flooding

January storm water flows through STPUD double 4th of July, but not record breaking

Rain and snow flows during the atmospheric river storm that hit South Lake Tahoe in January created more than double the normal flow through the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD).

On a normal 4th of July, when most beds are filled in local homes and motels, STPUD sees about five million gallons go through the sewer plant, but with the large amounts of snow and rain on roads and in yards, 12.57 million gallons flowed through the plant on January 8, 2017.

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.

South Lake Tahoe snow days: Love 'em or hate 'em

Snow Days. Kids love 'em, parents maybe not so much.

Last week's five snow days, and a lack of one this week caused some parents to raise concern with how the Lake Tahoe Unified School (LTUSD) decides when to close school for the day.

Closing school is always a tough call for school superintendents across the country, so what is the science behind closing schools when it snows in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District?

Are you ready for the next Lake Tahoe snowstorm?

Long time South Lake Tahoe locals have been heard in town saying, "This is just like winter used to be." Without many serious snowstorms in the past several years, forecasts of 2-3' feet are catching many by surprise as they find themselves unprepared.

The City of South Lake Tahoe is reaching out to residents with advice to stay safe, how to be prepared, how to handle berms, and updates on the City's preparations.

Friday-Saturday, January 20-21

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.

Tahoe Warm Room thanks City of South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
February 22, 2017 - 4:30pm

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) would like to thank the City of South Lake Tahoe for their preparedness in the face of severe weather last week. As one volunteer commented, “Everyone at the City of South Lake Tahoe was very nice, helpful, and willing.”

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 Tuesday, January 17.

WE GOT THRU THE MLK WEEKEND AND TODAY IS THE DAY FOR LOCALS TO RECLAIM THE SLOPES. GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN AND ENJOY THE GREAT CONDITIONS. MOST LIFTS AND RUNS ARE OPEN AT ALL RESORTS… STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE. IF YOU VENTURE OFF PISTE, SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY.

I WILL NOT BE UPDATING THIS REPORT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AS I WILL BE HEADING OUT ON A ROADTRIP TO UTAH, WYOMING & IDAHO AND YOU CAN FOLLOW MY POSTS ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE AND ON BIKEANDSKITAHOE.COM.

Possible atmospheric river heading to Lake Tahoe bringing rain and snow

Lake Tahoe residents have been able to use the mild weather this holiday weekend to finish cleaning the snow out around their homes, just in time to prepare for another wave of higher elevation snow and rain.

“Heads up! Another atmospheric river storm is possible next week," said the National Weather Service in Sacramento. "Details are uncertain this far out but the system could bring heavy rainfall, higher snow levels, gusty winds, and renewed flooding concerns."

According to weather experts, the models of the storm are still uncertain.

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.

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

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

Today is January 12.

A WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES TODAY THRU 10:00PM THIS EVENING… GOOD NEWS IS THERE’S MORE SNOW FALLING AND WINDS HAVE DIED DOWN…

MOST RESORTS ARE DIGGING OUT AND PLANNING TO HAVE SOME LIFTS TURNING… EXPECT DELAYS AND LOWER MOUNTAIN LIFTS TO OPEN FIRST AND UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS AFTER SNOW SAFETY. CALL AHEAD…

STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE. STAY OUT OF THE BACK COUNTRY TODAY…

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.

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 Wednesday, January 11.

A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT TODAY THROUGH 10:00AM THIS MORNING… FOLLOWED BY A WINTER STORM WARNING POSTED TODAY THRU THURSDAY MORNING… AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED TODAY THROUGH 5:00PM.

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

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

Today is January 10, 2017.

A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOLLOWED BY A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR WEDNESDAY THRU THURSDAY MORNING… WHITE OUT CONDITIONS WITH STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL HAMPER THE OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS, SO ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING.

Blizzard conditions cause Lake Tahoe schools to close

If you or your child go to school in Lake Tahoe, consider yourself off for the day.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District has canceled school on Tuesday, January 10 due to blizzard conditions, extending the two-week break another day.

Lake Tahoe Community College is closed. Sierra Nevada College is closed.

Both Douglas County Schools at the lake, Zephyr Cove Elementary and George Whittell High School are closed. Jacks Valley Elementary School in the valley is closed due to flooding but all other County schools are open.

South Lake Tahoe had 5.13" of rain Sunday; 2-5 feet of snow on the way

The South Lake Tahoe area had 5.13" of rain on Sunday, causing temporary flooding of streets, meadows and some residences and businesses. As the rain left the basin, snow has moved in and the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning to remain in place until 4:00 a.m. Thursday, January 12.

Monday morning South Lake Tahoe storm recap

10:00 a.m. update 1/9/17: The City of South Lake Tahoe and the American Red Cross have closed their evacuation center in the city. One person arrived at the evacuation center last night.

"LTUSD and the Red Cross were excellent partners during last night’s storm event," said Tracy Franklin of the City of South Lake Tahoe.

The SLT Public Works department will be focusing on snow removal today. They are also working on getting the deep slushy water out of roadways. Franklin said the flood areas are still flooded and not receding at this point.

Truckee River nearing flood stage as torrential rains hit South Lake Tahoe

Emergency crews have been busy all day, responding to homes, businesses and roads flooding. The number of calls haven't been accumulated yet, but those listening to police and sheriff scanner feeds know it must be dozens if not, hundreds.

The Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe is at 11.26 feet as of 7:00 p.m. Sunday. 11.50 feet is considered major flooding with 12.5 feet at the disastrous level.

South Lake Tahoe schools closed Monday due to flooding

6:53 p.m. Sunday update - Lake Tahoe Community College will also be closed Monday, January 9. Douglas County Schools have changed their original plan and all schools will be closed.

Truckee Tahoe Schools will be evaluated at 4:00 a.m. Monday, then a message will be sent out by 4:30 a.m. if closed.

All Washoe County Schools, including Incline Village, will also be closed on Monday.

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Evacuation Center opened in South Lake Tahoe

7:25 p.m. update Sunday - A second evacuation site has been set up at South Tahoe Middle School in the Multi-Purpose Room. It will accommodate pets and is staffed by the City of South Lake Tahoe staff and South Tahoe Action Team volunteers.

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The City of South Lake Tahoe and American Red Cross have opened an evacuation center at South Tahoe High School in the school's student union.

It is located at 1735 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. The Recreation Swim Complex is not available as an evacuation center due to flooding at that location.

After rain, heavy snow expected through Thursday in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe will be experiencing rain through Sunday, but forecasters say it will be replaced by snow later this evening.

The very dynamic and strong system passing over the Sierra also created some lightning and thunder overnight and on Sunday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno told South Tahoe Now that it is very common with a strong storm like this to see lightening.

AlertTahoe camera monitoring potential Truckee River flooding in Reno

The University of Nevada Seismological Lab operates around Lake Tahoe and Western Nevada to monitor earthquake and wildfire data, but now they're helping with flood monitoring.

They have placed a temporary camera above the Truckee River at on Arlington Street in Reno. The view is updated every minute and can be seen here: http://floodwatch.nvseismolab.org/

Flooding closing South Lake Tahoe area roads

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - El Dorado County has closed Lake Tahoe Blvd at Sawmill Pond due to flooding just before 11:00 a.m. It is closed in both directions according to the California Highway Patrol with over two feet of water on the roadway. They are expecting the flooding to spread in the area.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department is assisting with signage going up to warn travelers.

12:52 p.m. Sunday update - Highway 50 at Sierra at Tahoe Blvd is experiencing flooding. Reports of high water at Apache Drive in Meyers by the Post Office, and Lake Tahoe Blvd around Angora Creek.

Douglas County declares State of Emergency in anticipation of heavy floods

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners have declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the significant flooding event forecast for this 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 respond to an emergency and meet the needs of the community during a time of crisis and well as take the first steps toward a State declaration.

Douglas County prepares for onslaught of wet weather

With flood warnings up around Northern California and Western Nevada, Douglas County officials are alerting residents of a flood watch issued for the area from late Saturday night January 7 through Monday morning, January 9.

Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents.

City of South Lake Tahoe warns residents and visitors of major weather event

If the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecast is correct, South Lake Tahoe could see the largest rain/snow weather event since the memorable floods of 1997 and 2005.

Those traveling to South Lake Tahoe, and those that live here, are being warned to be prepared for the storm which is slated to reach the Sierra overnight Saturday and last until Monday.

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.

Free sand bags available for South Lake Tahoe residents

With the heavy rain and high snow levels associated with an atmospheric river hitting the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this weekend, the City of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are reminding citizens that sand bags are available, free of charge.

During wet storms, residents may find themselves with flooding issues around their homes and garages.

Sand bags are available year-round at the City’s Streets and Snow Removal Yard located at 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Winter storm, high wind and flood warnings for Lake Tahoe Basin

"If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm," says the old quote, and if you want to see this weekend's clear and sunny skies you'll have to get through two days of rain, wind and snow.

The National Weather Service has issued three warnings for the Lake Tahoe Basin:

High Wind Warning in effect until Thursday at 4:00 p.m. Winds will be from the southwest 25 TO 40 mph with gusts 65-70 mph. Gust over 80 mph likely in wind prone areas around Reno, Carson City and Minden. Sierra ridge gusts up to 130 mph. Waves on the lake will be 3 to 7 feet.

Wet weather in the Lake Tahoe area bringing with it chain controls and traffic issues

Even though the storm hitting Lake Tahoe this weekend is a wet one, snow levels will fluctuate between 6500 and 8000 feet. Flooding near rivers and streams is already being seen in many areas. Some area passes have been snow covered, including Mt. Rose, Brockway, Echo, Spooner, and Kingsbury Summits. Additional snow amounts of 6 to 10 inches are possible for elevations above 8000 feet, with several inches of snow down to 7000 feet.

As of 10:00 a.m., chain controls are up on Echo Summit, Spooner Summit, Kingsbury Grade, Brockway Summit.

Two storms headed to Lake Tahoe bringing rain, wind and snow

Two storms are headed to Lake Tahoe and each will bring rain, wind and a chance of snow.

The first storm will hit Thursday into Friday, with the other one right on its tail Saturday night into Sunday.

Storm one:

Hurricane Seymour off the coast of Mexico will bring heavy rainfall that will likely cause travel delays, especially for those driving across the Sierra. The peak period for heavy rain looks like it will be early Friday morning. Rain will spillover into Western Nevada as well, so be prepared with ponding water on the roadway.

Emerald Fire remains at 176 acres, 90 percent contained

Crews remain at the scene of the Emerald Fire near South Lake Tahoe today, both getting containment lines around the burned 176 acres and preparing for heavy rains that could cause flash flooding. There is a containment line around 90 percent of the fire, with the west slopes above Cascade Lake remaining to be contained.

As of 7:00 a.m. Sunday, there are six engines, three fire crews and one tender in the fire area which surrounded Highway 89 each and west between Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake.

Update on Emerald Fire: 176 acres burned, remains at 90% contained

10:00PM update - The Emerald Fire is now 90 percent contained after burning 176 acres in the Spring Creek area between Fallen Leaf and Cascade lakes and Lake Tahoe on Friday, October 14.

Heavy rains have helped put out the fire as firefighters complete the containment line above Cascade Lake.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Power remains off in the area as a precaution, and homeowners are still evacuated until conditions improved as flash flooding in the burn area may occur.

* * *

Free sand bags available for South Lake Tahoe residents

With heavy rain expected over the weekend and into next week, the City of South Lake Tahoe is reminding citizens that sand bags are available, free of charge.

During wet storms, residents may find themselves with flooding issues around their homes and garages.

Sand bags are available year-round at the City’s Streets and Snow Removal Yard located at 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Upper Truckee River channel project close to completion

A major restoration project of the Upper Truckee River channel and surrounding meadows is about to be completed, three years and $7 million later. Known as Reach 5, the U.S. Forest Service project is improving the river channel stability and aquatic habitat along 1.2 miles of the river adjacent to the Lake Tahoe Airport.

Another goal of the project is to restore surface and subsurface channel connectivity to 120 acres of floodplain, increasing deposition of fine sediments and nutrient uptake on the floodplains as well as raising the ground water levels in the meadow.

Letter to the Editor: Why vote for Bernie Sanders

In a representative democracy, the system the United States supposedly has, the policy making is controlled by the representatives elected by the people. The idea behind representative democracy is that people will elect representatives that will serve their best interest. However, in the United States the funding for election campaigns is provided by large corporations, banks, and a handful of wealthy individuals that results in the election of representatives who serve the best interests of the large corporations, banks, and wealthy individuals.

USFS seeks public comment on Burke Creek restoration project

The U.S. Forest Service seeks input on their draft environmental assessment for the restoration for the Burke Creek Highway 50 Crossing and Realignment Project.

The first two phases of the proposed project would restore the Burke Creek channel and adjacent marsh, reduce the amount of sediment that flows into nearby Lake Tahoe and reduce the potential for flooding on U.S. Highway 50.

County selects Courtney Walker for County Stormwater Program Manager

South Lake Tahoe residents may remember Courtney Walker when she worked for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, but now she has a new job as the newly hired Douglas County Stormwater Program Manager.

She is bringing with her over 10 years of experience with stormwater and watershed management. With much of her experience in the Tahoe and Carson River Watershed area, Courtney is well versed in local stormwater and watershed coordination.

Free sand bags available for South Lake Tahoe residents

With the rainy weather that hit South Lake Tahoe recently, many residents were finding themselves with small flooding issues around their homes and garages.

Sand bags are available, free of charge and year-round, from the City of South Lake Tahoe at the City’s Streets and Snow Removal Yard located at 1160 Rufus Allen Blvd. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Despite snow, Tahoe’s climate still changing

The New Year is getting off to a phenomenal start with snow falling at Lake Tahoe. It seems long ago since we’ve had snow around the lake, but as California and Nevada continue to grapple with four years of drought and water shortages, the snow couldn’t be falling at a better time.

Time to sign up for next South Tahoe Action Team training

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Department is accepting applications for the 2016 Winter session of STAT: South Tahoe Action Teams.

This program is designed to incorporate trained citizens in the field with the South Lake Tahoe Fire Department and other first responders during times of crisis.

NDOT wants people to report illicit drainage and discharge into roads

The Nevada Department of Transportation is urging residents to help protect water quality by preventing and reporting illicit drainage and discharge onto state roads and transportation facilities.

Illicit discharge is anything entering a roadway drainage system that is not natural stormwater. Pesticides, construction dirt or materials, as well as materials from neighboring properties and roadway runoff containing fertilizers, vehicle oil and chemicals are examples.

Flash flood warning issued for El Dorado and Placer Counties

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the King Fire area in Placer and El Dorado Counties. Doppler radar has indicated heavy rain moving into the burn area, prompting the warnings.

A warning is in place until 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17.

The severely burned areas of Rubicon River, Silver Creek and the South Fork of the American River are areas of concern due to the terrain's inability to absorb rainfall, leading to enhanced rainfall.

Forecast: Lake Tahoe shouldn't expect benefit of a strong El Niño

A strong El Niño is predicted to help ease drought conditions in some, but not all of California. The National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released their latest seasonal weather assessment on Thursday, and news isn't very good for the Lake Tahoe Basin.

"Godzilla" El Nino may be on it's way

Experts warn of a Godzilla El Niño this fall.

So, what exactly is a "Godzilla" El Niño?

Actually, it’s just a clever joke by a NASA climatologist: "This definitely has the potential of being the Godzilla El Niño," Bill Patzert of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge, California, said Thursday.

What's It Look Like?

"Godzilla" El Niño is not a technical or scientific term, but it's a good way to describe the upcoming El Niño event, because it could likely be one of the strongest since record-keeping began in 1950.

Learn about resources at Douglas County Flood Outreach program

Douglas County Douglas County is hosting a Flood Outreach on August 6 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the CVIC Hall, Minden, NV. The event will give the public the opportunity to collect information, provide public input, and view flood damage maps.

“After our staff presentation on the flooding, we wanted to give citizens a place to gather and receive information from as many resources as possible.” said Douglas County Commission Chair, Doug Johnson.

Resources present at the event will include:

• Engineering/Stormwater Management

Carson Valley flooding update

Douglas County Emergency Management is currently working on managing the current flooding in the Stephanie and Johnson Lane areas of Douglas County.

The State Damage Assessment Teams went out to the affected areas on Thursday to determine the amount of damage to public infrastructure as well as attempting to determine private property damage following state and FEMA damage assessment criteria. The County hopes to have this report completed as soon as possible.

Is drought over soon? Major El Niño gaining steam

As Pacific Ocean temperatures continue to warm and trade winds shift, federal scientists now say that the El Niño weather event that’s emerging could be one of the strongest on record.

Disaster Declaration for parts of Douglas County

9:20 p.m. update 7/8/15

Approximately 141 homes have water and structural damage after Wednesday's flooding in the Stephanie and Johnson Lane areas of Douglas County. It is unknown how many homes may have landscape damage.

No injuries have been reported.

Douglas County has activated a flood hot line for residents who have been affected by the flooding. The number to call is (775) 782-6262 or visit douglasflood2015@gmail.com.

Flash floods in Douglas County; Sand bags available in South Lake Tahoe

Douglas County Emergency Management is currently working on managing the storms that are currently passing through Douglas County. Areas of concern are the flood prone areas of the Fish Springs, Johnson Lane, Foothill Road and Topaz Ranch Estates.

Current road closures at this time in Douglas County are East Valley Road near Eldon Way in the Johnson Lane area. Precautions should be taken when driving along roads that have steep embankments alongside such as SR207 Kingsbury Grade for falling rocks and debris.

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