Rocks and mud still cover US50 in Nevada and California; Other routes to Lake Tahoe open

Roadwork to clear mud and rocks from Highway 50 continues on both sides of the state line of Lake Tahoe with no estimated reopening time released by either transportation agency.

Last week, five boulders fell onto the highway near Logan Creek on the east side of the lake, prompting Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) to close the road due to an unstable hillside. Progress is being made on the stretch of road that connects South Lake Tahoe to Carson City according to Meg Ragonese of NDOT. She said the "monolithic-size boulders" are being removed.

On Monday, February 13, NDOT and contractor Sierra Nevada Construction dislodged another large boulder from the roadside slope, bringing it crashing to the empty roadway. Additional boulders remain at the top of the water-saturated roadside slope, and geotechnical and construction engineers are evaluating those additional rocks for potential of falling.

There is no estimated time for the road to reopen.

Over on Echo Summit, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working to remove three mudslides in a 12-mile area of Highway 50 between Kyburz and Ice House Road.

"Cautious, planned efforts have big results," the California Highway Patrol (CHP) posted on Twitter about the time it has taken to remove the hazards.

Caltrans said Monday that even though the road could be closed "indefinitely," it could be opened as early as Monday night, February 13.

This past weekend's rain and snowstorm also created hazards on all roads leading to the Sierra, prompting closure of SR88, SR89, SR207 and I80 along with Highway 50. Everything but Highway 50 has reopened.

“We commend both Caltrans and NDOT for their efforts with extremely challenging circumstances,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “With the record amount of snowfall we’ve received this winter we appreciate their diligence to ensure safe traveling over mountain passes.”

LTVA recommends the following alternative routes:
From Sacramento/Northern California take I-80 E to CA-89 S (Emerald Bay Road) to South Lake Tahoe
From Sacramento/Northern California take CA-16 E to CA-49 N to CA-88 E past Kirkwood to CA 89 N into South Lake Tahoe
To access South Shore from Reno, Carson City, and Carson Valley Kingsbury SR 207 is open

To keep up on road conditions, visit www.nvroads.com for Nevada and quickmap.dot.ca.gov for California.