highway

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.

Editorial: Use the election to create a community of collaboration and teamwork

In order to be a successful community on the South Shore, the state line needs to become a blur and both sides need to work together. There should be no "us" and "them" but a collective "we."

When travelers come to Lake Tahoe they don't see a state line, or a direction on the compass, they see a beautiful recreational paradise that just a few people are able to call home, but millions can call a vacation destination.

Halloween traffic safety tips

Over the past three Halloweens there have been a total of six traffic deaths and 417 crashes during the past three Halloweens in Nevada, so the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) and Nevada Department of Public Safety (NDOT) has joined together to remind both drivers and pedestrians to be safe.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 30 – November 5, 2016

LONG-TERM PROJECTS- State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected in summer 2017. October 31-November 4 - State Route 89 (Placer County) from Oak Street to Cherry Street and from St.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story may be updated when provided.

10/23/16

1:15 a.m. - Disorderly Conduct: Alcoholo - Jicarilla Dr - A 34-YEAR-OLD MALE WAS ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION. THE SUSPECT WAS BOOKED INTO EDCJ AND LATER RELEASED
PURSUANT TO 849(B)(2) PC.

6:56 a.m. - Death Investigation - South Lake Tahoe - 89-YEAR-OLD FEMALE DECEASED.

Tahoe Chamber gives position on local ballot measures

The Board of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) has announced its position on seven local ballot measures in the City of South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County.

Yes on Measure P

Prescribed burning to resume in Lake Tahoe Basin; Other fires still restricted

It's that time of year again when the U.S. Forest Service resumes their prescribed burns in the Lake Tahoe basin to reduce fuels in sensitive areas.

Fire restrictions have not been lifted in the basin yet, but it is not uncommon for the Forest Service to conduct operations while those restrictions are still in effect according to Lisa Heron of the USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Editorial: A "yes" vote for Measure U and Measure Q

I've never met anyone that likes taxes, but we pay them to fund the things we need in our lives: fire protection, law enforcement, education, roads, and services, just to name a few.

In November, Measure U is before the voters of South Lake Tahoe. A "yes" vote will add an extra 1/2 percent to the sales tax on non-food items purchased in the city limits. Currently, the tax is eight percent so the increase works out to be an extra five cents on every ten dollars purchased. It is estimated the tax increase would bring in an extra $2.5 million to the City.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 23 - 29

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected in summer 2017.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

10/16/16

4:21 a.m. - Driving on a suspended license - Lake Tahoe Blvd - 37-YEAR-OLD FEMALE CITED FOR DRIVING ON WITH A SUSPENDED LICENSE.

11:52 a.m. - Assist Douglas County Sheriff - Al Tahoe Blvd - ASSISTED OUTSIDE AGENCY WITH A COURTESY REPORT.

New project in Truckee to bring new Marriott hotel and apartments

A new project is being planned for the Town of Truckee that will include a 127 room hotel and five three-story apartment buildings with 138 rental units.

The hotel portion will be named Marriott SpringHill Suites and the apartments, Coburn Crossing.

The Triumph Development Hotel and Residential Project, will be laid out on over 11 acres adjacent to the Truckee Cemetery and Highway 80 on East Jiboom Street.

Details of two more major Caltrans projects unveiled during public meeting

Two hot topics for locals were discussed during a Caltrans informational meeting at the Lake Tahoe Airport on Thursday evening: A roundabout and viaduct replacement.

The 3-legged Roundabout

Citing the safety of the intersection of Highway 50 and 89 in Meyers as the catalyst, project managers, engineers and planners unveiled their plans for a three-legged roundabout at the intersection to the dozens of interested citizens who attended.

South Lake Tahoe council candidates share their views on sustainability and climate issues

The South Lake Tahoe chapter of the Citizen's Climate Lobby recently asked all ten of the candidates their views on climate change, green buildings and our carbon footprint and how they can make a change if elected.

The Citizen's Climate Lobby is an organization focused on national policies to address climate change, and the South Lake Tahoe chapter is one of 354 in the United States and abroad.

Patricia Sussman of the local chapter said just five of the candidates responded to their questions.

Foreign visitor to Lake Tahoe dies in single car crash

A Taiwanese visitor to the United States died in a single car crash on Highway 50 in Lake Tahoe on Sunday, October 16.

At approximately 3:10 p.m., troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol were dispatched to an injury crash west of Douglas County mile marker 6 on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.

Jiann-Juh Tseng, 72, was driving a Nissan Altima westbound in the slow lane on Highway 50 when he traveled over the white fog line on the right side of his lane, drove onto the shoulder and continued off the roadway and hit a tree.

Placer County Sheriff's K-9 Chase finds 54 pounds of pot

It was just another day of work for Chase, a K-9 who works with the Placer County Sheriff's Office. On Thursday, October 13, Chase and his handler, Deputy Josh Buckley, were called in to assist the California Highway Patrol with a traffic stop on Interstate 80, just west of Highway 267.

One there, Chase's nose took control and he ended up sniffing large vacuum sealed boxes which contained a total of 54 pounds of marijuana.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested by CHP.

Highway 89 reopens after Emerald Fire burns 176 acres near South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - Highway 89 reopened at noon on Monday, October 17 after being closed since Friday due to the Emerald Fire.

Fire and road crews have been working to complete containment of the fire as well as clearing debris and fallen trees after the weekend's fire and heavy rains.

Also, all evacuation orders have been lifted.

Traffic will be metered through the fire area by Caltrans. The Highway will be subject to future closure as repair work and tree removal continues and debris is removed from the highway.

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%.

Emerald Fire now 100% contained, road remains closed for cleanup

The Emerald Fire is 100 percent contained after burning 176 acres along Highway 89 near South Lake Tahoe.

Debris from the weekend's high winds and torrential rains near the burn area continue to impact the roadway and Highway 89 remains closed until Caltrans completes cleanup. It is closed from Fallen Leaf Lake to Emerald Bay North Gate.

According to Liberty Utilities, all customers have had power restored.

The following areas will be open to residents only:

Evacuation orders lifted in Emerald Fire area, Highway 89 remains closed

3:15 p.m. update from Liberty Utilities: At this time, Liberty Utilities has restored power to most of their South Lake Tahoe customers who were affected by the Emerald Fire. Crews continue to coordinate with emergency responders to re-energize power lines deemed safe to do so given forecasted weather and fire danger.

While power has been restored in most of the evacuated areas, multiple downed power poles and lines in the Spring Creek area still pose a danger and service to that area may not be restored until as late as Tuesday, 10/18, depending up officials' assessment of conditions.

Plane missing southwest of Lake Tahoe, overdue on trip from Idaho

5:00 p.m. update: According to the Acorn News in Jackson, Calif., the missing Cessna 182 is normally hangared in Amador County. Authorities Continuing Search for Missing Cessna 182. They said the plane was expected at Westover Field on Saturday.

The pilot left Idaho, headed to Jackson during a storm in the Sierra. Many pilots will take a southern route to Westover Field, which takes a plane between Highway 50 and 88. It is unknown at this time which route was taken.

Weather conditions continue to prevent search operations.

* * *

Emerald Fire remains at 176 acres, 90 percent contained

Crews remain at the scene of the Emerald Fire near South Lake Tahoe today, both getting containment lines around the burned 176 acres and preparing for heavy rains that could cause flash flooding. There is a containment line around 90 percent of the fire, with the west slopes above Cascade Lake remaining to be contained.

As of 7:00 a.m. Sunday, there are six engines, three fire crews and one tender in the fire area which surrounded Highway 89 each and west between Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

10/9/16

12:58 a.m. - Vacation Rental - Player Dr - VACATION RENTAL REPORT

12:56 p.m. - Disorderly Conduct: Alcohol - Emerald Bay Rd - A 54-YEAR-OLD FEMALE WAS CONTACTED DURING A WELFARE CHECK IN A PARKING LOT AND ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC
INTOXICATION.

Heavy rain totals with Saturday's storm in the Sierra, more on the way

Since Friday morning, rain has pummeled many areas of the Sierra Nevada. As of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, South Lake Tahoe had received 2.54" of rain, with more on the way. By Monday morning, a trace of new snow could be seen on the South Shore.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 16 - October 22

EMERGENCY CLOSURE

State Route 89 (El Dorado County) from Fallen Leaf Lake Road to Vikingsholm Vista Point is closed in both directions indefinitely due to fire damage.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Update on Emerald Fire: 176 acres burned, remains at 90% contained

10:00PM update - The Emerald Fire is now 90 percent contained after burning 176 acres in the Spring Creek area between Fallen Leaf and Cascade lakes and Lake Tahoe on Friday, October 14.

Heavy rains have helped put out the fire as firefighters complete the containment line above Cascade Lake.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Power remains off in the area as a precaution, and homeowners are still evacuated until conditions improved as flash flooding in the burn area may occur.

* * *

Flash flood warning for Emerald Fire and Little Valley Fire areas

There is a flash flood warning on Saturday for the Little Valley and Emerald Fire burn scars.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued the warning for Saturday afternoon through late Saturday night.

Another band of heavy rain is expected Saturday afternoon with rainfall rates over over 1" in three hours in the areas of the burns. The rain could trigger debris flows and rock falls, which have already been reported across Highway 89 near the Emerald Fire.

These rocks and debris may affect area homes and highways, the NWS said.

Small fire overnight behind Meek's Lumber in South Lake Tahoe

Firefighters from the South Shore jumped on an early morning fire behind Meek's Lumber on Lake Tahoe Blvd. Friday.

At 3:02 a.m., people driving by saw the flames and called 911. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue responded along with Tahoe Douglas Fire, resulting in two engines, medics, an ambulance and battalion chief at the scene.

This fire was burning at the same time as the Emerald Fire off of Highway 89 in the Spring Creek area.

One acre burned and the crews were released just before 6:00 a.m.

I-580 and Eastlake reopen as Little Valley Fire burns 2,000 acres; 19 homes burn

UPDATE 1:00PM 10/15/16: The Little Valley Fire in Washoe Valley has now burned 3,460 acres with 5 percent containment. Four injuries due to smoke inhalation have been reported.

The Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team reports that 22 residences and 17-outbuildings have been destroyed. 500 structures are still under threat.

Interstate 580 is open in both directions, as is old U.S. Highway 395. Franktown Road, the area where most of the home damage is, remains closed.

Emerald Fire burning near South Lake Tahoe consumes 210 acres, is now 80% contained

8:00AM update 10/15: Highway 89 remains closed in both directions from Fallen Leaf Lake Road to Emerald Bay due to the Emerald Fire which remains 80 percent contained this morning. Acreage burned is 210 acres.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

There are 3 engines and 12 firefighters still on the scene.

Opening time for Hwy 89 is still unclear. CHP estimates Saturday afternoon and Caltrans estimates the road will be closed until Monday. This is to allow crews to clean up the fallen trees and other debris on, and near, the roadway.

Firefighters get upper hand on wildfire in south Carson City

Thank you Jeff Munson and CarsonNow.org for the continuous coverage and updates of the fire.

Sunday afternoon fire off of Highway 50 and Kahle Drive

5:50 p.m. update: A vegetation fire in Rave Meadow between Kahle Drive and Elks Point Road in Stateline consumed about 1/4 acre before being contained by fire crews Sunday afternoon.

U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe Douglas Fire and Calfire crews responded.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

* * *

A second fire is burning in the brush off of Kahle Drive in Stateline. First responders said flames are five feet high and so far a patch of 20 feet by 20 feet has burned with a low rate of spread.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

10/2/16

12:22 a.m. - DUI - Pioneer Trail - A 37-YEAR-OLD MALE ARRESTED FOR DUI

1:24 p.m. - Death Investigation - South Lake Tahoe - A CORONERS INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AFTER 71-YEAR-OLD MALE WAS FOUND DECEASED

10/3/16

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 9 - October 15

The following is a list of roadwork projects in the Sierra around Lake Tahoe for the next week. Please note, unexpected schedule changes may occur.

For current information on roadwork, delays, road conditions and emergency closures, call the voice-activated Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-427-7623 (ROAD) or visit Caltrans’ “QuickMap” website at: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/

When heading west from Lake Tahoe Sunday, expect heavy traffic around Apple Hill due to seasonal enthusiasts.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Fall brings return of prescribed burns to South Lake Tahoe

If conditions are favorable, prescribed fire operations will return to the region on Tuesday, October 11 near Big Meadow off Highway 89 on Luther Pass.

There are 300 acres full of hand piles ready to burn. Christmas Valley residents may get some smoke as the flow will be in a north/northeast flow.

Full slate of events during 21st Lake Tahoe Marathon

The kickoff events are now in the record books, and racers are now preparing for the rest of Lake Tahoe Marathon week to get started.

Saturday, October 8

7:00 a.m. - Cal-Neva Marathon, race from Sand Harbor to Homewood
9:00 a.m. - Carnelian Bay Half Marathon, race from Carnelian Bay to Homewood
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Tahoe Sport & Fitness Expo at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel
9:00 p.m. - The Midnight Express 72 Mile Ultra - Round trip race around the lake starting at Lakeside Beach in South Lake Tahoe

Sunday, October 9

Study completed for proposed roundabout in Meyers at Hwy 50/89

A proposed 3-legged roundabout in Meyers at the intersection of Highway 89 and Highway 50 will not significantly affect the quality of the environment according to a report just released.

The Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is proposing the intersection improvements due to safety concerns for both cyclists and drivers. The purpose is to influence traffic calming with the implementation of a roundabout, something transportation officials say is needed because the intersection is experiencing a number of collisions related to the intersection type.

Major Caltrans project begins in South Lake Tahoe next Spring

Event Date: 
October 20, 2016 - 5:30pm

The utility relocation work on Highway 50 through South Lake Tahoe the past two years has made way for a major, three-year long Caltrans project that will get underway next Spring.

The project, which is currently out for bid, will be starting in 2017 and will have crews working along U.S. Highway 50 from the "Y" intersection with State Highway 89 to the Trout Creek Bridge once again.

Prescribed burning to resume in Eldorado National Forest

If you see smoke around Amador, Georgetown and Placerville it will most likely be from 12,671 acres of National Forest land being burned this fall by the U.S. Forest Service.

USFS will begin its fall prescribed burn program in the Eldorado National Forest as soon as weather conditions are favorable. Fire managers plan to burn approximately, 12,671 acres of National Forest land this fall, winter and spring using a combination of understory and pile burning techniques.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork October 3 - October 8

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

State Route 89 (Placer County): Work continues on a $70.1 million project from Tahoma to just north of Granlibakken Road in Tahoe City that is upgrading storm water drainage and treatment systems, adding curb and gutter, resurfacing and realigning the road, adding new left-turn pockets and widening shoulders on an 8-mile stretch of the highway. Completion is expected by summer 2017.

Sunday morning collision in South Lake Tahoe sends one to the hospital

One man was transported to Barton Hospital Sunday morning after the motorcycle he was on collided with a Chevy Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe.

Personnel from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded to a call that came in at 10:19 a.m. on October 2 on Highway 50 between the Raley's shopping center and Mc Donalds.

Two-vehicle injury crash closes Highway 50 at Echo Summit

5:15 p.m. update 10/3/16: A Carson City resident was transported to Barton Hospital after her Ford Bronco drifted into the oncoming traffic and crashed into a Jeep Wrangler.

Stephanie Peterson of Carson City was heading west on US50 near milepost marker 67 with her infant son in the car. According to the California Highway Patrol's preliminary investigation, she was also operating her cellular phone as she headed up Echo Summit in snowy conditions. She made an unsafe turning movement and allowed her Bronco to drift.

Heading east at the time was Jonathan Chacon of Mammoth Lakes.

Fast moving wildfire south of Gardnerville

5:15 p.m. update: Weather is helping fire fighters on the fire burning south of Gardnerville.

Recommended evacuations have been lifted and residents can return to their homes in the Ruhenstroth area. The area on the west side of Highway 395, including Stone’s Throw, Frontage Road and the Riverview Mobile Home Park remain closed to the residents.

Highway 395 north and southbound will be opening soon, single lane only with a pilot vehicle.

“The conditions are improving due the light rain, decrease in the winds and cooler temperatures,” said Deputy Chief Dave Fogerson.

* * *

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county.

The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at press time and the story will be updated when provided.

9/25/16

1:49 a.m. - Disorderly Conduct: Alcohol - Lake Tahoe Blvd - 33-YEAR-OLD MALE ARRESTED FOR PUBLIC INTOXICATION

2:31 p.m. - Runaway - Meyers - 15-YEAR- OLD MALE RAN AWAY WITH HIS 12-YEAR-OLD SISTER.

22nd annual Oktoberfest at Camp Richardson this weekend

Event Date: 
October 1, 2016 (All day)

The 22nd annual Oktoberfest at Lake Tahoe will be held October 1 and 2 at the historic Camp Richardson Resort.

Oktoberfest Activities include German food and desserts, an owner and dog dress up contest, craft booths, face painting, pumpkin patch, balloon art, bouncy house, bungee platform, climbing wall, live music featuring the polka styling’s of the “Gruber Family Band,” and the event’s ever popular beer and wine garden.

Fall Fish Fest at Taylor Creek Visitor's Center

Event Date: 
October 1, 2016 (All day)

Celebrate the annual fall migration of the Kokanee salmon during the Fall Fish Fest at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, Lake Tahoe, Saturday and Sunday, October 1 & 2, 2016, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

Join the fun and participate in this free family event which has become one of the most fascinating educational and wildlife viewing events in Northern California.

Wilderness enthusiasts and medical responders in MedWAR Tahoe Challenge

When Krysinthia White’s team, 20 Percent Survival, completed the MedWAR Tahoe Challenge at the Taylor Creek Sno-Park, they knew it was not a first place finish. Yet they were still smiling after six flat tires, a bee sting, and multiple wrong turns.

“From our perspective, last place was the best place,” says White. “We had the entire lake [Fallen Leaf] to ourselves and pretty much the entire trail.”

20 Percent Survival is one of ten teams of wilderness enthusiasts and medical responders who participated in the inaugural MedWAR Tahoe Challenge on Saturday, September 17.

SLEDNET: South Shore drug task force dissolved

For the past several months there has been no official SLEDNET servicing the South Shore, and today it was announced that the drug task force that has been serving the community since 1988 has dissolved.

Fall colors in abundance: Wind, rain and snow in forecast

Fall colors are near their peak in Lake Tahoe and Hope Valley, and with wind, rain and snow in the forecast, this may be the last few days to witness their spectacular golds, yellows and reds.

Not quite time to get on the slopes, but it certainly appears Mother Nature will attempt to get snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin this weekend with snow levels forecast at lake level. Light snow is expected and there may be impacts to travelers over Highways 50 and 80.

Location

Hey 88
United States

Nevada given another $20 million for roadwork

Approximately $20 million is headed to the state of Nevada in additional highway spending funds after excess funds from other states was distributed.

Small fires continue around South Lake Tahoe

There have been two more small fires around South Lake Tahoe in the last four days, the most recent Tuesday night.

On Saturday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. there was a small wildfire on National Forest land off Park Avenue. It was approximately 20 feet by 20 feet and the cause is under investigation.

Tuesday, September 27, there was a small wildfire near the same location reported at 10 p.m. It was approximately 50 feet by 50 feet and also remains under investigation.

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