Weather

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.

Lake effect snow could bring additional six inches of snow to South Shore Lake Tahoe Monday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a new Winter Weather Advisory for Monday at 4:00 p.m. to Tuesday morning at 4:00 a.m. This new advisory is due to what is known as "lake effect snow." Six more inches of snow can drop on the south shore of Lake Tahoe area this evening.

Lake effect occurs when a mass of unstable cold air moves over a mass of water that is warm in comparison. The lake provides moisture for the band of weather moving over it.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Auditions for children's virtual musical, Super Happy Awesome News

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Black Ice Theater Company's Children's Theatre Program is holding auditions for the virtual musical play, "Super Happy Awesome News." To audition for the March 2021 production, parents will need to submit a video of their young thespian singing their favorite song for at least 30 seconds. The song choice can be anything from "Happy Birthday" to "Jingle Bells."

Submissions will be accepted for children ages 8-14. Please include the child's name and the role they are interested in, if any, and email to info@blackicetheatreco.com by January 15, 2021.

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.

Chance of snow, rain and wind possible in the weekly Lake Tahoe forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fast moving Pacific storm will move through Monday with strong winds, valley rain and mountain snow. Clearing for Tuesday into Wednesday with a couple weak systems possible Wednesday night and on Friday. Some increase in wind along with showers are possible with each storm.

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.

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.

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.

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: Cultivating cheer everywhere

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

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

Column: 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.

Chain controls up around Lake Tahoe as new storm system moves in

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory starts at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, but now has already begun to fall and road controls are up on roads around Lake Tahoe. The advisory is in place until 4:00 a.m. Monday, and before that time, total snow accumulation of 2 to 6 inches below 6500 feet and 8 to 16 inches above 6500 feet is expected.

Road controls as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday, December 13:

US50
Chains or Snow Tires Required - on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

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.

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.

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.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Tahoe from midnight to 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 7.

Expect east winds on the lake 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Expect waves on the west shore to be the highest, from 2-4 feet. Winds onshore in South Lake Tahoe should be up to 10 mph.

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

Recreate responsibly this winter

With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go.

Douglas County Public Health Officer issues guidance after rise in COVID-19 cases

Douglas County has recently seen an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in an extremely short period of time. This is part of a regional and statewide trend in rapidly increasing confirmed COVID-19 infections and they are experiencing strain to their healthcare system and first responders.

Emotional well-being topic of next Tahoe Chamber Level Up workshop

Event Date: 
December 16, 2020 - 12:00pm

Even before the pandemic hit, American businesses were losing 300 billion dollars a year as a result of workplace stress. A recent nationwide survey shows 90 percent of U.S. adults are experiencing emotional distress.

To give employers needed information, the Tahoe Chamber is hosting another installment of its Level Up Webinars on Wednesday, December 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for non-members.

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

Mild and sunny days, chilly nights during the week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A dry cold front will move through northeast California and western Nevada Monday and Monday night. This will bring breezy conditions Monday, especially north of Interstate 80. Tuesday will bring cooler, but still seasonable, high temperatures. Temperatures will remain around average mid to late week with generally light winds, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Tahoe Film Fest returns with modified schedule on North Shore

INLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The 6th Annual Tahoe Film Fest presents environmental and independent feature length and award winning films to North Lake Tahoe from December 3-6, 2020. Special guests and filmmakers will be present at many of the films.

The festival takes on a new look during the pandemic. The films originally scheduled for Northstar had to be moved as movie theaters must only operate outdoors due to Placer County's Purple Tier. The theaters on the Nevada side can still show films but only at 50 percent capacity.

Road closure near Camino for next several months

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Many from the South Lake Tahoe venture to the Camino area to visit apple and tree farms, but an upcoming road closure may affect normal routes.

A section of westbound Carson Road will be closed for several months due to bridge work as part of the U.S. Highway 50 Camino Safety Project.

Lake Wind Advisory in place for most of Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Greater Lake Tahoe area including the cities of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Truckee, Markleeville, Stateline, Glenbrook, and Incline Village. It is in effect from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 26.

Winds will be from the east 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected with waves 1 to 3 feet.

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

Column: COVID’s current impact on our community

The COVID-19 virus is widespread throughout the South Lake Tahoe community. Transmission is taking place at its highest rate to date largely due to cooler weather moving gatherings indoors. Any gathering outside of your immediate household is now the largest vehicle for spread.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

California State Park and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Secret
Responsible Agency: Tahoe Douglas Fire District
North of Glenbrook
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 11/23/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 2-4 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park

Mild days, chilly nights during the week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The week ahead will not be full of too many surprises as a couple of small systems appear to be keeping north of Lake Tahoe. Expect a slight increase in breezes for Monday with some gusts up to 25 mph as flow turns cooler, back to seasonal averages according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Another system is possible for Wednesday into the Thanksgiving holiday, but besides cooler temperatures, there will be minimal impacts across the region are anticipated at this time.

Forecast from NWS Reno:

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country open November 27

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country will open for the 2020/21 winter season on Friday, November 27, 2020 with new safety procedures.

“We are eager to welcome our guests back to the mountain and are thrilled that opening day is just a week away,” said Greg Dallas, President and CEO of Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge. “Our team has worked tirelessly on a reopening plan that keeps the safety of our guests and staff as the top priority.”

South Lake Tahoe Library: Book sales canceled

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - To our South Lake Tahoe Library Friends and Community, Thank you for your patience as the Friends of the Library have been working with Library staff and the El Dorado County Public Health Services to continue our book sale events at the Library. Unfortunately, due to weather and grounds concerns and also increasing Covid-19 virus cases in the area, we are canceling our Saturday, November 21 sale and suspending book sale events until the weather warms or we can go back inside. As conditions change, we will let you know and welcome your participation.

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.

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