Weather

Windy weekend ahead for South Lake Tahoe; Chance of snow Sunday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Holiday travel may be impacted as a storm system is bringing gusty winds to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe this week along with a period of snow on Sunday. Below average temperatures will continue through the remainder of this year, with some weak storm systems possibly producing light snow accumulations and slick roads at times.

Couple of small storms on the horizon for Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High pressure is building early this week for quieter
weather but there is a weak storm expected Wednesday for a chance of light snow. Below average temperatures will rebound to around average mid to late week, according to the National Weather Service in Reno. A stronger storm could impact holiday travel next weekend.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Lake Tahoe Basin from Friday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. to Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m.

A series of systems will bring additional rain and snow to the region through Sunday, starting with a relatively warm system Thursday into Friday morning. It will bring gusty winds to western Nevada with rain and very high elevation snow for the Sierra and portions of northeast California, according to the National Weather Service.

Discarded plastic sleds around Lake Tahoe a focus of artwork and Tahoe Fund project

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. = Discarded plastic sleds and their pieces +are still an issue around Lake Tahoe and continue to be a focus of efforts with partners of the Tahoe Fund. One local artist has taken this unsightly trash and used the discarded sled pieces found on sled hills around Lake Tahoe to create an eight-foot-diameter "Sledflakes."

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Possible rain/snow on Tuesday and weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a break between storms with a quiet weather pattern in place over the next couple of days, though the potential for morning fog remains at the beginning of the week. A weak weather system could bring light snow showers to the mountains from late Tuesday into Wednesday with a return of another atmospheric river system with high snow levels that could arrive by Friday.

Snow blankets Lake Tahoe after wet storm passes through

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Road controls are dropping on many of the Sierra's highways as the latest of storms passes through. Rain prevailed for much of the weekend, but not before ski resorts received a foot of new snow.

Heavenly Mountain Resort reports 12" of new snow, Sierra-at-Tahoe 14", Kirkwood 12" and Squaw Valley 16" in the last 24 hours. The West Slope experienced an afternoon and evening of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and fog. Lake Tahoe is forecast to receive some of that freezing fog on Sunday night.

Winter Storm Warning in affect for Lake Tahoe until Sunday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Winter Storm Watch has been ungraded to a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin, Truckee and Donner Pass until noon on Sunday.

Changes from the previous forecast include the added threat for high intensity snowfall and thundersnow Saturday evening.

Lake Tahoe and Sierra roadwork December 8-14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Snow and winter may have arrived, but there is still some work scheduled, weather permitting.

SPECIAL EVENT

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Motorists can expect the eastbound and westbound turn lanes from U.S. Highway 50 at Bedford Avenue and the eastbound off-ramps at Broadway and Schnell School Road to be closed from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday for the annual Placerville Christmas Parade.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Sleigh rides, music, Santa and more part of annual Holiday in History in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
December 14, 2019 - 11:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe History Museum has transformed into a scene of Christmases past, and they are opening up to the whole community on Saturday, December 14 for the free annual Holidays in History Open House.

The museum opens its doors at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy book store specials, a decorated historic cabin, docent tours, and their special spiced cider, all until 7:00 p.m.

Then, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., join in all the reindeer fun! The party moves over to the SLT Recreation Center gym for an evening of free family enjoyment.

Winter Storm Watch in place Friday-Sunday for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - More unsettled weather is on the way. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning for the greater Lake Tahoe area.

24th annual Parade of Lights in Douglas County Saturday

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The 24th annual Parade of Lights presented by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce will be held on Saturday, December 7 starting at 5:00 p.m.

Join in for this fun and beautiful family-friendly event in the towns of Gardnerville and Minden, who have joined Main Street Gardnerville to support this event. The announcing stand and parade judges will be located at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center. The parade runs from Heritage Park in Gardnerville, down Hwy. 395 to Minden Park. This Year’s Theme is: “Favorite Holiday Movie."

Month full of activities during Heavenly Holidays in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The popular Heavenly Holidays has returned to the Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe. This family-friendly event runs until December 31.

Special Douglas County meeting on Master Plan update and Park Ranch

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - The Douglas County commissioners will be holding a special meeting on a Development Agreement between Park Ranch Holdings LLC and Master Plan amendments on Tuesday, December 3 at 9:00 a.m.

Mixed bag of weather this week in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Snow and rain showers will continue in the Sierra with moderate to heavy snow accumulating above 7000 feet through Sunday. This storm will continue to produce a mix of snow, rain, and possibly ice for Sierra valleys and out across western Nevada until Monday. After a breather on Tuesday, more precipitation is on the way for the middle of next week and next weekend.

Next storm could drop up to 4 feet of snow above 7,000 feet; Rain and snow at lake level

9:30 p.m. update: The National Weather Service has upgraded the storm to a Winter Weather Warning from 4:00 p.m. Saturday to 10:00 a.m. Monday. Heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches, except 1 to 4 feet above 7000 feet. Winds gusting 25 to 40 mph, except 60 to 100 mph over exposed ridges.

Snow is expected to mix with, or change to, rain for Tahoe Basin valleys Sunday, with Donner and Echo Summits possibly mixing with rain Sunday night into Monday.

Beautiful Thanksgiving day around Lake Tahoe, more snow expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Chain controls over many mountain roads are being lifted this morning as the beautiful blue skies Lake Tahoe is famous for are appearing from behind the clouds.

As of 11:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving, Caltrans has removed chain controls from US50 at Echo Summit but there is a small pocket from Fresh Pond to Sly Park that requires them at this time.

New storm brewing for this weekend for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a Winter Weather Warning in place for Lake Tahoe until 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving, another new alert has been issued for the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Lake Tahoe from Saturday at 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Heavy snow with significant travel delays possible Saturday afternoon through early Monday morning.

A foot of snow blankets South Lake Tahoe; Heavenly opens and road controls in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is one word to describe Wednesday: SNOW! Winter made its appearance in the Lake Tahoe basin Tuesday and will continue this week as one storm exits and another stops by.

Lake Tahoe Community College is closed for the day. The college will reopen at its normal time after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Monday, Dec. 2. The City of South Lake Tahoe offices are open.

South Lake Tahoe Christmas Tree lighting festivities to enjoy

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - 'Tis the season to enjoy holiday activities around the South Shore, beginning with the lighting of the Christmas trees.

Here are the tree lighting festivities for the family to enjoy over the next two weekends:

November 29

Chain controls go up as storm hits Lake Tahoe

5:00 p.m. Update: Expect a snowy night and slow-moving over roads in the Sierra. Chains controls on US50 are now up starting in Cedar Grove, west of Pollock Pines, at Pioneer on SR88, and above Gold Run on I80.

At this hour, traffic is at a standstill on I80 after multiple spinouts and crashes all the way to the California-Nevada state line.

CHP is also reporting some issues on US50 west of Echo Summit with two spots were cars are off the roadway, as well as SR88 near Christmas Valley.

Winter Weather Warning for Lake Tahoe: Up to 18" of snow forecast for lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to 4:00 p.m. Heavy snow is expected with total accumulations of 8-18 inches at lake level and 1-2 feet above 7000 feet. Localized totals near 3 feet are possible over the multi-day period along the Sierra Crest. Winds will be gusting as high as 60 mph.

The worst conditions will be late Tuesday through midday Wednesday.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin, weather and staffing permitting

North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the USDA Forest Service are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next few weeks in the Tahoe Basin, weather, conditions, and staffing permitted.

Scheduled Prescribed Burns:

Tahoe Pines Campground

Major storm heading to Lake Tahoe just as holiday travelers hit the highways

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A potent winter storm is becoming more likely for Thanksgiving Week and the National Weather Service in Reno (NWS - Reno) has issued a Special Weather Statement or the holiday week. Heavy snow is probable for the Sierra starting late Tuesday afternoon and through the day Wednesday. This is a cold storm and will lower snow levels to all valley floors by Tuesday night with accumulating snows possible.

Christmas tree permits go on sale Monday in Lake Tahoe - other forests already on sale

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. Permits cost $10 each payable by cash, check or credit card (though they prefer the quicker transaction of cash).

There is a change to the policy this year - only one permit will be allowed per family or per address, instead of the previous two. They said by limiting permits to one per family, more will enjoy cutting down a tree this year.

South Lake Tahoe community weighs in on desired characteristics of next superintendent

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) begins their search for a replacement for the retiring superintendent the people tasked with finding the right candidates are reaching out to the community.

What is being developed from public meetings and an online survey will create the profile of what makes up the desired characteristics neede or the person who will move into Dr. James Tarwater's position when he retires in June 2020.

Due to conditions, Heavenly and Northstar push out opening dates

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California Resort announced Tuesday they have changed their opening days due to unusually warm November weather that limited their snowmaking production.

They were both planning on opening this Friday, Nov. 22. At this time, Heavenly will target Wednesday, Nov. 27 and Northstar will target Friday, Nov. 29 to open for skiing and snowboarding. Kirkwood will announce an opening date in the coming days.

NWS issues Special Weather Statement for the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A low-pressure system is likely to bring light snowfall to the Sierra as well as far southern Lyon and far western Mineral counties, mainly above 6500 to 7000 feet, Tuesday night through Wednesday evening.

South Lake Tahoe Forecast: Are you ready for some rain and snow?

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Get out and enjoy the tranquil weather with above-average high temperatures while they last as the high-pressure system sitting in the west will start to weaken. If you are not ready for winter this may be the time to do it. Temperatures will return to near average or this time of year and a 40 percent chance of snow also returns for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lake Tahoe, Sierra and El Dorado County roadwork 11/17 - 11/23/19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans will continue roadwork projects in El Dorado County and Lake Tahoe as weather permits. All grading has been completed until Spring 2020.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

A drop in temperature but continued dry in South Lake Tahoe's forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quiet weather and light winds continue this holiday weekend with above-average afternoon and seasonal morning temperatures. High
pressure weakens at the end of the week with more cloud cover and cooling daytime
temperatures.

A change in the overall weather pattern is expected in the long term as the ridge of high pressure that has been locked over the west coast for the last few weeks begins to weaken. However, there aren`t any strong signals for precipitation either, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork 11/10 - 11/16/19

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As weather allows, Caltrans will continue work as they wrap up their projects. NOTE: Most lane closures are restricted on Monday, November 11 due to the Veterans Day holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): Work continues on a $5.2 million project to upgrade metal beam guardrail and construct concrete barriers at 89 locations from the Red Hawk Undercrossing to 1.9 miles west of the junction with State Route 89 in Meyers. Completion is expected this fall or spring 2020.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Lake Tahoe Basin

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - If weather and conditions permit, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, along with California State Parks are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin.

The planned burn areas:

STMS Maker Lab needs community votes to win national robot contest

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Maker Lab at South Tahoe Middle School is a finalist to win ten new Sphero RVR Robots and it will take votes from the community to bring them to the school.

Fifteen schools were selected by SparkFun® Electronics to be finalists in their national contest to assist middle and high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives and education with the RVR (pronounced "Rover").

NOAA outlook still leaning toward warmer temperatures and reduced precipitation in the West

NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, released its latest predictions for November and the coming months on October 31. Not much has changed since their report earlier this month.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: "Quiet" weather with no precipitation on the horizon

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Quiet weather with light winds and hazy conditions continue with above-average daytime temperatures, overnight inversions, and no
precipitation expected through at least the next week.

A high-pressure ridge over the western Pacific will keep the region warm and dry through the foreseeable future - at least through the next week, and most likely the next two weeks according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

The forecast for South Lake Tahoe from NWS Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind.

Overnight lows and dry air allow for snowmaking operations to start around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - While the below-average low temperatures in Lake Tahoe area may be causing some to sadden at the changing of the seasons, ski resorts are moving into high gear and taking advantage of the cold to make snow.

Both cold temperatures and dry air combine to create ideal conditions for making snow.

Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, Northstar California Resort and Kirkwood Mountain Resort are all planning to take advantage of this week’s cool weather window to build a solid base for the upcoming winter season.

Chilly nights, sunny days for South Lake Tahoe in the week ahead

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Colder, well below average temperatures will prevail much of the week before milder air returns for next weekend. Lighter winds return Monday before a reinforcing shot of colder air and brisk northeast winds return Tuesday. No rain or snow is expected for the next week.

Lake Wind Warning in effect for Lake Tahoe

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Sunday, October 27 from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Winds from the east are expected 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected.

Waves on Lake Tahoe will be 2-4 feet from mid-lake to western shores. Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Date change for Sierra Boulevard Ribbon Cutting in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 31, 2019 - 2:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project will wrap up with a ribbon-cutting and celebration next week. The event was scheduled originally for Tuesday, but weather delays have pushed the ribbon-cutting back to Halloween.

The October 31 ceremony will take place at Sierra Boulevard and US50 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Five months of work on the .6 mile, $6 million Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project will wrap up with the ribbon-cutting and celebration.

Caples Fire is now 73 percent contained; 3,434 acres burned

The Caples Fire has been transferred back to USFS and managed by a smaller Type 4 organization now that it is 73 percent contained. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is assigned to the fire to determine what actions need to be taken to repair damage or prevent further damage from erosion and precipitation.

What started as a USFS prescribed burn on September 30 was reclassified as a wildland fire ten days later, giving crews extra and needed resources from local and state responders when winds fanned flames.

Sierra Boulevard to reopen with ribbon cutting ceremony

Update: The City of South Lake Tahoe has moved the ribbon-cutting ceremony to October 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. due to weather delays.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Five months of work on the .6 mile, $6 million Sierra Boulevard Complete Streets project will wrap up on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, with a ribbon-cutting and celebration, starting at 11:00 a.m.

PG&E possibly cutting power to 206K customers due to winds and fire danger

Due to severe wind concerns, PG&E has notified 209,000 customers in 15 counties they may have to proactively turn off power for safety reasons in Northern California beginning late Wednesday evening. The PG&E website has been down, but when working updated information can be found here - http://pge.com/pspsupdates.

The list of affected communities:

AMADOR (13,131 customers)
Amador City, Fiddletown, Jackson, Martell, Pine Grove, Pioneer, Plymouth, River Pines, Sutter Creek, Volcano

BUTTE (23,452 customers)

Sunny week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High pressure will be strengthening off of the Pacific Coast, bringing decreasing winds and a warming trend going into the first half of
this week. Change in the weather looks to arrive toward the second half of the
weekend when much cooler temperatures and breezier conditions are possible.

There is a chance for precipitation by at the end of the week.

The forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

NOAA - Absence of El Nino and La Nina this winter; Drier and warmer than normal

There are many things that help those living in Lake Tahoe predict what winter will be like: Has the snow in the cross of Mt. Tallac melted? What does the Farmer's Almanac say? Are the squirrels fatter? Is NOAA going to be right in their three-month forecast?

There is no app to give one the perfect insight into what winter has in store and most weather can only be predicted a week out. For generations, people have relied on signs from Mother Nature.

Prescribed fire operations at four locations in Lake Tahoe Basin, weather permitting

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks may continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks in the Tahoe Basin, if weather and conditions permit.

- West side of Third Creek drainage, above Jennifer Dr. by the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District. 38 acres of understory 10/21 - 10/27/19. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 1-2 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Smoke may be visible throughout the Tahoe Basin and surrounding communities

Seasonal temperatures with wind and chance of rain in South Lake Tahoe

After pleasant weather conditions today, gusty winds and some fire weather, travel, and recreation concerns return Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.

Today will be characterized by generally light winds and average temperatures in South Lake Tahoe, with some sun. Expect this to change by Saturday, however, as a wave drops out of the Pacific Northwest bringing gusty winds to the region. So, if you have outdoor fall and Halloween decorations, today will be a good day to check that they are secured.

Caples Fire has burned 2,949 acres and is 53 percent contained

10.15.19 7:00 p.m. UPDATE: Tuesday was a productive day for firefighters. The northern ridge and southwestern corner are now contained and being patrolled. The containment lines on the eastern and southwestern sides of the fire containment lines are in progress. The hand line on the south side was extended farther northeast towards Castle Point by crews using tactical firing operations. Stronger winds from the southwest are expected late Wednesday afternoon and evening with light precipitation expected Thursday morning.

Prescribed burn on North Shore of Lake Tahoe

As weather and conditions permit, prescribed fire operations will take place this fall and winter around the Lake Tahoe Basin. This month, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District and California State Parks are working on rescribed fire operations as they will continue as needed over the next several weeks.

Smoke can be seen on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe Monday, and it is coming from operations near Tyner Way and Toni Courts and above Jennifer Drive in creek drainage areas.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Mostly sunny with slight chance of rain and snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Haze and smoke from the Caples Fire will continue into
Monday, with a more localized area of smoke for South Lake Tahoe, Markleeville and Minden areas immediately downwind of the fire.

Dry conditions with warmer than average temperatures are expected through midweek according to the National Weather Service in Reno. Light winds Monday and Tuesday will be followed by some increase in winds and a cooling trend from Wednesday into

South Lake Tahoe's haunted Halloween experience returns to Tallac Historic Site

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Oct 20 2019 .
October 18, 2019 - 6:00pm
October 19, 2019 - 6:00pm
October 20, 2019 - 6:00pm

The Historic Pope and Baldwin Estates have once again been turned into South Lake Tahoe's most haunting Halloween experience, Tahoe Terror.

South Tahoe High students have transformed the estate into unimaginable scares, yet unsolved historical mysteries and ghoulish thrills that can't be found anywhere else. This event has all the ingredients of a truly spectacular outdoor Halloween experience, and the public can "enjoy" them (if they dare) nightly October 18, 19 and 20.

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