donner lake

Citizen science drives environmental restoration and reservation in Tahoe-Truckee Region

LAKE TAHOE - Volunteer citizen scientists working with the League to Save Lake Tahoe conducted surveys of Donner and Spooner Lakes to detect aquatic invasive species, and restored native wetland habitat in Johnson Meadow in September. Both efforts are aimed at preserving the Tahoe-Truckee region’s unique ecology.

Over 8,100 pounds of trash removed from Donner and Tahoe by Clean Up The Lake dive teams

Clean Up the Lake dive teams have removed 8,183 pounds of trash from Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe, most from the summer of 2020.

The team completed a circumnavigation of Donner Lake, covering every inch of eight-mile shoreline at depths up to 25 feet. They removed all they could find in that area, resulting in 5151.5 pounds. They removed 3,032 pounds of trash from the depths of Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork September 20-26

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 26 - August 1

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of the long term and short term projects the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled for the week around Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 12 - 18

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) continues to work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork July 5 - 11

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. July 2 until 8 p.m. Monday, July 6 due to the July Fourth holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

4th of July Tahoe Truckee Honor Flyover circling Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
July 4, 2020 - 11:00am

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - There won't be fireworks shows around Lake Tahoe but there will be the 4th of July Truckee Tahoe Honor Flyover honoring our nation's independence and frontline healthcare workers. Warbirds will take to the sky, flying over Truckee and Lake Tahoe communities.

A contingent of historic plans will leave the Truckee airport at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday the 4th and fly counterclockwise around Lake Tahoe (schedule below), coming back into Truckee by 12:15 p.m. The planes will not be on display at any airport, just a great show in the air.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork June 21 - 27

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Placer County cancels fireworks at Donner Lake, Truckee, and North Shore of Lake Tahoe.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Following the recent announcement the Incline Village/Crystal Bay fireworks show being canceled in 2020, North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach and Truckee join the list in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and current state orders.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork May 3 - 9

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has resumed work on area highways. The following is their current project list at Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected in late spring 2020. No traffic-interfering work is scheduled.

Roadwork schedule for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra for April 25-May 2

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until the building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

Please remember to stay home except for essential needs.
California is under a Stay-at-Home Order and only essential travel is permitted.
~ Avoid travel ~ Stay-at-Home ~ Beat COVID-19 ~
Learn more at covid19.ca.gov
#StayHomeSaveLives

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork March 1-7, 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork February 23 - February 29

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) will work on projects through the Sierra, as weather permits this winter. There are no major projects going on in the Lake Tahoe Basin until building season begins in May. The following is their weekly schedule:

SPECIAL EVENT

State Route 28 (Placer County) from the junction with State Route 89 to Sierra Terrace Road in Tahoe City: Motorists can expect the highway closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 29 for the SnowFest Parade.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork February 2-8

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most major work by Caltrans on Sierra highways is on winter suspension, but some temporary work can be completed, weather permitting. Here is the week's schedule for Caltrans:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work is winter suspension on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected in late spring 2020.

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork 11/25 - 12/1/19

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. Wednesday, November 27 until 10 p.m. Monday, December 2 due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork 11/17 - 11/23/19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans will continue roadwork projects in El Dorado County and Lake Tahoe as weather permits. All grading has been completed until Spring 2020.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork 10/27 - 11/1/19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is wrapping up their 2019 road projects in the Sierra and on the California side of Lake Tahoe.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork October 20 - 26

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is conducting work on Lake Tahoe and Sierra highways. The following are their current projects for the week of October 13-19, 2019.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

Sierra and Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 13 - 19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is conducting work on Lake Tahoe and Sierra highways. The following are their current projects for the week of October 13-19, 2019.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 6 - 12

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans is conducting work on Lake Tahoe and Sierra highways. The following are their current projects for the week of Octber 6-11, 2019.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe and Sierra roadwork for September 8-14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Scheduled roadwork around the Lake Tahoe Basin is still in full swing before the winter hiatus.

For those wondering about the old Caltrans traffic camera at the Y: it is being replaced and when received there will be a lane closure coordinated for installation.

The camera at the new roundabout in Meyers can be rotated to analyze traffic needs and will not be aimed just at the roundabout for the time being.

The following are the Caltrans projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork for September 1 - 6

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are about so left of scheduled roadwork around the Lake Tahoe Basin before winter hiatus. Most traffic-interfering work will be limited from 6 a.m. Friday, August 30 through 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 3 for Labor Day weekend. Exceptions may be granted depending on the work and route.

The following are the Caltrans projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Invasive mussels found during Lake Tahoe boat inspections

Mandatory inspections of all boats launching in Lake Tahoe and other Sierra lakes has resulted in the interception of invasive quagga mussels on two boats.

The detection of the infestations of aquatic invasive species took place at the California inspection stations in Meyers and Truckee.

Wind advisory in place for Lake Tahoe and Sierra: Water activities could be "hazardous"

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory to be in effect from noon Tuesday to 11:00 p.m. Thursday on Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Fallen Leaf Lake and others in the Sierra Nevada.

Winds will be from the south to southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts 30 to 40 mph each afternoon and evening through Thursday. Winds will slacken up some overnight and into the morning; however, some chop may continue through the night, especially on Lake Tahoe, according to NWS-Reno.

Wave Heights on Lake Tahoe will be 2 to 4 feet for mid-lake to north and east shores.

Burning Man idea turns into Lake Tahoe business

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Have you ever wanted to experience Lake Tahoe from the comforts of a camper, enjoying the outdoors and campfires, while fishing for dinner outside your door that you'll cook on an open stove? Then cuddling up in bed with nothing but the sounds of nature outside to lull you to sleep?

Don't have the gear to make this happen?

James "Jay" Cooley and Alecia Baker do, and they are in business to help create those kinds of memories with Tahoe RV Rentals.

Lake Tahoe area boat inspection stations opening for 2019 season

LAKE TAHOE, CA/NV - Roadside watercraft inspections stations aimed at stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species are opening for the season. Locations, hours of operation, and opening dates are online at TahoeBoatInspections.com and as follows:

Opening Wednesday, May 1:
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week

Meyers: at the junction of US Highway 50 and Highway 89, South Lake Tahoe
Spooner Summit: at the junction of US Highway 50 and Highway 28 in Nevada
Alpine Meadows: Highway 89, off Alpine Meadows Road north of Tahoe City

Series of small weather systems heading to Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A quick moving weather system will bring gusty winds, showers, and mountain snow to the Lake Tahoe region on Friday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. This will fall on the heels of a smaller system on Thursday.

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.

Boys and Girls Club celebrate 25th anniversary with online auction and golf tournament

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One of the most popular golf tournaments on the South Shore is the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe’s (BGCLT) Golf Classic held annually at Edgewood Tahoe. As always, this year's tournament will feature 18 fun-filled holes, and for those who can't attend, an online auction featuring golf outings, vacations and hotel stays, events and gifts.

Lake Tahoe area boat inspection stations opening for 2018 season

The successful Lake Tahoe roadside boat inspection stations are reopening for the 2018 boating season. The fight against aquatic invasive species (AIS) has gone on for the last ten years, and officials say a large part of their success in keeping the lake clear are the stations located around the lake.

Since 2018, Tahoe Resource Conservation District (RCD) inspectors have performed over 70,000 vessel inspections, decontaminated 32,576 of them using hot water, and have found hundreds of vessels containing foreign species such as mussels, snails and plant material.

Chain controls up in the Sierra as storm moves through

The forecasted storm hit the Lake Tahoe area starting Sunday evening, and is now moving on. A Winter Storm Advisory is in place until 10:00 a.m. Monday. The week ahead should be clear and sunny and cold with a new storm coming in next Saturday.

As of 8:30 a.m. the following chain controls are in place. For up to the minute reports, visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ in California and http://nvroads.com/ in Nevada.

Twin Bridges to Meyers on Highway 50

Chain controls start to go up in the Sierra

The temperatures started dropping early this evening, turning the rain to snow and chain controls are now in place on several highways around Lake Tahoe.

At 6:49 p.m. Thursday, R2 controls went into effect from Meyers to Twin Bridges. 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).

First snow of the season: Chain controls and accidents Friday morning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A quick moving system is passing over Lake Tahoe Friday morning.

The road and weather report:

California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reporting an accident just east of Old Meyers Grade on Highway 50. At about 6:20 a.m., a big rig and vehicle collided, vehicle is off the road. Tow trucks are on the way and it is unknown if there are any injuries at this time.

CHP is also reporting a big rig blocking SR-89 north of Luther Pass as of 7:00 a.m.

I-80 ramp closures in Truckee this week

Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling on westbound Interstate 80 of the planned closure of Exit 184 from westbound I-80 to Donner Pass Road from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, September 26 – 27 for emergency pavement repairs. The on-ramp to westbound I-80 from Donner Pass Road will remain open. Motorists can continue on westbound I-80 to the next exit at Donner Lake Road to reverse direction and access Donner Pass Road from eastbound Interstate 80.

16 mile memorial trail to re-create wagon route at Donner

After an agreement today, a 16-mile trail to commemorate the original wagon route west over Donner Summit will be created from Kingvale through the Donner State Memorial Park in Truckee. Users will follow the original Overland Emigrant Trail but stay away from its remnants to protect the historical artifacts.

Small earthquakes north of Incline Village

he Sierra Nevada are not stranger to earthquakes, and recent swarms of quakes in the Carson Valley, Mammoth Lakes and Donner Lake are not out of the ordinary.

Overnight, a few of those earthquakes hit in around the North Shroe of Lake Tahoe.

Bridge painting work to affect Donner Lake interchange until August

Motorists need to be aware of Caltrans roadwork that will affect travel to Donner Lake this summer. Overdue bridge painting and preservation work has closed Donner Lake Road under I-80 overcrossings.

This section of road will be closed until August 18.

Ramps to and from I-80 will remain open, allowing motorists to access the next available exit.

Sierra Earthquake swarm overnight near Donner and Independence Lakes

9:30 a.m. update: The area continues to see several earthquakes in this current swarm that started at 2:02 a.m. with a 4.0 earthquake according to the UNR Seismological Lab in Reno. Magnitude numbers have been updated and listed below.

* * *
A series of earthquakes hit north of Donner Lake early Tuesday morning, starting at 2:02 a.m. with a 4.0 quake and a session of following 14 other tremblers over 1.0 magnitude by 5:43 a.m.

All came from an area 10.5 to 11.8 miles North/Northwest of Donner Lake, near Independence Lake.

The time and magnitude as of 8:20 a.m. Tuesday:

I-80 to close in both directions two hours tonight to repair mudslide damage

Caltrans is alerting motorists that Interstate 80 (I-80) will be closed in both directions from 11 p.m. Tuesday, January 31 to 1 a.m. Wednesday, February 1 at the following locations to allow the repair of power transmission lines damaged during the January 8 mudslide just west of the Donner Lake Interchange.

Westbound I-80 will be closed at Donner Park Road (Exit 184). Automobiles will be detoured onto Donner Pass Road and can rejoin I-80 at the Donner Lake Interchange. Trucks will be turned at Exit 184 and are encouraged to find parking in the Reno area during the closure.

CHP helicopter pulls out injured backcountry skier from Donner Lake area

A California Highway Patrol helicopter was called out to help with an injured skier who in the backcountry with three friends between Donner Lake and Boreal Ski Resort on Friday.

The victim said he and three other skiers had started their day at the Donner Pass Rest Area, hiked up the mountain for some backcountry skiing and then injured his lower leg while skiing down a shoot between two cliffs. The group used a cell phone and called 9-1-1 to request help. They were found near Flora Lake at approximately 7,500 feet in elevation.

Chain controls up on Tahoe area roads

Chain controls are up on area roads this morning after the passing of a small storm overnight.

As of 7:00 a.m. Tuesday:
Highway 50 over Echo Summit: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel / all wheel drive vehicles with snow treaded tires on all wheels from Meyers to Twin Bridges.

High winds and wet storm brings snow to Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe residents saw some dusting of snow overnight Sunday and Monday morning. In the last 48 hours, the Lake Tahoe Airport saw wind gusts 40-52 mph.

Chain controls remain this morning on Highway 89 through Christmas Valley and over Luther Pass, as well as I80 from Kingvale to Donner Lake. Chains are required unless driving a 4WD with snow tires.

A wind advisory remains for Lake Tahoe until 11:00 a.m.

Today - Isolated showers before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. West wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Smartphones now used to keep invasive species out of Lake Tahoe

Smartphones and invasive species don't normally go together, but this summer in Lake Tahoe, one was used to help keep the other out.

In a new partnership with other agencies around the West, the Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program receives real-time updates from other land managers about vessels traveling to Lake Tahoe from waters with a high risk of containing invasive species.

By sharing the data, Tahoe's watercraft inspectors are alerted before the suspect boats show up.

Truckee photographer captures water spout on Donner Lake

A water spout was spotted on Donner Lake Thursday, and Truckee photographer Jeremy Jensen was there to catch the image on film. Thunderstorms were going through the Sierra at the time.

Jensen said the water spout picked up children on a paddle boat in the China Cove area at about 4:30 p.m., knocking them into the water. Eyewitnesses told Jensen that the group of children are "A-Okay."

"Nature is wild, I've never seen something like this in Truckee," Jensen said on his Facebook page.

Missing Donner Lake boaters: One man’s body found; search for second resumes Sunday

The body of one of two men whose canoe capsized Friday in choppy water on Donner Lake was found Saturday morning. The search for the second man continued but was suspended Saturday evening, Truckee police said.

Dive teams are scheduled to return Sunday morning to continue the search, Truckee police said.

Last storm helped Lake Tahoe gain 7.89 billion gallons of water; More on the way

The most recent storm to hit the Lake Tahoe basin brought with it more rain than snow, but it allowed the lake to rise .20 feet which equals 7.89 billion gallons of water.

The Truckee River in Reno rose 3.71 feet and Donner Lake added 1.72 feet, or 385 million gallons of water.

Ski areas in the basin all got a boost in snow with Mt. Rose seeing the most at 16 inches. Heavenly added 4" and both Sierra-at-Tahoe and Kirkwood saw 10" added to their base.

Chains controls around Lake Tahoe as storm passes through

3:00 p.m. update 1/5/16: Well, the storm had another surge and chain controls are back up over Echo from three miles east of Kyburz to Meyers and on 80 from one mile east of Baxter to the Donner Lake interchange.

220 p.m. update 1/5/16: Chain controls over Echo Summit (Hwy 50) and Donner Pass (I80) have been lifted.

* * *

Chain controls have been up through the Sierra Nevada for most of the day as snows passes over the region.

The South Lake Tahoe Ties to Sunday's Indianapolis 500

Carl Fisher. Perhaps not a name you'll hear during the Indianapolis 500, nor, on any other given day.

New Technology Used to Keep Aquatic Invasive Species Out of Lake Tahoe

An innovation in aquatic invasive species protection was unveiled last week at the Water Sports Industry Association’s 2014 Summit that could make Lake Tahoe and recreational water bodies around the nation safer from the spread of invasive species, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) said Friday.

Labor Day weekend fishing report for Northern California and Sierra

Here is this week's fishing report for rivers, lakes and streams in the Sierra, Northern California and Nevada. This report is for the week of Aug. 28 through Labor Day. Don't forget, California's second free day of fishing without a license will be Saturday, Sept. 7.

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