roads

South Lake Tahoe snow removal teams work around the clock to clear roads

A Winter Storm and Avalanche warning remain in effect even as the snow is slowing down this morning. Travel is still a problem in and around the area. To check
weather conditions in real time, click here.

“We still want people to stay off the roads but if you have to get out and about today be careful,” said Chris Fiore, Communications Manager for the City of South Lake Tahoe, “Plows are out and working around the clock and have been for some time.”

CHP advises motorists to not travel to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The stories of 10-15 hours to get to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area on Friday were not isolated, and many of the repeat reports are occurring on Saturday.

Epic ski conditions have beckoned visitors to the mountains over the three-day holiday weekend, but what created those ski conditions has also caused local roads that aren't passable and clogged highways with frequent closures.

Closures on I80, SR431 and SR88 - Road controls on all Lake Tahoe area roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The predicted winter storm is in full swing around Lake Tahoe, with feet of snow in the forecast through Sunday.

Moving about is not an easy task with snow plows attempting to keep up with the falling snow.

Here is a look at road conditions as of 9:00 a.m. Friday:

US50
Chains or Snow Tires Required - on US-50 from mile post 14.0 in Carson City County to mile post 29.4 in Lyon County in Nevada.

Travel restrictions placed on two roads in Meyers to test electronic closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has created electronic closures on two roads in Meyers ahead of a snowy, crowded three-day holiday weekend in Lake Tahoe.

Two of the culprits in recent standstill traffic jams as visitors depart Lake Tahoe at the end of a weekend are electronically closed until Monday, February 18 at 9:00 p.m.

Closures of Sawmill Road and North Upper Truckee were initiated by the CHP in Meyers, then uploaded by Caltrans onto Waze, Google and other maps systems used on cellphones.

Winter Storm Warning through Sunday in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Lake Tahoe from Valentine's Day through Sunday, February 17 at noon.

After a day that saw mostly rain at lake level, the National Weather Service updated the warning, extending the length of the warning that originally issued and lowering snow levels through the three-day period.

Kudos: Bread & Broth thanks Heavenly Mountain Resort Ski Patrol

With a big winter snow storm hitting the Tahoe area on Monday, February 2, there was no better crew to have sponsor the Adopt A Day of Nourishment meal than Heavenly’s Ski Patrol members. This crew braved the snowy roads and whiteout conditions to come to St. Theresa Church Grace Hall and help provide a hot and filling beef stroganoff dinner to the hungry folks who faced difficult conditions to attend B&B’s Monday Meal.

Utility pole and power line fall on South Lake Tahoe snowplow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The power in parts of the Bijou neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe is still out this evening as crews hurry to replace a utility pole that was knocked down earlier in the day by a snowplow.

Heavy slush on roads through town isn't just hard for cars to navigate, but City snowplows can also have issues as they work to make the streets safe.

While clearing Herbert Avenue a snowplow accidentally clipped a utility pole, causing it to come down on the cab of the plow, trapping the driver inside until crews could turn the power off.

Sandbags available for area residents at several locations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Douglas County and the City of South Lake Tahoe are urging residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding and high winds as a storm with high winds and heavy rain enters the region.

Douglas County has sandbags available at nine locations and urges residents to assemble them on their property if there is a chance of flooding. Sandbag locations can are self-fill and the current locations are:

Zephyr Cove Park, Warrior Way - Sand is located in the upper parking lot

Drivers on closed Mt. Rose Highway a concern to Nevada Highway Patrol

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - During the storm that hit Lake Tahoe on Saturday, February 9, several drivers decided to ignore closure signs on the Mt. Rose Highway and proceed without complying to chain requirements on the open portions. These vehicles became stuck in the heavy snowfall or stopped due to zero visibility white-out conditions, leading rescuers into what they call "life-threatening conditions."

Travel issues remain around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - After Caltrans attempted to open I80 this afternoon, it closed again for westbound traffic after a weather cell moved in, causing visibility issues. It is starting to move again but all tractor-trailer combinations are not allowed on I80 due to visibility at this hour.

From Kingvale to Truckee, chains are required on all vehicles except 4WD with snow tires.

From Meyers to South Lake Tahoe westbound traffic is backing up along Highway 50 towards the Y as cars are attempting to head west over Echo Summit.

Some road conditions as of 5:20 p.m. Sunday:

CA88

Highway 50 reopens to westbound traffic over Echo Summit

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The main artery between South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento has reopened to westbound traffic after road crews are working on clearing away 2-3 feet of new snow on US50. Eastbound traffic is being held four miles east of Placerville.

I80 remains closed at this hour as do the Mt. Rose Highway and state routes 88 and 267.

It will take a while to clear all roads, and those that are clear will see heavy traffic as the weekend visitors make their way home.

Roads a mess through the Sierra tonight, I80 closed

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Tonight is an excellent time to stay off the roads around Lake Tahoe. As of 7:20 p.m. I80 remains closed from the CA/NV state line and Applegate. US 50 over Echo Summit was closed at 7:00 p.m. for avalanche control and SR 88 is closed from Peddler Vista to Red Lake Creek/the Carson Pass. SR 267 at Northstar is closed as is the Mt. Rose Highway, SR 431.

SR 89 around Emerald Bay has not opened since the storms last week and remains closed.

On the roads that are open, vehicles stuck in snow and accidents have been reported.

Highway 50 and I80 both reopened after snow closures

UPDATE - I80 is now reopened.
* * *
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - U.S. Highway 50 reopened to eastbound and westbound traffic this morning about 5:00 a.m. with R-2 chain controls still in effect from Point View (just above Placerville) to Meyers.

Expect extra vehicles on the roads in South Lake Tahoe as US50 is the only main artery over the Sierra that is open at this hour.

The following highway closures are still in place for snow removal operations:

Interstate 80:

Us 50 over Echo Summit added to closed highway list Monday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you were planning on crossing the Sierra this evening, you'll have to change those plans now that US50 over Echo Summit has been added to the road closure list.

Severe weather conditions have led to numerous accidents and stranded vehicles.

Snow at times has been falling at 4.5 inches an hour. Caltrans closed the roads for safety.

Current closures:

Interstate 80: Eastbound commercial vehicles are being turned at Applegate; passenger vehicles are being turned at Colfax. Westbound at the Nevada state line

Weather conditions lead to several Sierra road closures

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Motorists on roads throughout the Sierra have had to deal with heavy snow and chain controls and at times full road closures.

As of 3:00 p.m., the following closures are in place:

US 50 over Echo Summit is closed for avalanche control. Traffic is being held in Meyers and Twin Bridges.

SR 267 is closed from the I-80 junction to the SR 28 junction due to severe weather conditions.

Sunday update: Controls on all mountain roads; blizzard conditions possible through Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's the middle of a four-day storm in the Sierra with all mountain roads impacted by the snow. There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday with the next wave of it expected to hit Lake Tahoe by 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

South Lake Tahoe traffic meeting: "Our quality of life has been affected"

MEYERS, Calif. - Traffic through neighborhoods in the Meyers area has become unbearable to many residents as vehicles leaving South Lake Tahoe to take to side streets in an effort to circumvent Highway 50 traffic over Echo Summit.

In an effort to find solutions to a problem that keeps Meyers residents from their homes for hours at a time, a townhall-style meeting was held on Friday night.

Letter: Agencies alert public on what they're doing to alleviate traffic leaving South Lake Tahoe

The following is a letter created by the four agencies currently working together to try and find a solution to the traffic problem in Meyers as visitors exit Lake Tahoe after a weekend. A public meeting was held on Friday night and that story will be carried on Saturday.

Major storm headed for Lake Tahoe; Mountain travel discouraged

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Winter Storm Warning in place for Lake Tahoe, one that starts on Friday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. and lasts until Monday night at 10:00 p.m. as two major storms take aim for Lake Tahoe.

The incoming storms have prompted travel officials to warn travelers to get to Lake Tahoe by 4:00 p.m. Friday night and to stay off mountain roads from then until early Monday morning.

The warnings are calling for heavy snow at lake level anywhere from 19" to 33" and up to five feet of snow above 7000 feet over the four-day period.

South Lake Tahoe route set for the Amgen 2019 men's race

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 2019 Amgen Tour of California will be the longest and most challenging in its 14-year history, including a Men’s Stage 2 race from Rancho Cordova to South Lake Tahoe on May 13. This marks the fifth straight year South Lake Tahoe has hosted an Amgen Tour of California event.

South Lake Tahoe woman's cross country run/walk nears completion

The journey started as South Lake Tahoe resident Ari Ramos touched the Atlantic Ocean and left Jacksonville, Florida on January 28, 2016, , and if all goes well it will end this February when she touches the Pacific Ocean at the Santa Monica Pier.

Standstill on South Lake Tahoe area highway and streets; Groups looking into solution

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's almost a perfect storm for traffic in Lake Tahoe: extra visitors in town for the holiday weekend and epic ski conditions with snow and chain requirements over US50 and Echo Summit.

On Monday, locals and visitors alike were part of that storm, leaving motorists stranded along US 50, Lake Tahoe Blvd., and all surface streets in Meyers that have a link to the highway over Echo Summit.

Road conditions changing on day that has brought snow, rain, thunder snow to Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chain controls have been lifted on several Lake Tahoe area roads, but that doesn't mean the snow storm is over. January 20 has been a day full of weather, from rain and thunder snow, to white-outs at the ski resorts and breezy conditions.

Both Kirkwood and Heavenly Ski Resort had to close some ski lifts earlier today after lightning was striking in the area and Sierra-at-Tahoe closed early due to high lightning potential.

Snow impacting roads around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - CA/NV - Roads around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra have snow tire and chain controls and two of them are closed due to conditions. The following is a list of local controls as of 8:00 a.m. January 17.

US50

Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 0.0 in Douglas County to mile post 1.0 in Carson City County in Nevada.

Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers in El Dorado County in California.

I80

Road closures around Lake Tahoe; Fatal crash on Hwy 50 near Placerville closes road

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The roads are a mess around the Lake Tahoe Basin, with SR-89 around Emerald Bay and SR-88 near Kirkwood closed due to conditions.

Road controls going up around Lake Tahoe as storm hits Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chain controls are up on Sierra highways as what is the first stage of what is being called a "major winter storm." A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for South Lake Tahoe by the National Weather Service in Reno for Tuesday with a Winter Storm Watch going into effect Wednesday.

It’s already snowing in South Lake Tahoe with moderate to heavy snowfall anticipated tonight through Thursday. For up to the minute few of all highways through the Sierra, visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California roads and https://nvroads.com/ for Nevada roads.

Letter: SnowGlobe needs another home

Snowglobe 2018 is now in the books. There have been some successes as well as some difficulties. This year saw the introduction of professional sound engineers to help reduce the sound and new field protection to prevent further damage to our new play fields. The sound is reported to have been improved for many though the people who live nearest this event in Pioneer Village, along the Bijou Meadow, around Johnson Lane and in Sierra Tract continue to be bombarded by three days of sound.

Douglas County deputies arrest one after high speed chase

A man was taken into custody late Sunday night after leading Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high speed pursuit that began in the Dresslerville area.

The pursuit began around 10 p.m. when the driver attempted to run over a sheriff’s deputy, according to dispatch via scanner. The pursuit ended at 10:43 p.m. with the man in custody after he had ditched the vehicle he was driving and fled on foot. Speeds during the pursuit were up to 125 mph.

The pursuit shut down multiple roads as the Nevada Highway Patrol and other agencies also intervened.

Major winter storm possible this week in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Significant impacts from a potentially major winter storm are forecast for the Sierra and lower valleys next week, beginning late Monday night and going until Thursday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said confidence is building that the storm could bring several feet of snow above 8000 feet, and up to two feet down to 6000 feet.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Winter Weather Advisory continues thru 9:00pm this evening… A few inches of Fresh Snow reported at all resorts and should continue to fall thru out the day… Winds are affecting the operation of lifts with Wind Holds reported at Heavenly, Squaw, Alpine & Mammoth to start the day. Call Ahead… Some road controls posted… buckle up and drive safely! Get After it! Have Fun & Be Safe!

Caltrans has reopened SR-89 around Emerald Bay

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans crews have removed the snow from the roadway around Emerald Bay and it has now reopened.

Snow from this weekend's storm in Lake Tahoe closed the road on Saturday, January 5 and it remained closed until today shortly after 10:00 a.m.

All other roads around Lake Tahoe are open and currently free of controls. As a reminder for up to the minute road conditions, visit https://nvroads.com/ for Nevada and http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Some 2ndHelpings of Powder still out there! Lift operations on Delayed openings and some on HOLD… This will change thru out the day as Winds may affect upper mountain lifts… Winter Weather Advisory posted for tomorrow with 6-12” predicted above 7000 feet… Get After it! Have Fun & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Cloudy Skies with a chance of showers. Snow level 7500 ft. Highs: 39F-44F. (29F-34F on the Slopes). South Winds 10-15 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 50 mph, increasing to 75 mph in the afternoon.

Traffic leaving Lake Tahoe still backed up Monday afternoon - I80 all clear

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - SR-89 around Emerald Bay remains closed this afternoon and SR-88 at Kirkwood is expected to reopen shortly after a storm passed through Lake Tahoe, dumping snow and rain on the region.

Due to I-80 closing for most of Sunday because of white-out conditions and unsafe roads, many of those travelers headed to the South Shore to try and use US-50 to go over Echo Summit. That combined with the exodus of tourists in town to ski, many surface streets throughout Meyers and South Lake Tahoe remained jammed with standstill traffic for hours.

Some roads closed around Lake Tahoe due to snow and wind

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Interstate 80 is closed at this hour due to white out conditions and zero visibility from Colfax to the Nevada state line. SR-89 around Emerald Bay is also closed. No estimated time of reopening was provided.

Headaches on the roadway as storm enters Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If you don't have to be on the roads around Lake Tahoe today, don't go.

As the beginning of fairly strong weather system has just hit the Sierra, there are not only chain controls but also a series of collisions and spinouts. The storm shouldn't have surprised anyone as warnings have been in place all week.

As of 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, chain controls are up on all mountain roads around Lake Tahoe on the California side, expected to be going up soon on the Nevada side.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning & Merry Christmas Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Santa Delivers the White and whether you’ve been naughty or nice you can enjoy Fresh Powder Conditions… All the Resort are Open and Geared up for the Holidays… Fresh Powder & Machine Groomed Packed Powder. All Lift subject to Delayed opening due to snow safety… If you need to rent gear, get there early or rent the night before… If you want to enroll in ski/snowboard lessons, sign up early… Have Patients in Lines… Get After it! Have Fun & Be Safe!

Heavy traffic on I80 with chain controls; US50 to South Lake Tahoe much easier drive

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - `With holiday travelers and a Winter Weather Advisory both headed to Lake Tahoe, expect delays on the roads.

On I80 near Donner Lake westbound traffic is at a dead stop as drivers head towards chain controls and snow. As of 11:00 a.m. Monday the controls are in place from Kingvale to the Donner Lake interchange with those expected to expand as the storm enters the region.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning & Merry Christmas Eve Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Welcome to Lake Tahoe and your Pre-Christmas Sunday Funday! All the Resort are Open and geared up, operating at Maximum Levels, conditions permitting, Offering more lifts and terrain and ready for the Holidays… Machine Groomed & Skier Packed Powder! If you need to rent gear, get there early or rent the night before… If you want to enroll in ski/snowboard lessons, sign up early… Have Patients in Lines… Get After it! Lots of Holiday activities scheduled on and off the slopes… Have Fun & Be Safe!

Tahoe Douglas Fire boat named one of '10 Significant Boats of 2018'

The boat Lisa "Angel of Tahoe" Maloff and Bob and Nackey Scagliotti helped bring to the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD) in 2017 was named one of WorkBoat magazine’s “10 Significant Boats of 2018” an international in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Lake Assault Boats fire and rescue craft on duty with TDFPD, named Marine 24, was christened in 2017. At a cost of $500,000 it is designed to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structural and wildland fires, and on-the-water rescue operations.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Fresh Snow & Snow Showers reported at Resorts this morning and the Winter Weather Advisory will expire at 10:00am… Ski or Ride with a Buddy if you venture in Opened Off-Piste terrain… New Snow surface is moist and sticky… Have Fun & Be Safe!

Today’s Weather: Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies in the morning, then becoming Partly Cloudy. Scattered Snow Showers in the morning. Snow accumulation up to 3” above 7000 feet. Highs: 35F-40F (25F-30F on the Slopes). Southwest winds 10-15 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 70 mph decreasing to 50 mph in the afternoon.

Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard, road and weather news - Mountain Resort Report©

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Get on the Mountain early for your Sunday Funday… Winds will affect the operation of upper mountain lifts as a Lake Wind Advisory (starting at 10am) and Winter Weather Advisory (starting at 6pm) has been posted… Upper Mountain Lifts affected at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw, Alpine & Mammoth Mountain… Call Ahead… Have Fun & Be Safe!

Interactive map shows plowed bike paths in Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition has released their first online bike map that shows the Lake Tahoe region’s regularly snow-plowed bike trails.

People searching for a plowed bike route can now toggle a special seasonal layer in the nonprofit organization’s interactive bike map, available online at tahoebike.org/map. Many of Tahoe’s local jurisdiction clear snow from their shared-use paths, typically after they have completed plowing local roads.

Storm leaves behind challenging road conditions and cold temps

The latest storm to hit the Lake Tahoe area has left behind a few inches of snow around the lake but will leaving the area overnight.

Road controls remain up this morning, no matter where you are in the Reno/Tahoe area. The storm hit the Reno-Sparks, Carson City and Carson Valley areas much more than expected Tuesday night, prompting school delays and roads remain challenging there today. A Winter Storm Warning remains in place until 10:00 a.m.

The forecast for Wednesday:

Latest storm exiting Lake Tahoe, next one due Friday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Winter weather has arrived in Lake Tahoe! The second of three storm fronts is finishing up Thursday night with the storm warning expiring at 4:00 a.m. Friday. But Mother Nature isn't done yet.

Another Winter Storm Warning goes up for the Lake Tahoe Basin at 1:00 p.m. Friday and will be in effect until 3:00 p.m. Saturday. A break in the weather precipitation will occur Friday morning which will make this the best window of opportunity to travel in the Sierra.

NDOT has new chain requirements on Lake Tahoe highways for 2018-19 winter

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There are new chain requirements on Kingsbury Grade, Mt. Rose Highway and Spooner Summit during the 2018-19 winter.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has enacted a change on these Tahoe-area highways and now require any vehicle traveling without tire chains during winter chain restrictions to be four-wheel or all-wheel drive with snow tires. No longer will cars without these distinctions be allowed to cross chain control lines with just snow tires.

Chain controls go up around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For the first time in months it is snowing in the Sierra and chain controls are up on area roads. The snow hit a few hours later than planned, but, it's here!

As of 10:00 p.m. Wednesday night the following controls are in place:

Highway 50/Echo Summit - From Fred's Place to Meyers: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas).

Road Beat: 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road - What makes it so popular?

Toyota Tacomas are almost an institution, perhaps the best-selling mid-size pickup ever. In 2017 Tacoma sales were about 200,000 and owned over 50 percent of the market and for 2018 total Tacoma sales are 20 percent higher, looking at a 250,000 in sales for 2018 and still holding over a 50 percent market share. That is remarkable. Tacoma is a true default brand as its stellar reputation of quality and reliability is at the top of the mind of just about every mid-size truck buyer.

Former City Manager Nancy Kerry honored with proclamation and party

Nancy Kerry has been gone from her position as the city manager of South Lake Tahoe since March, but she finally got the credit due for her many accomplishments and contributions during a standing room only celebration Tuesday evening.

Over 75 community leaders came together to present Nancy with a proclamation signed by both Mayor Wendy David and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis, their last official act with the City.

The list of tributes spoken during the evening is a lengthy one.

SR89 to close for one day around Emerald Bay

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is alerting the public that State Highway 89 will be closed at Emerald Bay on Wednesday, November 14 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This closure will allow for a crane to work in the area placing downed trees on the slope for erosion control. Dead or dying trees will be cut down from the area around the project site on Tuesday, November 13 and stacked onsite for placement on the hillside the next day.

Motorists from the north seeking to access the west or south shores of Lake Tahoe will need to detour via Highways 28 and 50 during the full closure.

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