Weather

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe to resume

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, may continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

A) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - 60 acres
B) Big Meadow - 100 acres
C) Brockway, Kings Beach - 70 acres
D) Logan Shoals to Spooner Summit - 15 acres

A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Cold, windy and a chance of snow in Lake Tahoe Sunday-Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe until 10:00 p.m. Sunday as a cold front moves through the region.

Winds will be from the southwest 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph by mid to late morning, increasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 40 mph in the afternoon. Waves on the lake will be increasing to 2 to 4 feet this afternoon, with the highest waves from mid-lake to northeastern shores.

Olympic viewing schedule for Jamie Anderson and Maddie Bowman

Update Saturday: Looks like weather has caused a delay in Jamie's Slopestyle. Schedule shows it rescheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday in PyeongChang - 5:00 p.m. Sunday on the west coast. Sunday prime time coverage starts at 4:00 p.m.

* * *
Opening ceremonies were held for the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea on Friday, and now the athletes hit a full schedule of events through February 25.

Is that a chance of snow next week in South Lake Tahoe?

Time is starting to run out for winter to arrive in South Lake Tahoe, but there are some signs of the season on the horizon.

Temperatures will remain unseasonably mild with mainly light winds across northeast California and western Nevada through Friday. There are some weak low pressure systems dropping into the region this weekend and early next week. They will bring a cooling trend with more typical February temperatures. Light snow showers are possible Monday into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Prescribed fires planned around Lake Tahoe this week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. – The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, are planning to continue prescribed fire operations this week in some locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting.

In the map above, the following areas are planned:

A) Cave Rock Area - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 5 acres
B) Kingsbury/ Edgewood Creek - Tahoe Douglas Fire District will be burning 70 acres
C) Lyons Ranch, West of Golden Bear Subdivision - California Tahoe Conservancy will be burning 10 acres

City Council to vote on finalizing $250,000 from SnowGlobe organizer for fields

As part of his agreement with the City of South Lake Tahoe to hold SnowGlobe on the new Community Play Fields, organizer Chad Donnelly guaranteed $250,000 to fix and/or replace the fields should they be damaged by the three-day festival December 29-31.

A new high could be recorded this week in South Lake Tahoe

Temperatures continue to be well above normal in the Lake Tahoe Basin with dry conditions into early next week according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Mild temperatures will make for a very nice weekend to spend outside.

Anemic Sierra snowpack at 14% of average

Even with the recent snowfall, the monthly measurement of the snowpack at Phillip Station west of Lake Tahoe was just 14 percent of the historical average. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) manual snow survey found little snowpack there, two months into what is typically California’s wettest three months.

Measurements at Phillips Station revealed a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 2.6 inches at Phillips as measured there since 1964. SWE is the depth of water that theoretically would result if the entire snowpack melted instantaneously.

Record high temperature in South Lake Tahoe

It was an overcast start to what turned out to be the warmest January 30 on record in South Lake Tahoe. A high of 56 degrees was reached on the South Shore.

The previous high of 54 for this date occurred in both 1989 and 2012.

Reno, Nevada also had a new record Tuesday with their high of 68, three degrees higher than the previous high from 2003.

Douglas County Search and Rescue recruiting new volunteers

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (DCSAR) is looking for physically fit and energetic individuals to participate in its upcoming April academy and join their team.

DCSAR is a highly qualified and respected team comprised of approximately 50 trained volunteer members within the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and responds to emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are frequently called out to assist surrounding counties in their rescues, it requires a considerable commitment, but is tremendously rewarding when a life is saved.

Mild week ahead in South Lake Tahoe, no precipitation in forecast

It could be awhile before South Lake Tahoe has any precipitation as an upper level ridge is in place and will provide an extended period of dry conditions with above normal temperatures for much of the upcoming week and possibly into mid-February. The blocking high pressure is building off the the West Coast according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The only weather event in the near future are the breezy conditions that can be expected Tuesday as a dry front passes by the region.

Records could be equaled or fall on Monday and Tuesday.

Prescribed burning around Lake Tahoe resumes

he Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies continue to carry out prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather and conditions permitting. Smoke may be present.

Burn areas in Lake Tahoe (size, location, responsible agency):

A) 25 acres - West side of First Creek drainage - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
B) 20 acres - Diamond Peak Ski Resort - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
C) 8 acres - Champagne Rd. - North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

Viewing party for 1st blue moon total lunar eclipse since 1866

Event Date: 
January 31, 2018 - 3:15am

The first blue moon total solar eclipse seen in almost 152 years will occur on Wednesday, January 31 and the public is invited to a free viewing party at the Jack C. Davis Observatory in Carson City.

To catch this once in a lifetime event you'll have to get up early though as the observatory on the Western Nevada College will open at 3:15 a.m. Viewing will be available until 7:00 a.m.

Winter weather advisory remains in place overnight in Lake Tahoe

A storm that dropped over a foot of snow at higher elevations around Lake Tahoe is hanging around Thursday evening.

Chain controls are in place on roads in the Sierra including Highway 50, I-80, State Route 88 and 89, Kingsbury Grade and Spooner Summit. On Hwy 50 they start as low as Kyburz, Dew Drop on SR-88 and Baxter on I-80 as of 5:10 p.m.

The winter storm warning is in effect until 4:00 a.m. Friday morning. A few more inches of snow is forecast for lake level.

Drier conditions with mild temperatures will return for the weekend and early next week

Widespread smoke from controlled burns around Lake Tahoe

Visible smoke at several areas around Lake Tahoe Wednesday are from scheduled prescribed burns.

On the South Shore, smoke can be seen for miles from Oneidas Street where the U.S. Forest Service is burning 100 acres, a project they began on January 17. They do not burn all 100 acres at the same and do small amounts each day, then put the fires out before moving to the next area.

Besides Oneidas, other burn areas drawing a lot of smoke are 70 acres being burned near Thunderbird Lodge near Incline Village and 70 acres near Brockway.

Stanford professor at Tahoe: There is a way to stop global warming,

Keynote speaker and Stanford University professor of earth system science Dr. Noah Diffenbaugh presented his latest findings on the connections between the planet’s global warming and extreme weather events today at Operation Sierra Storm, a national weather conference held annual on the South Shore.

"It’s been an extreme year in California, and not only the rest of the U.S. but other parts of the world," said Diffenbaugh. "The warming we are seeing is not consistent with natural forcing alone.”

Fast moving storm expected to drop 5-8" of snow at lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - A fast moving storm system will reach the Sierra on Wednesday, January 24, bringing with it wind, snow and rain before it leaves as quickly as it arrived.

A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday for Lake Tahoe. Winds will be from the southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Waves will be 2-4 feet with the highest mid-lake to to north and east shores. Winds will continue into Wednesday evening as a Winter Weather Advisory starts at 4:00 p.m.

Public invited to attend weather conference event: Is This Global Warming?

Event Date: 
January 23, 2018 - 8:00am

The keynote speech during the annual Lake Tahoe weather conference, Operation Sierra Storm, is open to the public on Tuesday, January 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. "Is This Global Warming?" is the presentation by Dr. Noah Diffenbaugh, internationally renown climate scientist and leader. There will also be a panel discussion.

The free presentation will be in the Harvey's Cabaret.

8:00 a.m. - One hour plus questions and answers: Network Weather Producers Presentation

More chances for snow in South Lake Tahoe forecast

Dry and cool conditions will prevail this weekend as weak high pressure moves over the region according to the National Weather Service in Reno. A weak disturbance may bring very light snow for parts of eastern California Sunday night and Monday,
but this system is trending drier. A stronger, cold storm is expected late Wednesday into Thursday, bringing more snow to the Sierra and possibly to lower elevations. There is a chance that storm could split on Thursday and not hit Tahoe at all.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

"Ski With A Ranger" returns to Heavenly

The popular program from the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Ski with a Ranger, resumes at Heavenly Mountain Resort on Friday, January 26. Every Monday and Friday, the tours will start at 1:00 p.m. at Tamarack Lodge at the top of the gondola.

The tours last approximately one-hour and continue through April 6, 2018, weather permitting.

Layer of snow covers South Lake Tahoe

"Pray for Snow" dances worked as snow is covering the mountains around Lake Tahoe. Snow showers are tapering off this morning, but now before the weather system dropped 1-2" of snow at lake level and 7-11" at the ski resorts.

Global warming continues: 2017 second warmest year on record

Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to an analysis released Thursday by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Earth's long term warming trend continued, with the average temperature last year was 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the 1951 to 1980 mean. Second only to the prior year, 2016, according to scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York.

Chain controls finally going up around the Lake Tahoe Basin

It's been awhile, but its time to get the chains ready if you're without 4WD and snow tires! A long awaited storm is making its way into the Lake Tahoe basin. A Winter Storm Warning is in place for Lake Tahoe until 4:00 p.m. Friday.

I-80 over Donner Pass has had chain controls go up at about 7:00 p.m. but Highway 50 over Echo Summit just saw chain controls go up at 10:15 p.m.

As of 10:35 p.m. Thursday:

Highway 50 from Meyers to Twin Bridges

Snowpack near record lows spells trouble for western water supplies

Months of exceptionally warm weather and an early winter snow drought across big swaths of the West have left the snowpack at record-low levels in parts of the Central and Southern Rockies, raising concerns about water shortages and economic damage.

Drought spread across large parts of the Western United States this month, and storms that moved across the region in early January made up only a small part of the deficit. Runoff from melting snow is now projected to be less than 50 percent of average in key river basins in the central and southern Rockies.

Two weather systems headed to Lake Tahoe this week

Winter will finally make an appearance to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada and Northern Nevada by the end of the week and even into next week as well. A much welcomed Sierra snow will be on tap, as a colder, stronger storm is set to move into the region according to the National Weather Service in Reno. This will bring the first significant snowfall to the Sierra that we`ve seen in a while.

The latest weather models continue to show a weak to moderate Atmospheric River (AR) moving into the Sierra, combining with much colder temperatures behind the cold front.

Mac the Naw: Topaz opener brings lots of catches, large mackinaws being caught at Tahoe

Hello fellow anglers, welcome to the new year and may it bring you tighter lines. I can truly say the Topaz Lake fishing derby is off to a very good start.

On opening day they were plenty of anglers enjoying a fair weather day, where it be from shore or from boat. Most anglers were very successful. I had the pleasure of fishing with Mike and Tom Blotter. We were on the lake at 6 a.m. and had lines in the water right at the precise moment of opening day. We covered the lake in a variety of depths.

Rain and snow in the 7-day forecast for Lake Tahoe

Forecasts of snow for Lake Tahoe haven't lived up to their promises recently, but a new system headed to the region could have more promise. Dry conditions and above average temperatures are expected today and through the weekend as high pressure builds into northeast California and western Nevada. More active weather is expected next week, especially by late week, as the stronger of two systems moves through the region.

The above average temperatures are not forecast to be record breaking as highs in the past for this week have been as high as 56-60 degrees.

Operation Sierra Storm returns to Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
January 23, 2018 - 8:00am

A leading national weather conference, Operation Sierra Storm (OSS), returns to the South Shore January 21-24 and locals are invited to attend a morning of their presentations. OSS brings together national weather broadcasters and journalists, prominent scientists and experts.

Are extreme weather events linked to global warming? How do weather broadcasters decide what is aired?

Full month of activities at WNC Observatory

Event Date: 
January 13, 2018 - 6:00pm

January is a busy month for the Jack C. Davis Observatory.

The first blue moon total lunar eclipse in 150 years. A Western Nevada College grad returning to campus to give a lecture on Stellar Archaeology. Separating facts and fiction about Atlantis.

Saturday, Jan. 13: Mike Thomas Lecture on Atlantis

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe, weather permitting

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, may continue prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather permitting. Smoke may be present.

A) West 1st Creek - 25 acres
B) Diamond Peak Ski Resort/Tirol Drive - 21 acres
C) Champagne Rd. - 9 acres
D) Dale Drive - 1 acres
E) South Lake Tahoe Airport - 1 acre
F) D. L. Bliss State Park - 1 acre
G) Burton Creek State Park - 30 acres
H) Sugar Pine Point State Park - 7 acres
I) Big Meadow - 100 acres
J) Brockway, Kings Beach - 50 acres

Lake Tahoe ski resorts receive 3-10" of snow - "Feet" in the forecast

Snow fell at upper elevations Friday night, bringing 3-10" of much needed powder to Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Both Northstar and Heavenly reported 6", Sierra-at-Tahoe had 3", Squaw Alpine 4", Kirkwood 7" and Mt. Rose 10".

This is just a precursor to the next storm which is forecast to bring heavy snow the the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe Basin. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued, and, according to the National Weather Service in Reno, accumulations of 1-2 feet above 7,000 feet is expected with over two feet at the crest. Areas in Alpine and

Could that be snow in the Lake Tahoe forecast?

With the Sierra snowpack at three percent of normal at Echo Summit, and 84 percent of normal at top of Mt. Rose, snow is needed not only on the slopes, but at upper elevations to keep reservoirs full of water for summer.

The weather pattern remains unsettled into the weekend in Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe. A warm and relatively weak system Friday evening into Saturday will bring
additional rain and high elevation snow to the region. A brief break is expected Sunday before a stronger and wetter system is forecast to impact the region Monday and Tuesday.

Sierra Nevada snowpack at 3% of normal for January

Snow was hard to find Wednesday during the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) first measurement of the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada this winter.

Snowpack is off to a slow start, with just 3 percent of average found at Phillips Station, The measurement January 3 revealed a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 0.4 inches. The average is 11.3 inches in early January at Phillips, as measured there since 1964. It's elevation is 6,873 feet and located at the intersection of Highway 50 and Sierra-at-Tahoe Road.

10th annual New Year's Day plunge into Lake Tahoe

For the tenth consecutive year, a group of friends have jumped into Lake Tahoe to celebrate the New Year, rain, snow or shine.

What started as a group of five South Lake Tahoe friends jumping in to the lake in 2009 has grown, and to celebrate 2018, 70 took the plunge at Camp Richardson.

According to Kelly Sheehan, all of the plungers agreed that this year the weather was practically balmy.

USFS fire operations scheduled to resume this week in Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) may conduct prescribed fire operations this week on the north end of Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be present.

In the picture:

A) 25 acres on west side of 1st Creek Drainage
B) 21 acres at Diamond Peak Ski Area
C) 9 acres at end of Chamapgne Road
D) 1 acre on Dale Drive

A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

Wet weather could return to South Lake Tahoe first week of new year

Could the strong high pressure system that's been over Northern California and Northern Nevada finally show signs of weakening and could snow return to the Sierra?

Temperatures will remain above average after a weekend that saw record high temperatures. Saturday's 61, Sunday's 58 both broke records, and Monday's forecast of a high of 53 is close to the record 54 from 2012.

Temperatures well above normal as we ring in 2018

Temperatures are well above normal in Lake Tahoe and there is no snow in sight, for now. The highs will be in the 50s and will be close to record breaking.

There is a persistent ridge of high pressure along the West Coast, preventing major storms from breaking through and bringing snow to Lake Tahoe. Expect things to not change through New Year's Day, but there is some hope for precipitation at the end of next week.

A front will drop down near Susanville this weekend, but nothing is expected further south, but temperatures will drop a couple of degrees.

Mac the Naw: Topaz fishing opener Jan. 1 brings cash prizes and slot play for big catches

Hello fellow anglers, it is that time of year to celebrate the new year and the Topaz Lake opening day fishing season. On Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 at precisely 6:46 a.m. will be the official starting time for anglers to begin fishing on Topaz Lake.

For those of you driving out that morning, be careful and mindful of other drivers on the road that have might celebrated to much the night before.

Mac the Naw says Merry Fishmas to all and wait awhile longer for Sierra lakes to ice over

Hello fellow anglers. I am happy to say, the winter solstice has come and gone. Meaning, each day now brings one minute longer of daylight. But as we all know, that does not mean it will get any warmer soon. Down here in the Minden and Carson Valleys we've experienced an average of 7 to 10 degree mornings.

Most would think that the higher lakes would be frozen and iced over. I received a report from fellow angler Josh Otto last week. As Josh told me, Caples Lake had high winds and was down right cold and had waves blowing across the lake.

Above average temperatures, and no snow, in Lake Tahoe forecast

Abundant mid and high clouds and periods of gusty winds in the high Sierra are expected through the weekend, leaving Lake Tahoe with party sunny conditions for Christmas. Abundant mid and high clouds and periods of gusty winds in the high Sierra are expected through the weekend.

A very weak system is passing through Northeastern California and Northern Nevada next week, and with it comes a very slight chance of snow coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin, but more precipiation will be staying near the Oregon border.

Record number of homeless Carson City kids shop during Holiday With a Hero

The 14th annual Holiday With a Hero campaign culminated Wednesday in Carson City at Walmart after months of fundraising. At least 240 homeless children from across the Carson City School District met with Santa Claus before being paired with first responder heroes for a Christmas shopping spree.

Chain controls up as storm moves out of Lake Tahoe

A Winter Weather Advisory is up for Lake Tahoe until 1:00 p.m. Snow overnight and this morning have left for slight conditions and road controls, so use caution as you drive in the area. There is still a 40 percent chance of lingering snow showers this evening.

Road information at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday

Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 52.1 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California (Pollock Pines to Meyers).

Winter Weather Advisory for Lake Tahoe: 3-5" snow possible at lake level

It most likely won't be a white Christmas in Lake Tahoe, but snow is headed to the Sierras this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. It is a quick moving storm but has a chance to leave behind the much-needed snow. Christmas Day is expected to be sunny and cold, with a high of 39, low around 12.

Plan on slippery road conditions during the morning commute Wednesday from Lake Tahoe to Reno and the Carson Valley. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are forecast for lake level, with up to 10 inches expected above 7000 feet.

NDOT completes second season of SR 28 shared use path construction

The Nevada Department of Transportation this week completed the second construction season of the State Route 28 Shared Use Path, Water Quality and Safety Improvement Project near Incline Village. The entire project is anticipated to complete in late 2018 or early 2019, depending on weather.

Wind advisory and 20% chance of snow in Lake Tahoe Saturday

A quick moving, weak weather system will affect the area Friday night through Saturday morning bringing very light snowfall across the region. The inversions we've seen in the Reno-Tahoe area are likely to strengthen again early next week before a cold front moves through in the middle of next week and breaks them down.

A weak ridge will be in place early next week which will again provide dry conditions, light winds, and the valley inversions. However, models do continue to show a potential for a more potent slider type system on Wednesday.

Foggy start to the day in Lake Tahoe; Forecast shows sunny and warming

The fog was socked in around Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning, but its starting to recede and retreat and should be all clear by noon.

It isn't often when the temperature of the lake is warmer than the air, but that is what happens when fog is created. The cold air mass condensates into clouds and sits low over the lake and South Lake Tahoe. The ski resorts were sitting above the fog and had a very sunny morning.

Volunteers needed for USFS outdoor programs at Heavenly

Are you a college student looking for an internship this winter? Are you a retired school teacher who misses your students or providing education? Or maybe you simply love the outdoors and want to be involved in your community?

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is looking for volunteers to assist with their Winter Trek and Ski with a Ranger conservation education programs at Heavenly Mountain Resort from January through March 2018.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork December 10 - 16

As weather permits, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled projects at Lake Tahoe and in El Dorado County. The following are the projects for the week:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Mild days, cold nights in the 7-day forecast; No snow for now

While snow is falling along the southern part of the U.S. from Texas to Virginia, Lake Tahoe is experiencing a high pressure system with dry conditions with valley inversions, cold nights and light winds for the next 10 days. Daytime highs will be 5-8 degrees above average, and the overnight lows will be below average.

Air stagnation forecast from limited mixing and light winds which will promote hazy skies and potential air quality issues under the 5,000 foot level.

Highs in the low-50s, lows under 20 is in the forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

USFS taking reservations for 5th grade snowshoe program

The 2018 Winter Trek conservation program for fifth-grade students will run from January 9 to March 29, and sign-ups with U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) for the popular program begin December 18.

Fifth-grade teachers may reserve a spot by calling the Forest Supervisor’s office at 530-543-2789, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Field trips are generally three hours long and are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting.

Syndicate content