lake tahoe basin

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Snow, snow, and some more snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A wintry week is on tap for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Western Nevada with at least two winter storms impacting the region. The first arrives Sunday night and the second is shaping up as a blockbuster storm for the Sierra with wind and snow impacts Tuesday night through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. An active and moist onshore flow is forecast to continue through the weekend and into early February.

Blizzard conditions expected this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active winter weather pattern will prevail through much of next week as a series of progressively stronger winter storms push through the Sierra and western Nevada. A significant winter storm is looking increasingly likely by late Tuesday through at least Thursday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Additional waves of moderate to heavy snowfall are possible through next weekend.

Sunday night and Monday

Construction bids now being accepted for Spooner Lake State Park improvements

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Nevada State Parks is seeking construction bids for Phase 1 of the Spooner Frontcountry Improvement Project. Phase 1 will involve a complete redesign and update of the over 35-year-old facilities, and construction of a new visitor center and amphitheater at Spooner Lake. Proposals will be accepted at the Nevada Division of State Parks office until March 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. PST.

Some road controls remain as small weather system moves through Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A taste of what is to come in the next week hit the Lake Tahoe Basin Saturday. The overnight system is moving out with the next one due Sunday afternoon.

Heavenly reports 2" of snow overnight, Sierra-at-Tahoe 3", Kirkwood 3", Mt. Rose 1" and Squaw Alpine 4".

Road Conditions as of 10:45 a.m. Saturday. US50 over Echo and I80 over Donner controls have been lifted at this time.

SR88
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on CA-88 from mile post 66.7 in Amador County to mile post 19.2 in Alpine County in California.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, if conditions and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

1. Twin Peaks 49 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - West River Park Drive and South Upper Truckee Road, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles.

High Wind Warning issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A High Wind Warning is in effect for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 10:00 p.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. Expect winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected, mainly above 6500 feet. Under that elevation, winds are expected 15-25 mph with gusts 30-45 mph.

Over the ridges, winds 60-80 mph are forecast with gusts exceeding 130 mph.

The winds will be coming from the east/northeast.

The warning is mainly for the western half of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Southern Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierra Counties, and northern Mono County west of Highway 395.

Recreate responsibly if heading to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

New chief for Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There has been a change in command at Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District (TDFPD). Chief Gregory "Scott" Baker has retired and passed the department flag to new Chief Scott Lindgren during a small ceremony Wednesday.

The passing of the department flag symbolizing the leadership change. The ceremony also included the pinning of Chief Lindgren whose daughter had the duty.

SBA and Treasury announce re-opening of PPP loans for businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, have reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility has been released in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will conduct widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoke may be visible.

1. Panther ULM - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Fallen Leaf Rd. and Highway 89, South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles, Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 01/13-18/21. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 5-7 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time. Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas:

Mostly sunny and mild week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High pressure will bring mainly dry conditions and light winds this week to the Lake Tahoe Basin and Western Nevada. Limited ventilation and inversions will develop this week as high pressure remains overhead. Afternoon temperatures somewhat above average early in the week will rise to well above
average mid to late week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. They said the first chance at some unsettled weather comes after the holiday weekend, though confidence in a big system is low at this time.

Weak winter system Friday in Lake Tahoe Basin with Lake Wind Advisory and light snow showers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another weak weather system is expected to bring very light snow showers to the Sierra and northeastern California along with increasing winds through Friday afternoon. Minor snow accumulations around a trace up to an inch will be possible by early Friday morning mainly north of Lake Tahoe and in upper elevations according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Ongoing prescribed burn operations around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Operations will continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Winter Weather Advisory forecast for the Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An incoming storm has been upgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory which is in effect for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Mono County from 4:00 a.m. Monday to 4:00 a.m. Tuesday. The rest of the storms forecast for the area have weakened though, with snowfall amounts greatly reduced.

A series of storms will affect the region starting Saturday night and going through next week. Overall potential impacts have trended lower that previously forecast, except for Monday which will feature strong winds and heavy mountain snows.

Extensive period of stormy weather for Lake Tahoe anticipated to start off 2021..

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a notable change ahead for a more active weather pattern for the Sierra and western Nevada with multiple periods of strong winds, heavy mountain snow, along with valley rain and snow. This forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows there be likely be significant travel impacts in the Sierra next week. Chances for valley snow (including down in Reno/Carson) will be increasing by midweek.

Law enforcement prepares for possible New Year's Eve crowds on South Shore

Even with the current pandemic, New Year's revelers could still flock to the Stateline casino corridor and South Lake Tahoe on Thursday so law enforcement will be prepared. With no SnowGlobe this year due to the pandemic, and Heavenly Village New Year's Eve activities canceled, it is unknown as to what will take place in an area that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets to bring in the new year. Last year it was estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets at midnight at Stateline and 6,500 at Heavenly Village for its 9:00 p.m. fireworks.

Illegal parking on Lake Tahoe highways continue to create safety hazards

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Many head to the Sierra to experience snow in all forms, from the ski slopes to sledding and building snowmen. Even during the pandemic and current "Stay-at-Home" orders in California, area roads were full this past holiday weekend with those seeking play time in the snow.

Each year, law enforcement has to deal with those who seem to have forgotten the laws of being safe on the roadway and parking on the highways, and not observing "no parking" zone rules.

Sunday - Monday weather system not leaving much behind in Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A colder storm moving into California Sunday will produce some areas of snow but accumulations around Lake Tahoe will be minimal. Most of the snow from this storm will be hitting south of Tahoe in the Mammoth Mountain/Mono Lake area where a Winter Weather Advisory is in place.

Officials warn of sledding dangers at unofficial sled hills at Lake Tahoe

Snow, a good slope and a sled in hand are the ingredients needed for a fun day around Lake Tahoe, but first responders are warning the public to only use official sledding locations or that fun can turn to a bad day very quickly.

Sledding is not as harmless as it looks, just ask the roughly 20,000 kids under age of 19 in the United States involved in sledding accidents annually.

Winter Storm Watch issued for Lake Tahoe on Christmas Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is looking more like a white Christmas for the Lake Tahoe Basin as a Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from late Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. A stormy pattern is taking shape as another Pacific storms look to impact the Sierra and western Nevada into early next week.

Heavy snow is possible with this first storm and total snow accumulations of 3 to 8
inches are possible with 1 foot or more above 7000 feet. Exposed Sierra ridge winds could gust to 85 mph or higher.

Chance of some rain, snow and cooler temperatures in the week ahead for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A cold front will bring a chance of snow showers and winds to the Lake Tahoe Basin Monday night into Tuesday, with another chance on Christmas Day and next weekend. While there are no major storms on the horizon, any precipitation is welcome at this time.

Douglas County agencies partner to hold drunk driving intervention training for Tahoe servers

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection (TDFP), state agencies, local non-profits and businesses are coming together to launch a campaign aimed to help our community stay safer by providing server intervention training and ride alternatives to those who are drinking and need to get home.

Call For A Ride, Stay Alive is a drunk driving awareness campaign that offers server intervention training to employees from casinos and other Stateline area businesses.

Quick storm drops snow in Lake Tahoe Basin, Chain controls in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The snow is still falling this morning so totals are not yet available, but as ski resorts opened they were reporting 3"-4" with more coming. Temperatures were too high for snow at midnight, but they have since dropped allowing snow to start falling.

The Winter Storm Advisory expires at 10:00 a.m.

Use caution on roads around Lake Tahoe as there are controls on all of them. Here are those controls as of 9:00 a.m.:

US50

Agencies to host public workshop on Meeks Bay Restoration Project

Event Date: 
January 7, 2021 - 5:30pm

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) in coordination with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, will host a virtual public workshop about the Meeks Bay Restoration Project from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. The workshop will provide the background and need for the project, share proposed restoration and site improvement alternatives, describe the next steps in the environmental planning process and solicit feedback on the alternatives.

Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16 to 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

Snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches for communities around Lake Tahoe and near Truckee, with amounts to near 12 inches above 7000 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 100 mph over exposed Sierra ridges, according to NWS Reno.

California Tahoe Conservancy awards over $340,000 to Washoe Tribe to restore Meeks Meadow

The California Tahoe Conservancy Board has awarded a $380,454 grant to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California for the Máyala Wáta Restoration Project at Meeks Meadow, and area rich in cultural and ecological importance.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Widespread prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe resume

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Lyons Ranch - Northwest of the Golden Bear Subdivision. East of Lake Tahoe Airport.
Responsible Agency: California Tahoe Conservancy
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 12/14-17/2020

Chance for more rain and snow this week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin expires at 4:00 a.m. Monday with most of the precipitation winding down by then other than a few lingering showers through 10:00 a.m. It`s unlikely to be snowing for the Monday morning commute, however, roads may still have snow and ice present.

USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19

National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.

Winter Weather Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee from Sunday, December 13at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Monday.

This next storm is expected to drop more snow that the one overnight Friday. This morning Heavenly reported no new snow, and Kirkwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe reported 3". There were chain controls over US50 andI80 but they have lifted, and controls are still in place on SR88 by Kirkwood.

USFS acquires 120 acres on Brockway Summit to protect from development

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Much sought-after parcels of land near Northstar Ski Resort have been purchased by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). The purchase brings to a close proposed developments which over the years have included 112 ridgeline homes and the Brockway Campground, a sprawling resort with 550 campsites and commercial and additional commercial facilities.

LTBMU used funds from the Santini-Burton Act to purchase two parcels that total approximately 120.4 acres of Brockway Summit land on the rim of the Tahoe Basin.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park
Responsible Agency: California State Parks
West of Hwy 89, along S Fire Rd and Campground Rd
Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 20.00
Planned Ignition: 11/30/2020 - 12/18/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 3 weeks

Invasive species removal begins in Taylor Creek Marsh

Crews began work this month in the marsh system of Taylor and Tallac creeks in the Southwest portion of the Tahoe Basin to remove aquatic invasive plants from an abundant and impacted marsh ecosystem, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) said today.

How to know when that smoke you see is from prescribed burns around Lake Tahoe

South Tahoe Now, the US Forest Service and the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team communicate to the public whenever there is a prescribed burn operation planned for the Lake Tahoe Basin. Spotting smoke can always be a concern so its helpful to stay informed when prescribed fire operations are underway.

Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree permits sold out in one day

Christmas tree permits for National Forest lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are now sold out! They went on sale one day ago and all 2,000 online permits were issued on a first-come, first served basis.

Nearby Eldorado, Humboldt-Toiyabe and Tahoe national forests are also selling Christmas tree permits online. Check permit availability for these forests at www.recreation.gov.

No additional permits will be authorized for this season.

In addition, Christmas trees may be purchased from private Christmas tree farms in El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties.

Tahoe Fund calls for projects to fund that help preserve the Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fund has kicked off its annual Request for Projects process, a time they seek applications seeking funds of $5,000 to 1,000,000 to complete their goals to help preserve Lake Tahoe.

The funding for projects are designed to restore Lake Tahoe’s famed clarity, create healthier forests, improve transportation, create more sustainable recreation, and inspire greater stewardship in the region.

Lake Tahoe storm upgraded from "watch" to "warning"

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We are already experiencing the winds that are accompanying the latest storm for the Lake Tahoe Basin. The High Wind Warning is in effect until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Winds are from the south to southwest winds 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. There are hazardous boating conditions on Lake Tahoe with waves 3 to 6 feet from mid-lake to north and east shores.

Another little burst of winter in the Lake Tahoe forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be mild and quiet through Monday. The next storm moves in Tuesday for another round of strong winds, especially in eastern
California and far western Nevada. Rain and higher elevation snow are likely later Tuesday and Wednesday with travel in the Sierra affected. Temperatures will fall closer to average for the middle to the latter portion of the week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

There is a High Wind Watch and a Winter Weather Watch in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin, though lake level should not see much snow.

High wind and winter weather watches issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are two new weather watches issued for the Lake Tahoe Basin this week, but most of the impacts will be above the 6500 foot elevation.

First come the winds. A High Wind Watch is in effect Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Winds will be front the south 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible. Stronger wind gusts to 75 mph are possible in Nevada for wind-prone areas along and west of Highway 395 and Interstate 580. Exposed ridges are likely to gust over 100 mph.

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.

Fire restrictions lifted in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A burn ban in the Lake Tahoe Basin was put in place this summer in response to the unprecedented and extreme fire conditions in California. While there were no major fires in the Basin there were record setting acres burned across the state.

A ban of charcoal barbeques, wood fire pits and open burning was but in place along with extra bans during Red Flag Warning conditions.

Prescribed fire operations return around Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will begin conducting prescribed fire operations in the Lake Tahoe Basin this week, weather and conditions permitting.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District is scheduled to being operations Monday at Diamond Peak Ski Resort (50 acres) and later near War Bonnet Way/Peace Pipe Lane in Incline Village (20 acres).

California State Parks is scheduled to begin operations at Burton Creek (17 acres) and Sugar Pine Point (20 acres) state parks beginning as early as Tuesday.

Cool but sunny start to the week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The recent storm that passed over the Lake Tahoe Basin brought more snow than originally forecasted, so what does the coming week have in store?

Expect well below-average temperatures with dry conditions and light winds through midweek, with today being the coldest day. Later this week and into next week, a more active weather pattern is likely to return with periods of gusty winds and
increased chances for rain and snow.

Winter Weather Advisory for Lake Tahoe Saturday-Sunday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7 to 10:00 a.m. Sunday, November 8.

A total of 3"-6" of snow is expected with upper elevations seeing up to 10" of snow.

There are current chain controls on SR88 from Silver Lake to Picketts Junction but the new storm approaches expect chain requirements on all main highways and passes.

The three-day forecast for South Lake Tahoe from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Red Flag Warning, Lake WInd Advisory and snow forecast for South Lake Tahoe in days ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Mark Twain said "the air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious," and this week that air will be colder than it has been. There is a little bit of everything in the five day forecast for South Lake Tahoe.

Starting Thursday, November 5, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin. It will be in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Friday. The forecast gusty winds and critically dry fuels could cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity.

Taylor Creek closure extended by USFS

Due to continued public health and safety concerns, trail construction, risk of bear-human encounters and in order to discourage large groups from gathering, the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit has extended a Forest Order that temporarily closes Taylor Creek and the surrounding area. This order (see here) is extended through November 9 at this time.

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.

USFS reminds all that fire restrictions remain in place around Lake Tahoe

Due to continued dangerous wildfire conditions, emergency fire restrictions remain in effect across all National Forest lands in California, including both the California and Nevada sides of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Smoking outdoors and all recreational fires, including campfires, bonfires, warming fires, wood fires, charcoal fires, or any other kind of outdoor fires, involving solid fuels are prohibited.

View the Forest Order at https://go.usa.gov/x7W7M.

Lake Tahoe area firefighters at scene of small fire above Chimney Beach

6:00 p.m. Update - The Thunder Fire is contained and is in mop-up status thanks to a quick response by local, state and federal firefighters. No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Note: Mop-up means to extinguish or remove burning material near control lines, fell snags, and trench logs to prevent rolling after an area has burned, to make a fire safe, or to reduce residual smoke.

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