanies, t-shirts, and headbands (and of course stickers). The pandemic created a need for face masks, something they were able to start making right away to fit the needs of the public.

Chance for more rain and snow this week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin expires at 4:00 a.m. Monday with most of the precipitation winding down by then other than a few lingering showers through 10:00 a.m. It`s unlikely to be snowing for the Monday morning commute, however, roads may still have snow and ice present.

Kirkwood opens for 2020/21 season, Heavenly expands to Nevada side

In a year filled uncertainties and safety mandates, many have been anxiously awaiting the ski season at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort opened last week, and now their sister Vail property, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, has opened.

As long as allowed, Kirkwood's winter operating plan is focused on comprehensive safety protocols, Kirkwood opened Friday with more than 180 acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Overland Meat & Seafood offers gift certificates, locally made items along with fresh seafood and meat

Event Date: 
February 28, 2021 (All day)

Overland Meat & Seafood Company has been serving the Lake Tahoe for 34 years. It is family owned and operated, Overland has custom dog bones and the best proteins and seafood available. Fresh wild sashimi seafood every Tuesday and overnight delivery from Hawaii every Friday.

Locally made products and gift certificates always available including spices and Tahoe-themed face coverings by Mountains Callin.

Please come and taste the difference.

Tahoe Film Fest returns with modified schedule on North Shore

INLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The 6th Annual Tahoe Film Fest presents environmental and independent feature length and award winning films to North Lake Tahoe from December 3-6, 2020. Special guests and filmmakers will be present at many of the films.

The festival takes on a new look during the pandemic. The films originally scheduled for Northstar had to be moved as movie theaters must only operate outdoors due to Placer County's Purple Tier. The theaters on the Nevada side can still show films but only at 50 percent capacity.

Opening day with new safety protocol in place at Heavenly Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The long-awaited opening day for skiing and riding in South Lake Tahoe arrived Friday with season pass holders hitting the slopes at Heavenly Mountain Resort. They joined Northstar in being the only two resorts in Lake Tahoe to open. Squaw Alpine opens on November 25, followed by Kirkwood December 4, Sierra-at-Tahoe has not announced an opening date.

Heavenly reported a foot of natural snow from this week's storm added on top of the snow they've been making since temperatures dropped a few weeks ago.

Heavy wet snow blankets Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The overnight snow storm that hit the Sierra Tuesday night left over a foot of snow on the mountains around Lake Tahoe.

Ten inches of new snow fell overnight at Homewood Mountain Resort’s summit on Lake Tahoe’s west shore, and two inches at the base (lake level). With a winter storm warning in effect until 6:00 p.m. tonight, the National Weather Service forecast is calling for another 4-8” of snow throughout the day today, and 1-3” tonight.

Heavenly staff reports 16" of snow overnight.

Larry Schaffer - Long time resident dies at the age of 76

Larry Eugene Schaffer passed away on October 28, 2020 after a brief illness. He was 76-years-old.

The son of Harold and Mary Schaffer. Larry grew up in the San Fernando Valley. Larry enlisted in the Marines at age 18 where he was a radio mechanic during the Vietnam War. After the Marines he attended California State University Northridge and received a degree in Sociology. He went on to receive his Master’s degree.

Upon his return from the war Larry married Elizabeth Anne Brewer who preceded him in death after 10 years of marriage. Larry and Beth had one son, Jason Schaffer.

Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits available November 16 online

Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin will be available for purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning November 16, 2020. Details about designated cutting areas, dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/ltbmu.

Safety changes: Vail moves to presale of lift tickets to manage number of guests

Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, all members of the Vail Resorts family, will be operating differently during the winter season 2020/21. Vail plans on opening both Heavenly and Northstar on November 20 and Kirkwood on December 4.

Ticket sales, use of season passes and facility uses will all be handled to promote physical distancing and protect the safety of staff and guests.

Mural in Tahoe East Shore Trail tunnel unveiled

The community mural art project in the tunnel on the popular Tahoe East Shore Trail was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. The mural, painted by local husband and wife art and design duo, Tyler Rivenbark and Frida Ticehurst-Rivenbark, was completed with help from students at Lake Tahoe School in Incline Village.

Column: Our fight against aquatic invasive species

By motor or by paddle, the experience of boating on Lake Tahoe is like none other. Hovering over its crystal clear shallows and unfathomable depths inspires awe, and the surrounding mountains and forests combine for a breathtaking experience. Given this, it is understandable that boating is both a major part of Tahoe’s culture and its regional economy.

Smoke in Lake Tahoe Basin from Northern California fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 275-acre fire burning in Lassen National Forest is most likely to blame for smoke in the Lake Tahoe Basin and in the Reno area.

The Stump Fire started Saturday afternoon and is near State Highways 36 and 172 near Childs Meadows, in the mountains between Red Bluff and Susanville. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said some smoke could also possibly be coming from the 1,800 acre Red Salmon Complex fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

New study investigates link between clothes dryers and microplastic pollution in Lake Tahoe

Last year, Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the League to Save Lake Tahoe detected microplastics in Lake Tahoe for the first time ever, many of which were microfibers. This discovery revealed that microplastic pollution is not just present in oceans, but also in mountains and lakes, including highly protected areas like Lake Tahoe.

David Ralph McNally ~ 1932 - 2020

With his family at his bedside, David Ralph McNally passed away on July 9, 2020 in Reno, Nevada after a brief illness. He was 88.

David was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 23, 1932. He was in the Class of 1950 of New Trier East in Winnetka, Ill. and in Yale’s Class of 1954. He served in the Marine Corps in Japan during the Korean War. While working at Bell and Howell in the 1960’s, David attended night school to earn an MBA at the University of Chicago.

Column: Wildfire threat still looms

If the 4th of July weekend is any indication, Tahoe is under pressure. As coronavirus cases grow nearly everywhere, people naturally look to the mountains, fresh air, and clear water of Tahoe as a respite. Now residents and visitors alike are struggling to adjust to the confusion around re-opening, and visitation that is normally our lifeblood is suddenly a health risk.

Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood announce summer activity opening dates

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Summer mountain activities will soon get underway at Vail's Lake Tahoe resorts: Heavenly, Northstar, and Kirkwood.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Temperatures closer to average by midweek

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast low-pressure system with winds and a chance of snow brought widely scattered snow over the mountains around Lake Tahoe after a very windy Saturday. The showers will be diminishing this evening with a cold night Sunday. There will be widespread freezing temperatures with South Lake Tahoe seeing mid-20s. Things will start warming up closer to average by the middle of the week with lighter winds. Another low is possible Friday and Saturday with breezy winds, showers, and cooler temperatures.

The National Weather Service in Reno forecast for the week:

Visitors to Lake Tahoe are encouraged to follow stay-at-home guidelines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The messaging from the state, county, and city has been consistent throughout the coronavirus pandemic: This is not the time to travel to South Lake Tahoe. Nevada has also sent out the same message as a ban on nonessential travel that was created to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between communities.

Local mountain lifestyle brand moves from ski and snowboard masks to face masks

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Now that people are wearing masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, a change in masks can become a fashion statement instead of just a health statement.

Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Sunday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe area as well as the Reno, Carson City and Minden area for Sunday, May 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Winds are expected from the southwest at 20-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

After the winds, the real fun starts with snow and rain in the four-day forecast for South Lake Tahoe.

From NWS Reno:

Today - Partly sunny, with a high near 68. Light southwest wind increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Column: Enjoy outdoor recreation wisely

Beautiful weather and a case of cabin fever from shelter in place directives have many of us yearning to get outside. Being in nature provides many wellness benefits. When we leave home to enjoy the bounty of outdoor activities, parks, and trails around us, we can honor those working on the front-line of the coronavirus pandemic by doing our part to stay healthy and keep each other safe.

Winter Storm Warning until Monday for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Storm Warning is in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin until noon on Monday, April 6. At 10:00 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said to expect heavy snow with additional snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches, except 1 to 3 feet above 7000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph in the lower elevations and up to 90 mph over Sierra ridges.

Safe shopping for all age groups during coronavirus pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With "Stay at Home" orders from the state down to the local government, many are learning to adjust to the things they took for granted just a month ago.

One of those is a trip to the grocery store.

Even with all South Lake Tahoe grocery stores open, it doesn't mean it should be shopping as normal, a.k.a. "pre-coronavirus days."

Most households don't have refrigerator or freezer space, or even cupboard space to not have to make a run to the grocery store once in a while. But the fewer trips one makes, the better it is to remain safe and virus-free.

Heavy snow to continue through Monday; Avalanche warnings, Road closure update

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast snow is here, with 2-3 feet reported at the upper elevations. The snow is affecting lower elevations as well, with chain controls starting to the west at Apple Hill.

If on the roads, check conditions often and go slow as there is snow and ice on the roads and a lot of traffic. There is another 21" of snow forecast for Sunday at lake level.

For up to the minute information, visit https://nvroads.com/ for Nevada roads and http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California roads.

Chain controls as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday:

I80

Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Sugar Bowl also closing due to coronavirus concerns

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - On the heels of the Vail Resorts announcement, Squaw Alpine and Sugar Bowl will be suspending operations until further notice.

"We believe this is in the best interest of our guests, employees, & local community," said Squaw Valley in a release.

Sugar Bowl has suspended operations until further notice due to the impacts of the coronavirus.

Other resorts will most likely be making similar announcements.

The Squaw Alpine release:

Vail Resorts shutting down all North American operations, including those in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Vail Resorts announced Saturday that they are suspending the operations of all of their North American mountain resorts, retail stores and corporate offices beginning tomorrow, March 15, 2020, for at least one week (through March 22) to assess the rest of the season.

This includes Heavenly Mountain Resort, Kirkwood Resort and Northstar in the Lake Tahoe area.

The Dodov Foundation… A ‘Beacon’ Of Positivity

In today’s world, our own voice is the strongest it has EVER been. You can reach so many people through social media. Unfortunately, very few of us use this platform to do something bigger than ourselves. We post our opinions but don’t act upon them to make changes. And that’s where Natalia and Alex Dodov stray from the rest of us. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, they use their opportunities and energy to help kids learn about avalanche safety solutions.

Seeing The Dodov Foundation In Action

Lake Tahoe and the Sierra should see snow and winds this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After several days of warmth, a cold front will be ushering in a pattern shift for this weekend with drops in temperatures by almost 20 degrees. Expect increasing southwest winds Friday into Saturday with the strongest winds expected to be near and north of US-50 where gusts of 35 to 45 mph are likely. Wind prone locations along the US-395 corridor could potentially see gusts to 50 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler says goodbye; March retirement date set

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In just two weeks the City of South Lake Tahoe will be saying goodbye to its sixth police chief since becoming incorporated in 1965.

Chief Brian Uhler will be wrapping up a 40-year career in law enforcement when he retires from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) on March 12, 2020. He has been the second-longest serving chief, coming within a couple of months of the City's second police chief, John Crow.

Column: Reaching a new generation through environmental education and outreach

After a gangbuster start to the winter season, a lot of us in Tahoe are wondering where all the snow has gone. Sitting here at the end of February with snowpack numbers dwindling, snow lovers are chomping at the bit, waiting to see the storm track shift back our way.

Still, the mountains have been buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders race to the mountains to enjoy what natural snow we’ve received and are ever thankful for the assist from local resorts’ snowmaking operations.

SOS Outreach students spend evening with South Lake Tahoe leaders

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Youth participating in SOS Outreach participated in a leadership evening on Thursday evening where they listened to a panel of three South Lake Tahoe leaders and learned about how to create positive change in breakout sessions.

SOS Outreach is a national youth development nonprofit that mentors at-risk and underserved youth with positive adults through outdoor activities. Youth in their fourth year of the mentor program have been building and practicing leadership skills and other life skills over the past years and were chosen to participate on Thursday.

Billboard to help spread word of responsible recreation in Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Everyone has seen the pictures, piles of broken plastic sleds left behind in the snow, trash left behind on the beaches and even pet waste disposal bags left along the trails.

Shared on social media, these photos of irresponsible people enjoying the beauty of Lake Tahoe have spread like runny pancake batter. The reason most visit and live around the Lake Tahoe Basin is for the natural beauty everywhere one looks. The majestic peaks and pine-tree filled mountains, the crystal blue water, beaches lining much of the 72-mile circumference of the pristine Lake Tahoe.

Series of storms setting up to come into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Could the storm door be opening for the Lake Tahoe Basin? A series of weak to moderate winter storms will affect the area, each with widespread snow and wind impacts across the Sierra and western Nevada. This weekend's snowfall will be minimal at lake level.

New Forest Fire Management Officer announced for USFS Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A new forest management officer (FMO) has arrived in Lake Tahoe to assume the duties left vacant by the retiring Steve Burns.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Possible rain/snow on Tuesday and weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a break between storms with a quiet weather pattern in place over the next couple of days, though the potential for morning fog remains at the beginning of the week. A weak weather system could bring light snow showers to the mountains from late Tuesday into Wednesday with a return of another atmospheric river system with high snow levels that could arrive by Friday.

Chain controls go up as storm hits Lake Tahoe

5:00 p.m. Update: Expect a snowy night and slow-moving over roads in the Sierra. Chains controls on US50 are now up starting in Cedar Grove, west of Pollock Pines, at Pioneer on SR88, and above Gold Run on I80.

At this hour, traffic is at a standstill on I80 after multiple spinouts and crashes all the way to the California-Nevada state line.

CHP is also reporting some issues on US50 west of Echo Summit with two spots were cars are off the roadway, as well as SR88 near Christmas Valley.

Christmas tree permits go on sale Monday in Lake Tahoe - other forests already on sale

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Permits cost $10 each payable by cash, check or credit card (though they prefer the quicker transaction of cash).

There is a change to the policy this year - only one permit will be allowed per family or per address, instead of the previous two. They said by limiting permits to one per family, more will enjoy cutting down a tree this year.

Warren Miller’s “Timeless” heading to Harrah's Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sat Nov 23 2019 .
November 22, 2019 (All day)
November 23, 2019 (All day)

Sports Ltd will be presenting the South Lake Tahoe premier of Warren Miller Entertainment's latest winter sports film epic, “Timeless,” in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Friday and Saturday night, Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.

South Lake Tahoe resident and ski legend Glen Plake returns to screen in Warren Miller's 70th full-length feature film.

Hundreds in line as Whole Foods Market opens its doors in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the doors opened at Whole Foods in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning, the line that had wrapped around the building made its way into the much-anticipated store grand opening.

The line started forming at 6:00 a.m.

Birthday celebration in South Lake Tahoe for 99-year-old Martin Hollay

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - From his birthplace in Hungary in 1920 to the slopes of Heavenly Mountain Resort, Martin Hollay has been both an inspiration and a legend. On Friday, November 1, Hollay turns 99 and there will be a party in his honor in South Lake Tahoe.

Join the festivities at Himmel Haus at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to come by and say "Happy Birthday."

Column: Mountain towns lobby for funding to protect public lands

Californians, including the people of Lake Tahoe, love our public lands. We love the cold deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the rugged mountains, and the varied forests that are part of the nearly 100 million acres of land all Californians can claim ownership of. We love these public lands not just because of their natural beauty, but because they are central to our way of life. Many of us live here, or moved here, because of what they provide - culture, lifestyle, and livelihood.

Trash scavenger hunt with Olympian Jamie Anderson and Clean Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 3, 2019 - 3:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Clean Tahoe is hosting an event on Thursday afternoon with South Lake Tahoe native and Olympian Jamie Anderson, Don't Talk Trash - Pick It Up Scavenger Hunt.

On October 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., join the community at Lakeside Beach and participate in a trash pick up. Be at the beach at 3:30 p.m. to get supplies and scorecards. The fun begins at 3:50 p.m. and all have exactly one hour to clean the beach and neighborhood. Prizes will then be handed out.

No need to RSVP, just show up and have fun while helping the environment.

Professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones added to TEDx lineup in South Lake Tahoe

The world-famous Tahoe resident and big mountain rider Jeremy Jones will be speaking at this year’s TEDx South Lake Tahoe - Elevating Humanity on October 19 at Lake Tahoe Community College. To commemorate this announcement organizers have released another 25 tickets for the event.

New general manager announced for Kirkwood Mountain Resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Vail Resorts has announced the hiring of Matt Jones for their new Vice President and General Manager at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.

Jones has been with Vail since 1998 and has held several positions in Human Resources since that time, most recently as Vice President of Human Resources where he oversaw the Colorado Resorts and employee housing initiatives. He’s also been a member of various boards including the Epic Promise Foundation and Vail Resorts’ Emergency Grants Committee.

Dramatic change to the Lake Tahoe weather this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A strong cold front will move through the region Saturday bringing a dramatic change to the weather with breezy winds, rain, snow, and much colder weather returning for the weekend. according to the National Weather Service in Reno. Now is the time to prepare for winter travel if you have plans to drive over the mountains, and to prepare your garden and irrigation for possible freezing temperatures.

Victim in fiery South Lake Tahoe crash remembered

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It was a day like any other for Daniel Noah Peterson. A trip to deliver fuel to South Lake Tahoe gas stations before heading home for the night. Doing a job he loved to do.

It was Saturday, September 7, 2019.

Lake Tahoe Historical Society Fireside Chat: Author Gregory Crouch

Event Date: 
September 24, 2019 - 7:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Historical Society is resuming their Fireside Chat series on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. when author Gregory Crouch comes to town.

The popular Fireside Chats are held in the lobby of the historic Camp Richardson Hotel on Emerald Bay Road.

Crouch will be presenting his newest book, The Bonanza King: John Mackay and the Battle over the Greatest Riches in the American West.

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