Weather

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Some near freezing nights, cooler week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Make sure you check out the Lake Tahoe Basin's Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday, September 7 (SEE HERE).

Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

They have also issued a Special Weather Statement and a Lake Wind Advisory for Tuesday from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Red Flag Warning

This warning is in place due to gusty winds and low humidity for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierrs, and Eastern Nevada Counites. Fire Zone 271 and Fire Zone 272.

Forests, campgrounds and day-use areas to close in California and Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - All campgrounds and day use areas on U.S. Forest Service land in California and the Lake Tahoe Basin must close at 5:00 p.m. Monday, September 7 due to the unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions and extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts:

Slink Fire southwest of Topaz Lake at 20,795 acres, 31% contained

The Slink Fire burning in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness area of the Humboldt-Toiyable National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest area. So far, 20,795 acres have burned and the 679 personnel on the fire have it 31 percent contained.

The fire started Saturday, August 29 at approximately 6:00 p.m. and it is lightning caused and burning two miles west of the town of Coleville.

There was increased fire behavior Sunday in timber strands. In the area are Ponderosa Pine, Pinyon-Juniper and mixed conifer.

Fire Weather Watch canceled for Lake Tahoe area Tuesday

UPDATE Monday 4:20PM: The National Weather Service had changed their previous Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory day, starting at 3:00 a.m. Tuesday. For more info, visit http://southtahoenow.com/story/09/07/2020/red-flag-warning-and-lake-wind-advisory-place-lake-tahoe-t...

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Tuesday, September 8 from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (timeframe was expanded Monday).

Heavy smoke from the Creek Fire over South Lake Tahoe Saturday

SUNDAY UPDATE 11:00 a.m.: Eight hundred personnel are currently fighting the Creek Fire which has grown to 45,500 acres.

The Creek Fire a fast-moving fire burning on both Districts of the Forest. The fire which started near the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake, moved very quickly prompting several evacuations. Early Saturday afternoon the fire crossed the San Joaquin River and made a run into the Mammoth Pool area. Prompting some members of the public to shelter in place near Wagner’s Store and Campground.

El Dorado County public health officer urges personal responsibility during holiday weekend

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - This won't be a normal labor Day weekend in Lake Tahoe due to COVID-19 and fire restrictions, but things can still be enjoyed, just differently.

“Before COVID-19, many of us would spend the Labor Day weekend getting together with friends and extended families to enjoy a little down time from work, as is the American tradition. This year, things have changed, but we can still enjoy our holiday weekend safely," said El Dorado County Public Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams.

Daily kayak trips on the lake in support of Citizen Science Tahoe project

Join Scott Fitzgerrell and UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center director Geoff Schladow as they kayak Lake Tahoe in support of the Citizen Science Tahoe project September 20-26, 2020. Using the app they will collect valuable water quality, algal growth, and microplastics data.

All participants are responsible for bringing their own watercraft, personal protective equipment (flotation device while on the water and a mask while on land), food, beverages, and planning their own transportation to/from the departure and arrival sites.

What you need to know in Lake Tahoe this weekend: No fires allowed, wear a mask

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As tourists fill the Lake Tahoe Basin and locals plan their holiday weekend there are rules that everyone needs to remember - no outside fires with charcoal or wood, and wear a mask.

Although people may want to take a vacation, the pandemic doesn’t so make sure you are following proper safety precautions.

Heat advisory in effect all weekend for Lake Tahoe communities

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is going to be a hot one in Lake Tahoe over the Labor Day Weekend as well as in Western Nevada and Northern California.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Heat Advisory from 11:00 a.m. Friday to 8:00 p.m. Sundayfor Lake Tahoe due to consecutive days of high temperature. The forecast highs are 90-93 degrees those three days and record high temperatures are likely this holiday weekend.

Not only will there be high temperatures, there will also be widespread haze due to Northern California fires.

US395 reopens and Slink Fire evacuations lifted

Wednesday evening update: The Slink Fire behavior today was moderate, though the south end saw small, terrain driven runs. The fire is 14,200 acres and 10 percent contained.

Fire restrictions expand to USFS lands in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USFS Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will start enhanced fire restrictions in national forest campgrounds on September 1, 2020 due to dry conditions.

On August 21, fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal at homes, parks, beaches and most campgrounds. LTBMU was not part of that original ban.

All areas in the Lake Tahoe Basin are now under these restrictions.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Hazy start and hot finish to the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first week of September will be a warm one at Lake Tahoe. August wraps up with widespread haze from the fires north of the lake and a slightly "cooler" day. Things will be clearing out Tuesday and an unusually warm air mass takes hold the end of the week and through the weekend with temperatures likely to near record highs.

Safety changes: Vail moves to presale of lift tickets to manage number of guests

Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar, all members of the Vail Resorts family, will be operating differently during the winter season 2020/21. Vail plans on opening both Heavenly and Northstar on November 20 and Kirkwood on December 4.

Ticket sales, use of season passes and facility uses will all be handled to promote physical distancing and protect the safety of staff and guests.

Trash Talk: Reduce and reuse are key in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - We have all seen the photos of trash left behind on beaches, trails, parking lots and surrounding dumpsters not only in Lake Tahoe but across the country. This is only the tip of the problem and managing our trash is key to prevent landfills being overflowed with our unnecessary waste.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe Tuesday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Red Glag Warning from noon to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 25. They are calling for a chance of thunderstorms and strong outflow winds in the Lake Tahoe area.

There is the possibility of isolated to scattered thunderstorms with little, or limited, rainfall though the storms may be a hybrid of wet and dry. The faster storm motions will likely allow for lightning strikes outside of the main thunderstorm cores. With fire fighting resources already stretched thin, any new fire starts will be an issue.

Red Flag Warning to start off the week in Lake Tahoe, ending with seasonable weather

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Unstable conditions will exist to start off the week with a Red Flag Warning until 11:00 a.m. Monday. The forecast is on track for thunderstorms chances through Tuesday as moisture leftover from tropical storm Genevieve moves northward through the region.

There are no thunderstorms in the forecast Wednesday through Saturday and afternoon breezes look to be on the lower-end of the spectrum. Afternoon temperatures should trend down to near normal by midweek but may start to trend warmer next weekend.

Red Flag Warning for Lake Tahoe starts Sunday night

8:30 p.m. UPDATE: The Fire Weather Watch has been upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. The warning is from 8:00 p.m. Sunday to 11:00 a.m. Monday. Expect thunderstorms and strong outflow wind guest 40 to 50 mph.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from Sunday at 8:00 p.m. through Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. for the Sierra, Northeast California and Western Nevada. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno is calling for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds in the area.

All wood and charcoal fires banned in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - In a unified move, all fire agencies around the Lake Tahoe Basin have banned all open burning utilizing wood and charcoal for the remainder of the summer, or longer if needed. This includes campgrounds with fire rings, fire pits at homes and all charcoal barbeques whether at home or at public and private facilities.

The suspension takes effect at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020 and will be enforced with extinguishment and possible citations and fines.

Smoke and haze to continue over Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno issued a special weather statement Wednesday, calling for widespread smoke and haze over the Sierra and northern California and western Nevada.

As of 8:00 a.m. the Air Quality measurement in South Lake Tahoe is 82, the moderate range. Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. it jumped to 161, in the unhealthy range.

Fires:
Loyalton Fire is now at 46,386 acres and is 35 percent contained
Claremont Fire near Quincy is 450 acres
North Complex Fires are near Quincy and at 5,400 acres, 5 percent contained

Reminder: Two-week full closure of US50 scheduled for Echo Summit Project

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After a delay in getting materials in 2019, Caltrans has scheduled a full closure of U.S. Highway 50 for the Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct Replacement Project for two weeks beginning Friday, Sept. 18. After the delay last year, the contractor on the project was going to install the bridge girders in June of 2020, but many wanted that timeframe postponed due to the the opening of tourist season after COVID-related closures this past spring.

Smoke filling Lake Tahoe Basin from Loyalton Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The 36,295 acre Loyalton Fire north of Lake Tahoe is filling the Lake Tahoe Basin with smoke this afternoon.

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue department has been fielding several calls from concerned residents.

The National Weather Service in Reno said the smoke from the new fire in Nevada County most likely isn't the culprit due to the amount of smoke. They said thunderstorms are developing outside of the basin and stirring up the smoke.

A warm week ahead for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a chance of isolated scattered showers and thunderstorms each afternoon through Tuesday, then they'll be moving south of Highway 50 Wednesday and Thursday. Hot temperatures are forecast through the week with heat impacts possible for sensitive groups and those with limited cooling options for their homes in the valleys. Smoke and haze continues as well with ongoing wildfires in the region.

Right turn restrictions during peak travel days in Meyers approved by committee, on to supervisors

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - As most in the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers area already know, getting out of town over US50 and Echo Summit on Sundays and holidays can be slow moving during summer, but during the winter it can be a miserable time both for visitors and locals.

Smoke from Loyalton Fire can be seen from Lake Tahoe

8:30 p.m. SUNDAY UPDATE: The Loyalton Fire which originated east of the town of Loyalton and southwest of Mount Ina Coolbrith is now estimated at 29,828 acres and 0 percent contained. It is north and east adjacent to the areas of Beckwourth Pass and Hallelujah Junction.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Eldorado Forest sees record number of illegal campfires with increased visitation

Forest officials everywhere are saying: Recreate Responsibly.

Despite large campaigns about fire restrictions and "pack it in pack it out," many visitors to the Eldorado National Forest are not acting responsibly.

Fire and law enforcement officers had another busy weekend contacting a record numbers of visitors about campfires they had made that are not allowed under the current fire restrictions in the Eldorado National Forest.

Plea expected in deadly South Lake Tahoe tanker crash

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been 11 months since the deadly tanker crash on US50 and Elks Club Road claimed the life of a 36-year-old North Highlands man. The thick black smoke from the wreckage could be seen for miles as emergency response crews worked on extinguishing the blaze.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Sunny with chance of thunderstorms to start off the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Thunderstorms are expected to move into western Nevada and northeast California Monday and Tuesday, with increasing breezes bringing fire
concerns Tuesday and Wednesday. Daytime temperatures will be near to just above normal this week, with a period of cooler morning lows mid to late week as drier air moves in. There is another chance of isolated thunder storms moving in Friday-Sunday

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Sunny skies for the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Expect warm and dry conditions to start the week off with gusty afternoon winds. There will be a gradual cool down to near normal temps through the week with chances for thunderstorms returning the middle into the end of the week. If the storms do come, they should be very widespread but dry, a definite concern for dry lightning starts.

Smoke in Lake Tahoe Basin from Northern California fires

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 275-acre fire burning in Lassen National Forest is most likely to blame for smoke in the Lake Tahoe Basin and in the Reno area.

The Stump Fire started Saturday afternoon and is near State Highways 36 and 172 near Childs Meadows, in the mountains between Red Bluff and Susanville. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno said some smoke could also possibly be coming from the 1,800 acre Red Salmon Complex fire in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: After Monday, sunny and warm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Red Flag Warning up for Lake Tahoe and Western Nevada for Monday, July 26 from 5:00 a.m. Temperatures will be near normal Tuesday as the ridge over the Desert Southwest strengthens. By Wednesday afternoon, an upper level trough will move through northern California, which will
subsequently increase winds across the region Wednesday-Thursday. Gusts do not look to be as strong as Monday, and in the 30-35 mph range. Dry conditions will

Fire Weather Watch dropped for area, Red Flag Warning in place Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Red Flag Warning for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds for Monday, July 27 from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect.

Normally, the Basin averages six Red Flag Warnings per season, and this makes four - and it's still July. Please remember all outdoor sources of open flame are prohibited until the Red Flag Warning declaration expires, and that includes gas/propane fire pits and grills.

Upcoming Master Gardener virtual classes on fall crops, vegetables and food preserving

The UCCE Master Gardeners, serving Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties, are holding a series of virtual demonstartions and instruction

Cool Weather Crops Presented by UCCE Master Gardeners of Amador County, Saturday, August 15th at 9:00 a.m.

Douglas County wildfire near Indian Hills extinguished

UPDATE 5:57PM: Fire crews have knocked down the Topsy Fire and are mopping up hotspots, according to fire officials. The cause of the fire is under investigation. It was noted that there were a number of lightning strikes in the area shortly before the fire started.

City of South Lake Tahoe recruiting volunteer ambassadors during pandemic

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as many other cities around the country have done, the City of South Lake Tahoe is partnering with local residents to act as volunteer ambassadors to reach out to the community and visitors about the importance of safety during the pandemic.

“We have said the entire time to do everything you can to stay safe, so Tahoe can stay open,” said City Manager Joe Irvin, “This ambassador program is about making sure people wear a mask, wash their hands, and do their part to make sure visitors and residents alike stay healthy during this crisis.”

Red Flag Warning, Fire Watch and Thunderstorm warnings in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service in Reno for Tuesday, July 21 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. followed by a Fire Weather Watch for Wednesday, July 22 from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Smoke filling Lake Tahoe Basin from Hog Fire near Susanville

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The smoke filling the Lake Tahoe Basin and Northern Nevada Monday morning is from the Hog Fire burning west of Susanville.

The fire is now 5,800 acres and is 0 percent contained.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue has been receiving calls since early this morning about the smell of smoke in neighborhoods throughout South Lake Tahoe.

The cooler nighttime temperatures pushed the smoke down.

The National Weather Service in Reno said a dense smoke advisory is in place for areas closers to Susanville

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Chance of thunderstorms daily to start off the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Showers and thunderstorms will develop each afternoon and evening into at least the middle of next week according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Winds will remain light except for afternoon zephyr breezes and the occasional outflow winds from thunderstorms. Any strong storms that develop can produce outflow winds over 40 mph, heavy rain, and hail. If heavy rain lingers over steep terrain or a recently burned slope, some flash flooding and/or debris flows can occur.

The forecast from NWS Reno:

Tips for a great grill season

With the weather lately, chances are you have already started cooking dinner outdoors. Grilling and eating dinner outside can also be a great way to more safely interact with friends and family. Here are a few tips to ensure your grilled meals are delicious, healthy, and easy all summer long.

Sunny and warm week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Expect the hot and dry conditions we've been seeing to persist with breezy, zephyr afternoon winds through Tuesday. Warm days and nights in the week ahead with highs above average but not record-setting. The pattern begins to change on Wednesday as the jet stream shifts north. Unstable air could bring possible thundershowers Wednesday through Friday.

Forecast for South Lake Tahoe from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday: Numbers Fire south of Gardnerville now at 18,000 acres and 0% containment

UPDATE 7:335 p.m.: Douglas County officials say the Numbers Fire has now reached 18,000 acres and is 0% contained. The recommended evacuations for the Bodie Flats and Pineview areas have been lifted. Only residents are allowed to these areas. Please drive safely, watch for emergency vehicles, and be ready for possible future instructions in an ever-changing situation.

Multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to work on containing the fire using dozers, hand crews, and aircraft.

Red Flag Warning and Lake Wind Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin to start off the week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, July 6. There is also a Red Flag Warning from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued the Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. Winds will be from the Southwest 15-20 mph with gusts 30-35 mph. The humidity will be 12-20 percent for the duration.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe; Red Flag Warning for Western Nevada

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28. Expect winds from the west 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Waves on Lake Tahoe will be 2-4 feet. Strongest winds and roughest conditions expected Saturday afternoon and evening, and then again on Sunday.

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

Letter: Help Save Local Radio fundraiser to be held in Lake Tahoe

Our locally owned and operated KRLT 93-9 FM and KOWL 1490 AM are at risk of going off the air. The stations have been on the air for decades supporting us with good vibes like Howie's Morning Rush, The Angel of Tahoe Contest, and Sierra House Weather Kids. Now is the time to support them.

Summer fire restrictions around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Fire season is upon us and many restrictions are now in effect where outdoor burning, campfires, and fire pits are concerned. 2020 started out with the driest February on record since the 1850s, and there is an increased fire danger posed by dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region.

It is important to understand that with all of the different fire areas around Lake Tahoe, there are different rules.

Highs in the 80's all week in the Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be above-average temperatures continuing through this week, likely the warmest day will be Tuesday at almost 90. Winds will be lighter Monday followed by more typical afternoon westerly breezes by midweek. There are chances for thunderstorms Tuesday-Thursday mainly in the Sierra and near the Oregon border. A cooler system is possible for the end of the month, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno:

Forecast from NWS Reno:

GoFundMe account created to help owner keep radio stations KRLT-FM and KOWL-AM

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There are two locally owned and operated radio stations, KRLT FM and KOWL AM, that have served the Lake Tahoe area for 60 years (AM was first, then FM came 40 years ago).

General Manager and Owner Steve Harness took out a note with investors to buy the station from Cherry Creek Radio five years ago. On June 30, 2020, a $100,000 balloon payment on that note is due. While the stations' monthly overhead has stayed the same during the pandemic, their revenue has dropped by roughly 80 percent.

Lake Tahoe forecast: Wind Advisory to start the week, 80's by the end

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A low pressure system moving across the Pacific Northwest will bring gusty winds Monday. A Lake Wind Advisory is in place Monday from noon to 10:00 p.m. Southwest winds will be from 10-20 mph with gusts 35 mph expected. Waves on Lake Tahoe could reach 2 to 3 feet.

Letter: Every one of us needs to do what we can to Keep Tahoe Blue

On June 10 the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center released findings from its annual Lake Tahoe Clarity Report, which showed average Lake clarity for 2019 was 62.7 feet, the second-smallest annual average depth recorded since systematic annual measurements began in 1968.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Friday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Tahoe, Donner, Fallen Leaf, Prosser, and Boca for Friday, June 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Winds will be from the southwest 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves 2-4 feet on Lake Tahoe can be expected.

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

The three-day forecast:

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