conditions

Rain in the Lake Tahoe Basin; Higher elevation snow and avalanche warning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Storm Warning remains in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin until 10:00 a.m. Monday. It is currently raining at lake level and at Echo Summit.

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Sierra from Yuba Pass to Ebbetts Pass from Sunday morning until Monday morning at 7:00 a.m.

The latest storm system is still over the Sierra with more on the way. With high of 38 and low of 33, expect rain to continue in South Lake Tahoe.

Road conditions at 11:00 a.m. Sunday:

I80

Big rigs not allowed on I80 or US50; Chain controls in place over Lake Tahoe area roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavy traffic over Donner Summit on I-80, an incoming snowstorm and slick conditions have led Caltrans officials to not allow any commercial tractor-semitrailer combinations on the highway from Applegate to the state line. They estimate this will be the case until Monday morning.

Many of those big rigs were coming over US-50 and Echo Summit, but no longer. The commercial semis 65-feet and longer are no longer allowed over the summit. It is unknown at this time when they will be allowed.

I80 closed due to multiple spin outs; Chain controls up on US50

There have been multiple vehicle spinouts on I80, forcing its closure tonight between Colfax and the Nevada state line. Highway 20 also is closed at Nevada City due to the spinouts. Motorists on I-80 should be prepared for long delays, according to Caltrans.

It is not snowing but ice is a concern.

Chain controls as of 8:45 p.m. Friday:

US 50
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

I80

Sierra-at-Tahoe pre-opening Friday with $10 lift tickets - Proceeds to the Food Bank

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Thanks to recent snowfall and with the Thanksgiving holiday in mind, Sierra-at-Tahoe will be running lifts a day early, on Friday, November 29, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a pre-Opening Day event.

Lift tickets will be available for purchase at ticket windows for just $10, with half of all proceeds to be donated to the Food Bank of El Dorado County.

Operations will be limited, with Easy Rider Express and Rock Garden scheduled to spin, conditions permitting.

Beautiful Thanksgiving day around Lake Tahoe, more snow expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chain controls over many mountain roads are being lifted this morning as the beautiful blue skies Lake Tahoe is famous for are appearing from behind the clouds.

As of 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving, Caltrans has removed chain controls from US50 at Echo Summit but there is a small pocket from Fresh Pond to Sly Park that requires them at this time.

Sierra-at-Tahoe plans to open for the season on Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sierra-at-Tahoe announced today they will begin spinning lifts for the 2019-20 Winter Season this Saturday, November 30, at 8:30 a.m.

After a slow start to November, Mother Nature has turned on the tap, bringing Sierra two feet of snow and counting in the last 48 hours. This, combined with Sierra’s snowmaking efforts, will allow the resort to open for operations. Conditions permitting, Sierra plans to run Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden Chair and two surface lifts, with access to 2 runs and one terrain park.

A foot of snow blankets South Lake Tahoe; Heavenly opens and road controls in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is one word to describe Wednesday: SNOW! Winter made its appearance in the Lake Tahoe basin Tuesday and will continue this week as one storm exits and another stops by.

Lake Tahoe Community College is closed for the day. The college will reopen at its normal time after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Monday, Dec. 2. The City of South Lake Tahoe offices are open.

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.

Winter Weather Warning for Lake Tahoe: Up to 18" of snow forecast for lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to 4:00 p.m. Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations of 8-18 inches at lake level and 1-2 feet above 7000 feet. Localized totals near 3 feet are possible over the multi-day period along the Sierra Crest. Winds will be gusting as high as 60 mph.

The worst conditions will be late Tuesday through midday Wednesday.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin, weather and staffing permitting

North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next few weeks in the Tahoe Basin, weather, conditions, and staffing permitted.

Scheduled Prescribed Burns:

Tahoe Pines Campground

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holiday truck starts December 10

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holiday engine schedule has been released. They will start their nightly runs at 5:00 p.m. and go until 8 p.m. In the case of a significant emergency or road conditions prohibit safe driving, a route may be postponed.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Holiday Engine Schedule

Tuesday, Dec 10 – Tahoe Keys/Venice
Wednesday, Dec 11 – Glenwood neighborhoods
Thursday, Dec 12 – Keys Blvd / State streets
Friday, Dec 13 – Barton/Tahoe Island

Major storm heading to Lake Tahoe just as holiday travelers hit the highways

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A potent winter storm is becoming more likely for Thanksgiving Week and the National Weather Service in Reno (NWS - Reno) has issued a Special Weather Statement or the holiday week. Heavy snow is probable for the Sierra starting late Tuesday afternoon and through the day Wednesday. This is a cold storm and will lower snow levels to all valley floors by Tuesday night with accumulating snows possible.

Collaborative efforts in South Lake Tahoe and the County keep 30 people from being homeless

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has been recognized for setting the stage as the county-wide homeless strategic planning process is about to begin. They utilized a one-time grant of $30,000 to help 30 people in 17 households avoid homelessness in El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. In the last four months, efforts by the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and the El Dorado Opportunity Knocks Continuum of Care (EDOK) have utilized almost the whole grant that was provided through El Dorado County Health and Human Services

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.

Due to conditions, Heavenly and Northstar push out opening dates

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort announced Tuesday they have changed their opening days due to unusually warm November weather that limited their snowmaking production.

They were both planning on opening this Friday, Nov. 22. At this time, Heavenly will target Wednesday, Nov. 27 and Northstar will target Friday, Nov. 29 to open for skiing and snowboarding. Kirkwood will announce an opening date in the coming days.

NWS issues Special Weather Statement for the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A low-pressure system is likely to bring light snowfall to the Sierra as well as far southern Lyon and far western Mineral counties, mainly above 6500 to 7000 feet, Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.

South Lake Tahoe Forecast: Are you ready for some rain and snow?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Get out and enjoy the tranquil weather with above-average high temperatures while they last as the high-pressure system sitting in the west will start to weaken. If you are not ready for winter this may be the time to do it. Temperatures will return to near average or this time of year and a 40 percent chance of snow also returns for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - If weather and conditions permit, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin.

The planned burn areas:

Caltrans and partners officially open first of two roundabouts in Meyers

Caltrans addressed what they reported to be an increase of accidents at the intersection of US50 and SR89 with a $7.3 million roundabout in Meyers, and today there was a ribbon-cutting with local partners to officially open it up.

What used to be a T-intersection with one stop sign is now a three-leg roundabout with a bypass lane. Years of studies, planning, environmental reviews, and engineering led to this past summer's build by Q&D Construction.

NOAA outlook still leaning toward warmer temperatures and reduced precipitation in the West

NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, released its latest predictions for November and the coming months on October 31. Not much has changed since their report earlier this month.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: "Quiet" weather with no precipitation on the horizon

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quiet weather with light winds and hazy conditions continue with above-average daytime temperatures, overnight inversions, and no
precipitation expected through at least the next week.

A high-pressure ridge over the western Pacific will keep the region warm and dry through the foreseeable future - at least through the next week, and most likely the next two weeks according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind.

Caples Fire 100% contained, 3,435 acres burned

A burned area assessment of the area burned by last month's Caples Fire is now underway. The Incident Commander Kevin Breitwieser has declared that the Caples Fire is now 100 percent contained and in patrol status at 3,435 acres.

There has been almost no change in fire size since October 18. The extreme wind event on October 26 that prompted a public safety power shutoff was a good test of the containment lines and resulted in three small spots that were extinguished. Traces of smoke from interior burning will continue to be visible, but no additional fire growth is expected.

EDC school leaders educate Gov. Newsom on PSPS impacts

On Thursday, October 31, Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond visited El Dorado County and Blue Oak Elementary School to learn about the impacts of the recent PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Gov. Newsom and Superintendent Thurmond met with El Dorado County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ed Manansala, Buckeye Union School District (BUSD) Superintendent Dr. David Roth, and several BUSD officials to hear first-hand about the challenges that school officials encounter when making decisions regarding school closures.

Overnight lows and dry air allow for snowmaking operations to start around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While the below-average low temperatures in Lake Tahoe area may be causing some to sadden at the changing of the seasons, ski resorts are moving into high gear and taking advantage of the cold to make snow.

Both cold temperatures and dry air combine to create ideal conditions for making snow.

Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are all planning to take advantage of this week’s cool weather window to build a solid base for the upcoming winter season.

Single lane closures on Kingsbury Grade Tuesday-Wednesday

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be working on the Lake Tahoe side of Kingsbury Grade on October 29 and 30. Expect single-lane closures as crews fill roadway cracking.

Small sections of Kingsbury Grade will be reduced to one lane from approximately 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday from Meadow Drive to Tramway Drive. Motorists are advised to give extra travel time and to anticipate moderate travel delays as traffic flaggers and pilot cars alternate directions of travel. The road work schedule is subject to change.

Lake Wind Warning in effect for Lake Tahoe

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Sunday, October 27 from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Winds from the east are expected 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.

Waves on Lake Tahoe will be 2-4 feet from mid-lake to western shores. Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Opinion: Sierra Boulevard is at an end; Looking forward to the next beginning

It's been one heck of a summer in terms of driving around town. Between Echo Summit and the Meyers roundabout, the horrible accident at Elks Club, US50 through town and then the construction at Stateline that caused delays back to Zephyr Cove in mid-September. Luckily, the Stateline issue was quickly remedied, the highway at Elks Club seems mostly repaired, and the Meyers roundabout turned out great.

PG&E possibly cutting power to 206K customers due to winds and fire danger

Due to severe wind concerns, PG&E has notified 209,000 customers in 15 counties they may have to proactively turn off power for safety reasons in Northern California beginning late Wednesday evening. The PG&E website has been down, but when working updated information can be found here - http://pge.com/pspsupdates.

The list of affected communities:

AMADOR (13,131 customers)
Amador City, Fiddletown, Jackson, Martell, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, River Pines, Sutter Creek, Volcano

BUTTE (23,452 customers)

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South and West Shore, including Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay, Tahoma, and the Echo Summit area. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at the time of the story.

Last Week's Report:

10/11

2:40 p.m. Anonymous Sexual Assault - Tahoe Paradise

Sunny week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High pressure will be strengthening off of the Pacific Coast, bringing decreasing winds and a warming trend going into the first half of
this week. Change in the weather looks to arrive toward the second half of the
weekend when much cooler temperatures and breezier conditions are possible.

There is a chance for precipitation by at the end of the week.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

NOAA - Absence of El Nino and La Nina this winter; Drier and warmer than normal

There are many things that help those living in Lake Tahoe predict what winter will be like: Has the snow in the cross of Mt. Tallac melted? What does the Farmer's Almanac say? Are the squirrels fatter? Is NOAA going to be right in their three-month forecast?

There is no app to give one the perfect insight into what winter has in store and most weather can only be predicted a week out. For generations, people have relied on signs from Mother Nature.

Prescribed fire operations at four locations in Lake Tahoe Basin, weather permitting

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin, if weather and conditions permit.

- West side of Third Creek drainage, above Jennifer Dr. by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. 38 acres of understory 10/21 - 10/27/19. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 1-2 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Smoke may be visible throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding communities

Seasonal temperatures with wind and chance of rain in South Lake Tahoe

After pleasant weather conditions today, gusty winds and some fire weather, travel, and recreation concerns return Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

Today will be characterized by generally light winds and average temperatures in South Lake Tahoe, with some sun. Expect this to change by Saturday, however, as a wave drops out of the Pacific Northwest bringing gusty winds to the region. So, if you have outdoor fall and Halloween decorations, today will be a good day to check that they are secured.

Road Beat: 2020 Hyundai Palisade, The Class Act of the Classes

In an all-new vehicle in what can be considered a new size class for SUVs, Hyundai’s new Palisade has hit a Grand Slam (Salami, if you are Italian or a Yankee Fan), but not an ordinary Grand Slam, but this one landed on River Avenue or Waveland Avenue if you’re a Cubby. It is flat out the best SUV I have ever driven with performance, ride, handling, quiet, comfort and economy levels that put it immediately at the top of its class and almost every other class. Palisade is simply a Class act.

Caples Fire has burned 2,949 acres and is 53 percent contained

10.15.19 7:00 p.m. UPDATE: Tuesday was a productive day for firefighters. The northern ridge and southwestern corner are now contained and being patrolled. The containment lines on the eastern and southwestern sides of the fire containment lines are in progress. The hand line on the south side was extended farther northeast towards Castle Point by crews using tactical firing operations. Stronger winds from the southwest are expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening with light precipitation expected Thursday morning.

Prescribed burn on North Shore of Lake Tahoe

As weather and conditions permit, prescribed fire operations will take place this fall and winter around the Lake Tahoe Basin. This month, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks are working on rescribed fire operations as they will continue as needed over the next several weeks.

Smoke can be seen on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe Monday, and it is coming from operations near Tyner Way and Toni Courts and above Jennifer Drive in creek drainage areas.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Mostly sunny with slight chance of rain and snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Haze and smoke from the Caples Fire will continue into
Monday, with a more localized area of smoke for South Lake Tahoe, Markleeville and Minden areas immediately downwind of the fire.

Dry conditions with warmer than average temperatures are expected through midweek according to the National Weather Service in Reno. Light winds Monday and Tuesday will be followed by some increase in winds and a cooling trend from Wednesday into

Smoke from Caples Fire continues to enter Lake Tahoe Basin: 3,042 acres burned, 42% contained

Firefighters working on the Caples Fire made good progress on Sunday. They tied in and secured two indirect containment lines on the south side of the fire with a successful tactical firing operation. The area the fire is burning in is exceptionally steep, rugged, with no road access - conditions not safe for direct line construction. Today’s burning and the fire’s natural progression in the past three days has been a low-intensity underburn, consistent with the objectives of the ecological restoration project. The night shift Sunday will monitor and hold established containment lines.

Sierra and Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 13 - 19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is conducting work on Lake Tahoe and Sierra highways. The following are their current projects for the week of October 13-19, 2019.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

Low nighttime temperatures aiding suppression of Caples Fire

There was minimal fire activity on the Caples Fire last night due to near freezing nighttime temperatures, high relative humidity, and very light winds. The natural wind patterns from the west/southwest will continue to be good for suppression actions. Temperatures are moderate during the day and the relative humidity is low, and those nighttime conditions help with light winds and high relative humidity recovery.

Caples Creek Fire within prescribed burn parameter, now 25 percent contained

The Caples Fire burning southwest of Lake Tahoe is now at 2,400 acres and is 25 percent contained. The fire started as a prescribed burn but was changed to a wildland fire Thursday afternoon which allowed more resources to be sent to the scene. It is still within the planned prescribed burn project area.

Smoke is still in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley. Smoke sensitive individuals are encouraged to reduce their exposure by avoiding smoky areas, closing windows, or staying indoors.

Caples Creek prescribed burn turns into wildland fire

The Caples Creek prescribed burn that has been sending smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley all week has turned into a wildland fire.

On October 10 at approximately 1:30 p.m., fire managers made the decision due to unfavorable weather conditions and the inability to meet previously established objectives. This change allows for additional resources to assist in suppression from partners such as CalFire.

CAL FIRE firefighters are staffing up during extreme fire weather across state

CAL FIRE firefighters are staffing up and preparing for the forecasted extreme fire weather across California. The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings and fire weather watches for areas of northern, central and southern California. This will likely be the strongest offshore wind event so far this season.

Prescribed fire above Caples Creek continues to send smoke into Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Smoke coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin and Carson Valley has been a concern to residents but it appears it is now all coming from prescribed burns above Caples Creek, north of SR88.

Movie Review: Joaquin Phoenix is brilliant as the Joker

Heath Ledger would've been proud. Joaquin Phoenix's take on the iconic character is nothing short of amazing if not brilliant in the "Joker." I had been wanting to see this film since it first started shooting knowing the cast involved but Joaquin's performance surpassed even my expectations.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions permitting, North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin.

D. L. Bliss State Park - Along Lester Beach Road, between Group Camp and Beach Camp
Type of Burn: Understory, Total Acreage: 65, Planned Ignition: 10/8/2019
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 1 week
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: Northeast
Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas: Rubicon Bay, Hwy 89

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 6 - 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is conducting work on Lake Tahoe and Sierra highways. The following are their current projects for the week of Octber 6-11, 2019.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Cannabis businesses not allowed under Meyers Area Plan, for now

MEYERS, Calif. - El Dorado County has opened the online availability of pre-applications and applications for commercial cannabis use permits and annual operating permits, but those wanting to operate in Meyers must wait. The Meyers Area Plan does not meet the permitted zones for the retail sales, cultivation, delivery and manufacturing licenses that will be issued.

There are a few locations in the unincorporated areas of El Dorado County on the East Slope (Lake Tahoe area) that could fit the requirements between Meyers and South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.

South Lake Tahoe weather: Nothing but sun for foreseeable future

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A warmer and drier trend will be in store through early next week. Dry conditions with light winds are expected through the weekend. Light winds ill prevail on Wednesday with increased winds Thursday. Wind gusts could reach around 25 mph Thursday afternoon across valley locations across the Sierra and western Nevada with 40-50 mph possible along Sierra ridgetops.

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork 9/29 - 10/5

The following is a list of road projects underway by Caltrans around the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding highways of the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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