Snowslide and incoming storm prompts closure of 89 around Emerald Bay

Just after reopening, a snowslide and incoming storm have prompted Caltrans to close State Highway 89 around Emerald Bay until the weather clears.

Today’s slide dumped snow as high as 15 feet deep and about 160 feet long. Rain in the Lake Tahoe area is expected to turn to snow on Thursday. Only light snow is expected at pass levels through Thursday morning, with heavy snow possible beginning Thursday afternoon.

A colder system will drop in Friday night with heavier and lower elevation snow. The biggest travel impacts for mountain travelers will likely be Friday night, according to the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office.

The storm is expected to continue into Saturday and bring up to 18 inches of new snow to Echo Summit. Motorists should be prepared for winter driving conditions and expect chain control checkpoints on U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 80. Additional travel time should be anticipated.

For up to the minute road information, visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.