backcountry

Blizzard Warning now in effect as Atmospheric River brings feet of snow to the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The warnings have been coming for over a week, and now the day weather experts have been warning us about is here. For snow that has been measured in inches so far this winter, a big change hits Lake Tahoe and the Sierra starting Tuesday night when it will be measured in feet.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has now upgraded the storm warnings to blizzard level.

Avalanche warning issued for the backcountry around Lake Tahoe

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area through 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5.

The affected area is the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

Avalanche Danger...HIGH avalanche danger exists today and tonight in the mountains.

Tahoe athletes to offer backcountry safety tips during free live panel session

Featuring some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding, the inaugural Tahoe Backcountry Awareness Week will culminate with the Athlete Summit on Thursday, December 17. The free virtual event, designed to encourage those planning to venture into the backcountry to educate themselves before doing so, will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a live Q&A period with Michelle Parker, Jeremy Jones, Elyse Saugstad, Cody Townsend and Amie Engerbretson.

Column: Cultivating cheer everywhere

Tahoe is a wonderland. Every season creates not only beautiful landscapes, but also new opportunities to get outside and play. For those of us that enjoy playing in the outdoors there are some simple practices we can all engage in to spread cheer all year and everywhere.

Tread Lightly
In the show “The Crown” the queen educates Margaret Thatcher on proper behavior while stalking a stag. She mentions the importance of dressing properly, speaking quietly, and avoiding wearing perfumes. The same is true for spending time outside while visiting Tahoe.

Column: Finding bright spots on the horizon

We are ready for some glad tidings this holiday season. While we look forward to the spirit of generosity and warmth the season brings, many are also hoping the New Year will deliver a meaningful reset. Propelling ourselves forward and out of crisis will require fortitude and drive. The pending vaccine is a bright spot on the horizon, but there are other positive indicators for better days to come.

Updates on closures and fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The US Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has lifted its closure order at Taylor Creek so people are once again allowed into the area around the creek. This is a popular area each fall due to the Kokanee Salmon run and heightened wildlife sightings and was closed to both protect bears and discourage large gatherings. The Visitor Center has seasonally closed.

USFS facilities around Lake Tahoe start seasonal closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has begun closing recreational facilities for the winter season. Seasonal closures apply to many National Forest recreation sites in the Tahoe Basin including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and forest roads.

Lake Tahoe Basin fire and camping restrictions extended

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has extended both its emergency camping and fire restrictions.

Camping/overnighting is prohibited in all wilderness/backcountry areas including Desolation, Meiss Country, Tahoe Rim Trail, Blackwood Canyon, Luther Pass and Watson Lake campgrounds through November. View forest order here.

USFS: Backcountry areas closed to camping except PCT and Desolation Wilderness

The U.S. Forest Service tonight added additional restrictions to its previously announced fire restrictions and closures of campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin starting September 7 at 5:00 p.m.

There is now an emergency camping prohibition that goes into effect on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Fire restrictions expanded into Washoe County and Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest

Starting August 9, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is entering Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in response to the current severe risk of wildfire. Nevada is experiencing record dry conditions with much of the state in a severe drought.

Keeping Tahoe bears wild - COVID-19 closures can affect their behavior

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Spring is in full swing in the Tahoe Basin and Tahoe black bears are searching for food. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears results in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year, local law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.

Column: Summer outdoor plan critical to COVID management

Ambiguity, uncertainty, and contradictions abound in this pandemic. Add time to the list of contradictions swirling around us. Morning and night sometimes seem a week apart. The first month of shelter‐in‐place dripped by for many of us. The second month was gone before we knew it. And now summer is fast approaching. We welcome the season because in ordinary times it can elevate our well‐being, but these are not ordinary times. With most of the attention and intensity now on reopening, the question that hangs in the balance is, are we ready? Is it the right time?

Winter Storm Warning until Monday for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Storm Warning is in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin until noon on Monday, April 6. At 10:00 a.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said to expect heavy snow with additional snow accumulations of 8 to 16 inches, except 1 to 3 feet above 7000 feet. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph in the lower elevations and up to 90 mph over Sierra ridges.

Heavy snow to continue through Monday; Avalanche warnings, Road closure update

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The forecast snow is here, with 2-3 feet reported at the upper elevations. The snow is affecting lower elevations as well, with chain controls starting to the west at Apple Hill.

If on the roads, check conditions often and go slow as there is snow and ice on the roads and a lot of traffic. There is another 21" of snow forecast for Sunday at lake level.

For up to the minute information, visit https://nvroads.com/ for Nevada roads and http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California roads.

Chain controls as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday:

I80

Volunteers sought for this summer in Desolation Wilderness

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Do you love the Wilderness? Would you like to help preserve its’ breathtaking beauty and natural pristine environment? Do you love spending time outdoors and helping people? Do you have the willingness and dedication to volunteer and help preserve one of our most popular back-country areas overlooking Lake Tahoe and the Crystal Range?

If the answer is yes, then Desolation Wilderness, co-managed by the USDA Forest Service’s Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), may offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Column: Reaching a new generation through environmental education and outreach

After a gangbuster start to the winter season, a lot of us in Tahoe are wondering where all the snow has gone. Sitting here at the end of February with snowpack numbers dwindling, snow lovers are chomping at the bit, waiting to see the storm track shift back our way.

Still, the mountains have been buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders race to the mountains to enjoy what natural snow we’ve received and are ever thankful for the assist from local resorts’ snowmaking operations.

Funding for reimagination and renovation of Spooner State Park now in place

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Construction is set to begin in May 2020 on the renovation and reimagination of facilities at Spooner Lake State Park. A collaboration between Nevada State Parks, Nevada State Lands and the Tahoe Fund has been successful in securing funding and donations to complete plans for the 35-year-old park.

Proposed parcel tax for county residents to support Lake Valley Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On March 3, 2020, voters in the Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) boundaries will decide if Measure B should pass, a measure that would give the fire department funds for much-needed equipment, apparatuses, and supplies.

Maddie Bowman, South Lake Tahoe Olympic champion, announces retirement from competition

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One of South Lake Tahoe's Golden Girls, Maddie Bowman, has announced her retirement from competitive halfpipe freeskiing on Monday.

In an announcement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard said Bowman, Olympic gold medalist, X Games gold medalist and seven-year member of the U.S. Freeski Team, is stepping away and leaving in her tracks a lasting legacy of triumph, perseverance, and progression.

TRPA honors 29th annual Best in the Basin award winners

STATELINE, Nev. - Six projects were given Best in the Basin awards Wednesday by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). The presentation of the 29th annual winners was made before their board meeting at Stateline.

The TRPA Best in Basin awards program showcases projects around the lake that demonstrate exceptional planning, implementation, and compatibility with Tahoe’s natural environment and communities.

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

Trash scavenger hunt with Olympian Jamie Anderson and Clean Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 3, 2019 - 3:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Clean Tahoe is hosting an event on Thursday afternoon with South Lake Tahoe native and Olympian Jamie Anderson, Don't Talk Trash - Pick It Up Scavenger Hunt.

On October 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., join the community at Lakeside Beach and participate in a trash pick up. Be at the beach at 3:30 p.m. to get supplies and scorecards. The fun begins at 3:50 p.m. and all have exactly one hour to clean the beach and neighborhood. Prizes will then be handed out.

No need to RSVP, just show up and have fun while helping the environment.

New partnership created to "Keep Tahoe Bears Wild"

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Tahoe Basin is bear country and natural resource and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in or visiting bear country. To help spread the message, a new website has been launched, TahoeBears.org, where residents and visitors can go to learn everything they need to know about living, visiting and playing responsibly in bear country.

An Ordinary Day until.....Bees

In the time that it takes to text someone, pet your dog, or order a great meal at a local restaurant, something went very wrong. An ordinary day veered sideways and I was no longer on a relaxing vacation. I was working to save someone’s life.

Location

Upper Truckee Meadow
river drive
United States

Disaster averted after fires left by careless campers doused in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The outcome could have been much different had
there not been a quick response by the U.S. Forest Service-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and other firefighting agencies at two different spots on Monday.

Both fires look like they are a result of illegal campfires, one on the northwest end of Lake Tahoe near Watson Lake and the other south of the basin in Meiss Country.

Backcountry history tour of Comstock era water flumes featured at Spooner Lake State Park

Event Date: 
September 7, 2019 - 9:00am

SPOONER LAKE, Nev. — Join a park ranger on a guided, self-driven vehicle tour through the Spooner Backcountry of Spooner Lake State Park. We’ll follow the remnants of the historic Virginia Gold Hill Water Company flumes and pipes, and discuss Comstock history as we enjoy the day driving through the scenic park backcountry.

Volunteers needed to assist the public in the Lake Tahoe backcountry

The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is forming a new volunteer team to provide a “uniform presence” in Lake Tahoe areas where they do not have staff available to be in the field or on the many trails.

A formation meeting for is being held for all potential volunteers on Friday, June 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at LTBMU Supervisor Office located at 35 College Drive in South Lake Tahoe.

"Winter Weather Advisory" for Lake Tahoe - Up to 8 inches of snow at upper elevations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The calendar says Memorial Day Weekend. A time for outside barbeques and picnics, cycling and enjoying the pending arrival of summer. Normally.

This year it is a time for skiing, finding indoor activities and possibly chaining up the car.

Keep Tahoe Bears Wild - Practice proper food storage and trash disposal

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Lake Tahoe natural resource and law enforcement agencies remind residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal at all times while in bear country. Intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can result in unwanted bear behaviors, increased human-bear conflicts, and public safety issues, as well as fines and possible jail time for violators. Each year law enforcement and state wildlife officers respond to hundreds of calls in which bears may pose a public safety threat or are damaging property. In some cases, the bear must be euthanized.

Column: Moderation is the key - How to prepare for summertime

I was on the beach today for my first Bachelorette Party Yoga Practice of the season. These sessions are some of my favorite. I love being outside. I love looking at the lake and the mountains. I love sharing in the practice of Yoga for such a joyful event. I am also very good at connecting with and recognizing how prepared each group is for the practice that day.

It’s Been A While Since I Did This

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and another Beautiful Spring Like Day… Temps will warm up on the Slopes, affecting the Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Powder, and will be softening with warm temps… Use the Sunscreen today… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Beautiful Spring Like Day… Temps will warm up on the Slopes, but plenty of Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Powder… Doesn’t Get Any Better! Use the Sunscreen today… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Beautiful Finally Friday… Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Powder… Doesn’t Get Any Better! Use the Sunscreen today… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Another Beautiful Day to enjoy Pi-Day on the Slopes… Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Powder… Get After It! Slather on the Sunscreen today… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Shaping up to be a Beautiful Bluebird Morning to hit the Slopes… Get out Early… Fresh Snow over Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Powder… Road Controls Posted on some highways… Winds may affect Upper Mtn Lifts in the Afternoon… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Sunny Skies. Highs: 31F-41F (21F-31F on the slopes). Northeast Winds 10-15 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 60 mph.

TONIGHT:Clear. Lows: 7F to 17F. East winds 10-15 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 50 mph.

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Shaping up to be a Beautiful Bluebird Morning to hit the Slopes… Get out Early… Machine Groomed & Skier Rider Packed Powder… Partly Cloudy by afternoon with increasing Winds and Scattered Snow Showers… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Sunny Skies in the morning then Partly Cloudy with scattered Snow showers in the afternoon. Highs: 36F-46F (26F-36F on the slopes). Southwest Winds 10-15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Ridge Gusts up to 60 mph in the afternoon.

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Shaping up to be a Great Motivation Monday to hit the slopes… The Orb in the Sky is scheduled to make a showing today with Blue Skies by afternoon… A little Fresh Snow over Machine Groomed! Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Mostly Cloudy in the morning then Clearing. Highs: 34F-44F (24F-34F on the slopes). East Winds 10-15 mph.

TONIGHT: Clear. Lows: 14F to 24F. Light Winds.

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

A Sunday-Fun Day ahead with Partly Cloudy turning Mostly Cloudy Skies and continued chance of snow showers in the afternoon… Get After it today with plenty of Fresh Snow on top of Machine Groomed Corduroy and Skier-Rider Tracked and Packed Snow… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest concludes today with Family Fun Day and More… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Beautiful Mountain with Mostly Clear to Partly Cloudy Skies… Increasing Clouds expected through-out the day and chance of snow showers… Get After it today with plenty of Powder Stashes yet to be had… Machine Groomed Snow Corduroy and Skier-Rider Tracked and Packed Snow… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today with Parade in Kings Beach and More… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Happy International Women’s Day! Mostly Cloudy Skies and Great Snow Conditions! Plenty of Fresh & Machine Groomed Powder… Get After It Today! Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today thru March 10… Road Controls posted on most Highways… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Mostly Cloudy Skies with a chance of snow showers. Highs: 29F-39F (19F-29F on the slopes). Southwest Winds 10-15 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Ridge Gusts up to 50 mph.

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!
Winter Weather Advisory will expire around noon… At least a Foot of Fresh Snow in the upper elevations… Upper Mtn. Lifts will operate Wind & Weather Permitting… Wear your Gore-Tex jacket today… Take your yellow, rose or bronze lens goggles… Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… Powder & Machine Groomed Snow… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today thru March 10… Road Controls posted on all Highways…Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Winter Weather Advisory in effect thru tomorrow afternoon… Fresh Snow & Windy Conditions… Upper Mtn. Lifts will operate Wind & Weather Permitting… Wear your Gore-Tex jacket today… Take your yellow, rose or bronze lens goggles… Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… Powder & Machine Groomed Snow… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today thru March 10… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!
Cloudy and chance of snow and rain… Snowing at Sierra, Heavenly, Kirkwood, Squaw Alpine & Mammoth… Wear your Gore-Tex jacket today… Take your yellow, rose or bronze lens goggles… Winds may impact upper mountain lifts… Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… Machine Groomed & Skier-Rider Packed Snow… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today thru March 10… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

More Fresh Snow has fallen in the upper elevations… Get Out on the Mountain today! Winter Storm Watch posted for Tuesday thru Wednesday… 1-3 Feet possible… Wear your Gore-Tex jacket today… Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… Powder & Machine Groomed Pack Powder… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today thru March 10… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

TODAY’S WEATHER: Expect Partly Cloudy Skies with a slight chance of snow showers in the morning. Patchy Fog in the Morning. Highs: 37F-47F. (27F-37F on the slopes). Southwest Winds 10-15 mph.

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

Fresh Snow (Heavy-Wet) on lower elevations with Powder on upper elevation slopes for your Sunday Funday… Lifts will operate, Wind & Weather Permitting… Wear your Gore-Tex jacket today… Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… Plenty of Machine Groomed Pack Powder… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today thru March 10 / Subaru WinterFest at Sierra at Tahoe / … Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!
Winter Weather Advisory in effect thru today… Fresh Snow (Heavy-Wet) on lower elevations with Powder on upper elevation slopes… Lifts will operate, Wind & Weather Permitting… Wear your Gore-Tex jacket today… Ski/Ride with a Buddy if you go off-piste… Plenty of Machine Groomed Pack Powder… North Lake Tahoe SnowFest continues today… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

A Break before the next storm… Winter Weather Advisory now posted for late tonight thru Saturday… Resorts are Digging Out and preparing their Slopes for the weekend… A bit warmer and less winds expected today… Wind Holds and Patrol Holds reported on Upper Mountain Lifts… Plenty of Machine Groomed Pack Powder and Powder Turns to be had on newly opened terrain… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders!

A Break before the next storm… Winter Storm Watch posted for late Friday thru Saturday afternoon… Resorts are Digging Out and preparing their Lifts & Slopes to open, but continue to expect Delays with Snow Holds & Wind Holds on Upper Mtn. Lifts as lingering Snow Showers continue today… Road Controls posted… Mt. Rose Hwy Closed from Tahoe Side, Emerald Bay Rd. remains Closed… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

Winter Storm Warning still in effect thru Thursday morning… with somewhat of a break today… But, Strong Winds are continuing to impact upper mountain lifts… Call Ahead! Mt Rose Ski Tahoe, Donner Ski Ranch are Closed. Diamond Peak is Closed due to Power Outage… Call Ahead … Road Controls posted on All Highways in and around Lake Tahoe with I-80, Hwy 88, Mt. Rose Hwy & Emerald Bay Road CLOSED… Back Country Avalanche Danger is HIGH… Ski & Ride with Care & Be Safe!

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

Good Morning Lake Tahoe Skiers & Riders…

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