sierra

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.

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.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 24-30, 2021

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. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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

Al Roker to discuss climate change at Tahoe's Operation Sierra Storm

Event Date: 
January 25, 2021 - 8:00am

Al Roker of NBC’s Today Show fame, will discuss his passion, interest and concerns about climate change, as well as his storied career as keynote speaker at Operation Sierra Storm, the annual television meteorologists’ conference at Lake Tahoe. The public is invited to tune in via Facebook to watch Roker on Monday, January 25.

Operation Sierra Storm (OSS) in an annual weather conference held on the South Shore. Due to health and safety restrictions, the public is unable to attend Monday's event in person, but they are welcome to participate via Facebook.

Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe ahead of series of storms

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Lake Wind Advisory to be in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, January 22. Southwest winds from 15-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected at Lake Tahoe. Waves 3-5 feet from mid-lake to the north and east shores are possible.

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Meyers business helps remove snow play trash; Clean Tahoe can direct others to litter hot spots

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We've seen the stories and photos of trash left behind by the large number of people spending time in the snow from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe. A growing problem is the people finding whatever patch of snow is available, normally in areas not previously used for snow play.

New business licenses issued by the City of South Lake Tahoe

The following businesses took out a license to operate in South Lake Tahoe during the months of November and December 2020:

NOVEMBER

11/3
FOOD FREEDOM & HEALING COACHING 20

11/4
Y B MESSY

11/5
MARTA MCLEAN LMFT

11/6
A&A CONSTRUCTION INC

11/9
LABRADOR TAXI DRIVER
SCOTT VAN NEST CLEANING

11/10
DREADFUL SAVIOR
EVOLVE MICROBLADING PMU

11/12
EVOLVE MICROBLADING PMU

11/13
LAKE TAHOE LOCAL CONTACT SERVICES

11/16
KOSKIN CONSTRUCTION
LILLYS TIRE
RUELAS HOUSE CLEANING

11/18
CABIN CREEK ENTERPRISES LLC
EMERALD BAY PHYSICAL THERAPY

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 18-23, 2021

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. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Wind and chance of snow in the weekly forecast for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a High Wind Warning in place from 10:00 p.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. The winds begin to increase Monday out of the northeast as a mostly dry low pressure system drops into the region according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Expect northeasterly flow to ramp up Monday night with damaging winds possible for the Sierra. Temperatures will cool back toward seasonal averages early this week with better potential for precipitation heading into the final week of January.

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.

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the weeks of January 4 - January 10, 2021. Location Checks are- when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations and calls are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc.) but stats are collected separately. COVID calls are related to state and county guidelines.

Last week's report: http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/09/2021/south-lake-tahoe-police-blotter

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.

Kiwanis of Tahoe Sierra helping children in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra has been busy this winter with helping the children of South Lake Tahoe.

Club members started the season by providing snow pants and boots to children in the Tahoe Head Start program, knowing that every child deserves the opportunity to keep warm as they play in the snow. The club would like to thank Cheryl the K-Mart store manager for her support of the project.

It's official: NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ coming to Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Nev./Calif. - It's been a plan in the works for months and today the National Hockey League (NHL) made it official - they are bringing NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ to Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.

Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. Both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Kudos: Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe thanks supporters of 12th annual Coat Drive

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe wishes to extend our appreciation to the following for their help, support, and generous donations that help us to purchase and distribute brand new coats, beanies, and gloves to ensure that the youth in our community stay warm this winter.

The generosity of our donors:
• The Bob Baunhauser Foundation, in remembrance of member Bob Baunhauser
• TLC Investment, in remembrance of member Katy Fagan
• 2020 American Century Championship/Celebrity Golf
• El Dorado Community Foundation/Give Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe Police Blotter

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The following is a list of calls the South Lake Tahoe Police Department responded to the weeks of December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021. Location Checks are- when officers search an area at a certain address. Transient/Homeless arrests/citations and calls are those normally categorized in other columns (Drunk in Public, Trespassing, etc.) but stats are collected separately. COVID calls are related to state and county guidelines.

Last week's report: http://southtahoenow.com/story/01/03/2021/south-lake-tahoe-police-blotter

12/28

Arrests

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.

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.

Faulty heat tape the cause of smoke at Sierra House Elementary Monday morning

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Valley Fire Protection District (LVFPD) responded to Sierra House Elementary Monday after a report of smoke at the rear of the building.

The 8:02 a.m. call happened as staff and some students were arriving for the school day. Since it is remote learning at this time the school wasn't full and those that were there evacuated the building.

Cause of the smoke turned out to be a faulty heat tape and there was no damage to the structure or roof, just a rain gutter which had ice inside, according to LVFPD.

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.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork January 3-9, 2021

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. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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.

Sierra snow pack near Lake Tahoe at 93% of average

PHILLIPS STATIONS, Calif. - The Sierra snow pack was measured at 93 percent of average on Thursday at Phillips Station, west of Lake Tahoe, the first of the winter 2020 snow pack surveys.

A team from California Department of Water Resources (DWR) found 30.5 inches of snow with 10.5 inches of snow water equivalent (SWE).

South Lake Tahoe businesses can apply for COVID-19 relief grant program

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a very short window for small businesses to apply for the latest round in COVID-19 relief grants. From December 30 2020 - January 8, 2021, businesses can apply for some of the $475 million that will be made available in two rounds.

Lights. Camera. Action! Crew of South Lake Tahoe locals needed for new production

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A production company will be filming in the South Lake Tahoe region for approximately six weeks starting sometime in February through March 2021 and they are looking for a large local crew to work on the project.

The project is a secret at this time but their list of local needs is bigger than most that film in the Lake Tahoe area: cast wranglers, production assistants, location helpers, drivers, camera operators, sound/audio crew, and grips.

Federal Transportation Improvement Program draft available for public comment

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), has released the Draft 2021 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and the public comment period on its contents is now open for the next 30 days.

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.

Small weather systems bring chance of snow to Lake Tahoe for last week of 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a few chances for precipitation as we wrap up 2020 and head into 2021, but at this point in time the systems on the horizon aren't looking like big snow makers.

As one system leaves Monday afternoon there will be a break in snow/rain activity on Tuesday, the next weather system is projected to arrive Wednesday evening and exit quickly by Thursday morning. While the more likely scenario favors light
snow (up to 2") for the Sierra and northeast California/far northwest Nevada it could cause some morning commute issues.

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.

Quick-moving Christmas weather system passes with another on its heels

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A late Christmas Day weather system dropped several inches of snow around Lake Tahoe. A second colder system will be on its heels Sunday night into Monday and will provide chances for another round of snow. Additional fast moving storms are possible going into 2021.

Ski resorts are reporting the following 24-four snowfall reports at the beginning of operations Saturday:

Heavenly - 3"
Sierra-at-Tahoe - 7"
Kirkwood - 8"
Homewood - 7"
Squaw/Alpine - 12"
Northstar - 5"
Mt. Rose - 10"
Diamond Peak - 4"

Incoming storm upgraded to Winter Weather Advisory

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The incoming storm on Christmas Day has been upgraded by the National Weather Service (NWS) to a Winter Weathet Advisory. It starts on Friday at 4:00 p.m. and is in effect until 10:00 a.m. Saturday.

Heavy snow is possible. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches, except 1 foot or more above 7000 feet possible. Exposed Sierra ridge winds could gust to 100 mph or higher.

Travel could be very difficult. Peak snowfall rates expected Friday evening into Saturday morning. Hazardous and slow travel across the Sierra expected during this time.

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.

Tahoe Best in the Basin Award winners announced

Seven outstanding restoration, sustainability, and construction projects were recognized as recipients of Best in the Basin awards by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) during an online meeting of the agency’s Governing Board. The projects and programs each exhibit outstanding planning and execution and lead the way in environmental stewardship in the Lake Tahoe Region, according to the agency.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork December 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. At this time there is no work scheduled for the South Lake Tahoe area.

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. Thursday, December 24 until 10 p.m. Sunday, December 27 due to the Christmas holiday weekend.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

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.

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.

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.

Three arrested over weekend for alleged crimes in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) had a busy weekend with the arrest of three people in two separate investigations.

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.

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.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Lake Tahoe

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Stateline, and Incline Village from 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 11 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12.

Snowfall potential has increased for the Lake Tahoe area, especially above 6500 feet has changed since initial forecasts were released earlier this week. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches are expected below 6500 feet, 4-8 inches above.

Approaching Lake Tahoe weather system not much of a snowmaker at lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There hasn't been much precipitation over California and the Sierra since summer but approaching weather systems may change that.

A series of systems through the weekend will break down the persistent dry pattern, with the first bringing increased winds late Thursday afternoon into Thursday night with fire danger concerns for portions of Mono County. Rain and snow chances arrive Friday night and Saturday with a second round Sunday. Another period of gusty winds is looking likely for Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Reno.

City of South Lake Tahoe asks tourists to stay safe and at home, for now

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a minimum three-week long Stay-at-Home order going into effect on December 10 at 11:59 p.m. there are new rules that affect South Lake Tahoe visitors and residents.

The Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County are part of, has dropped below 15 percent availability in the ICUs across the region, prompting the new order. More than thirty million people in California now fall under the order after a deadly surge of the coronavirus has crossed the state.

Stay-at-Home orders for El Dorado, Alpine counties and rest in Sacramento Region

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe and the rest of El Dorado County and Alpine County will go under a Stay-at-Home order effective Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. This order will last for at least three weeks and then the state will reevaluate. The order has gone into effect because the Sacramento Region, of which South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado and Alpine counties are part, now has staffed ICU bed availability under 15 percent.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue decorated holiday truck schedule

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has been able to reverse its earlier decision and is once again going to launch the decorated fire truck through the community. They will be running nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. December 10-24, 2020.

Here is their schedule:

Thursday Dec 10th – Keys/Venice

Friday Dec 11th – Glenwood area

Saturday Dec 12th – Keys/State streets

Sunday Dec 13th – Barton / Tahoe Island Dr

Monday Dec 14th – South Y / Tata Ln area

Tuesday Dec 15th – Al Tahoe Blvd / Pioneer Village

Wednesday Dec 16th – Springwood / Bijou Pines

Dry week ahead for South Lake Tahoe, possible change in weather next week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dry conditions are likely for the upcoming week in South Lake Tahoe with temperatures near to, or slightly above, average. There is a Lake Wind Advisory in place for the beginning of the workweek, with winds from the east reaching up to 40 mph on the lake and peak Sierra crest gusts of 70-100 mph with gusts 40-65 mph for higher ridges east of the crest.

Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe provides 600 coats to local youth; New members welcome

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Coats for Kids is an annual Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe signature project. For the past three weeks members of the club have been busy purchasing coats and distributing them to students in need in our community.

Kudos: Tahoe Magic thanks community

Farwell 2020! We will always remember this year, but for most of us, we are also ready to kiss it goodbye with a swift kick to the curb. Our community, like all communities has been hard hit with lost income, closed businesses, stay at home orders, COVID and virtually learning at home. We have missed socializing, travelling, entertaining and being entertained, enjoying our extended family and cannot even see a friend’s smile behind their mask. We missed so much of 2020 and it has hurt, to be honest.

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