winter driving
Drivers on closed Mt. Rose Highway a concern to Nevada Highway Patrol
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 4:53pm
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - During the storm that hit Lake Tahoe on Saturday, February 9, several drivers decided to ignore closure signs on the Mt. Rose Highway and proceed without complying to chain requirements on the open portions. These vehicles became stuck in the heavy snowfall or stopped due to zero visibility white-out conditions, leading rescuers into what they call "life-threatening conditions."
Winter Storm Watch in place; Rain and snow to impact travel
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/27/2018 - 12:09am
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Two storms will be hitting the Lake Tahoe Basin this week with the first expected Tuesday afternoon. The second one has prompted a Winter Storm Watch that is in effect from Wednesday evening through late Thursday night.
Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations in the second storm 6" to 12" under 7000 feet with 1' to 3' possible above 7000 feet. Snow level will stay above the lake Wednesday, dropping to 3500-4000 feet Friday morning.
Winds could gust as high as 65 mph over the higher terrain of the Sierra, 25-30 mph at lower elevations.
NDOT has new chain requirements on Lake Tahoe highways for 2018-19 winter
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/22/2018 - 10:11am
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - There are new chain requirements on Kingsbury Grade, Mt. Rose Highway and Spooner Summit during the 2018-19 winter.
The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has enacted a change on these Tahoe-area highways and now require any vehicle traveling without tire chains during winter chain restrictions to be four-wheel or all-wheel drive with snow tires. No longer will cars without these distinctions be allowed to cross chain control lines with just snow tires.
Snowslide and incoming storm prompts closure of 89 around Emerald Bay
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/21/2018 - 1:48pm
Just after reopening, a snowslide and incoming storm have prompted Caltrans to close State Highway 89 around Emerald Bay until the weather clears.
Today’s slide dumped snow as high as 15 feet deep and about 160 feet long. Rain in the Lake Tahoe area is expected to turn to snow on Thursday. Only light snow is expected at pass levels through Thursday morning, with heavy snow possible beginning Thursday afternoon.
Winter Driving Tips
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/27/2018 - 10:50pm
A blast of winter is headed to Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada and the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) is reminding motorists that one of the most important factors to consider when driving in inclement weather is SPEED.
Over the past several weeks the NHP has responded to countless crashes on Nevada Highways as a result of driving in less than idea driving conditions. Many of those crashes involved multiple vehicles and all were preventable.
A common violation during inclement weather is “Speed Too Fast For Conditions”.
Two storms heading to Lake Tahoe; Winter Weather Advisory in place
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/25/2018 - 1:21am
An active weather pattern is expected for the upcoming week as two storm systems affect the Sierra and western Nevada.
A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday, February 26. Snow is expected with total accumulations of 6 - 12 inches expected in the Lake Tahoe area.
Chain controls on Sierra roads; slick conditions causing travel issues
Submitted by paula on Sun, 02/18/2018 - 8:04pm
Tow trucks are being kept busy tonight as many drivers are finding difficulty navigating roads around Lake Tahoe. There are currently areas of freezing fog and heavy snow, with whiteouts on some higher elevations roads. With this being a holiday weekend, expect more traffic than normal.
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 10:53am
Good morning skiers and riders, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is Friday, February 10.
WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES THRU 1:00AM SATURDAY MORNING. RAIN & SNOW EXPECTED WITH SNOW LEVEL AT 6500 FEET. MODERATE TO STRONG GUSTY WINDS CONTINUED WITH RIDGE GUSTS UP TO 85MPH THAT WILL HAMPER THE OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFT. EXPECT DELAYS IN ALL LIFTS OPENING AFTER SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES…
WEAR YOUR GORE-TEX OUTERWEAR WITH A HOOD AND TAKE A SKIGEE OR CLOTH TO WIPE GOGGLES… BE SAFE AND SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY IF YOU GO OFF-PISTE.
SR-89 at Emerald Bay remains closed; Staff clearing up to 30 feet of snow
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 4:18pm
The four-mile section of SR-89 around Emerald Bay remains closed after recent storms dumped snow on Lake Tahoe. Caltrans maintenance staff have begun the process of clearing the roadway which has up to 30 feet of snow in some locations as well as debris from last week's storm.
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/12/2017 - 10:05am
Good morning skiers and riders, and if you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is January 12.
A WINTER STORM WARNING CONTINUES TODAY THRU 10:00PM THIS EVENING… GOOD NEWS IS THERE’S MORE SNOW FALLING AND WINDS HAVE DIED DOWN…
MOST RESORTS ARE DIGGING OUT AND PLANNING TO HAVE SOME LIFTS TURNING… EXPECT DELAYS AND LOWER MOUNTAIN LIFTS TO OPEN FIRST AND UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS AFTER SNOW SAFETY. CALL AHEAD…
STAY ON DESIGNATED OPEN RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE. STAY OUT OF THE BACK COUNTRY TODAY…
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Wed, 01/11/2017 - 11:19am
Good morning skiers and riders, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is Wednesday, January 11.
A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT TODAY THROUGH 10:00AM THIS MORNING… FOLLOWED BY A WINTER STORM WARNING POSTED TODAY THRU THURSDAY MORNING… AVALANCHE WARNING POSTED TODAY THROUGH 5:00PM.
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/10/2017 - 10:54am
Good morning skiers and riders. If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is January 10, 2017.
A BLIZZARD WARNING IS IN EFFECT TODAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING FOLLOWED BY A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR WEDNESDAY THRU THURSDAY MORNING… WHITE OUT CONDITIONS WITH STRONG GUSTY WINDS WILL HAMPER THE OPERATION OF UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS, SO ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING.
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Fri, 01/06/2017 - 9:36am
Good morning skiers and riders. If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is January 6.
A WEATHER BREAK TODAY WITH MORE SNOW AND RAIN COMING THIS WEEKEND… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY POSTED FOR SATURDAY, 4AM TO 10PM… GET OUT TODAY AND ENJOY THE FRESH SNOW… MOST RESORTS OPENING MORE TRAILS… STAY ON OPENED RUNS, ONLY AND IF YOU VENTURE OFF PISTE, ALWAYS SKI & RIDE WITH A BUDDY. HAVE FUN & PATIENCE WITH LIFT LINES…
HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD & HWY 207 KINGSBURY GRADE ARE CLOSED.
BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Thu, 01/05/2017 - 9:59am
Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and rider, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is January 5.
LOTS OF FRESH POWDER REPORTED AT ALL RESORTS… THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS POSTED THRU 10AM THIS MORNING… ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING AND WITH DELAYS FOR SNOW SAFETY PROCEDURES… CALL AHEAD.
R1 & R2 ROAD RESTRICTIONS ARE POSTED ON ALL HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND LAKE TAHOE. HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD & HWY 207 KINGSBURY GRADE ARE CLOSED.
BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by admin on Wed, 01/04/2017 - 9:53am
Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting Lake Tahoe, welcome!
January 4, 2017
A CHALLENGING HUMP DAY TO MAKE TURNS… A WINTER STORM WARNING IS POSTED THROUGH TOMORROW MORNING… ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING… UPPER MOUNTAIN LIFTS ARE CLOSED AT HEAVENLY, SIERRA AT TAHOE, SQUAW, MT ROSE & MAMMOTH… ALPINE MEADOWS & DONNER SKI RANCH CLOSED TODAY… CALL AHEAD.
R1 & R2 ROAD RESTRICTIONS ARE POSTED ON ALL HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND LAKE TAHOE. I-80 & HWY 89 EMERALD BAY ROAD & HWY 207 KINGSBURY GRADE ARE CLOSED.
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/03/2017 - 9:17am
Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders, and if you're visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is January 3.
MORE NEW SNOW REPORTED AT RESORTS… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY AND WINTER STORM WARNING POSTED… SO ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING… 2 TO 4 FEET OF SNOW PREDICTED BY WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
R1 & R2 ROAD RESTRICTIONS ARE POSTED ON ALL HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND LAKE TAHOE. BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS AND BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…
HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/02/2017 - 9:40am
Good morning Lake Tahoe skiers and riders, and if you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is January 2.
HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH NEW SNOW REPORTED AT RESORTS… WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY AND WINTER STORM WARNING POSTED… SO ALL LIFTS WILL OPERATE WIND & WEATHER PERMITTING… ROAD CONTROLS UP ON ALL HIGHWAYS IN AND AROUND LAKE TAHOE.. BUCKLE UP AND CARRY TIRE CHAINS OR BE PREPARED FOR WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS…
HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/31/2016 - 9:45am
Good morning and Happy New Year's eve Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!
Today is December 31, 2016.
A GREAT DAY TO END 2016 BY MAKING TURNS ON THE MOUNTAIN… PARTLY CLOUDY SKIES WITH LOTS OF LIFTS & TERRAIN TO CELEBRATE… HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!
TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Partly Cloudy Skies. Highs: 32F to 37F. East winds up to 10 mph.
Expect weather and traffic to cause problems for travelers to and from Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/30/2016 - 10:10am
Caltrans is alerting motorists traveling in the Sierra foothills, to mountain areas or over the Donner or Echo Summits during the New Year’s weekend to be prepared for travel delays. Cold temperatures and alternating bands of precipitation are predicted to arrive Friday night and continue through Tuesday morning, January 3, resulting in winter driving conditions, even at lower elevations.
Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©
Submitted by paula on Fri, 12/30/2016 - 9:55am
Good morning and happy holidays Lake Tahoe skiers and riders! If you are visiting Lake Tahoe, welcome!
Today is December 30, 2016
A GREAT DAY TO GET OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN AS WE MOVE INTO THE NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND… HAVE FUN AND PATIENCE WITH HOLIDAY LINES… STAY ON OPENED RUNS ONLY AND BE SAFE!
TODAY’S WEATHER (NWS GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA): Expect Partly Cloudy Skies. Highs: 40F to 50F. Southwest winds up to 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph.
Winter driving: Check road conditions, be prepared and take it slow
Submitted by paula on Sat, 12/24/2016 - 8:18am
With the large number of accidents throughout the Lake Tahoe basin Friday, it is important that everyone remember the basic rules of driving on snow and ice, especially when so many people are on the road.
Slow and easy, don't follow the car in front of you too close, and paying attention are the basics. Driving patterns cannot be the same as if driving on dry pavement in lower, warmer elevations.
Caltrans has a very easy website that includes cameras and up to the minute information on all California roads: quickmap.dot.ca.gov
Safety tips for Lake Tahoe holiday and winter travel
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/24/2016 - 9:11pm
Nevada's Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, City of South Lake Tahoe and Caltrans all had words of advice for travelers this holiday weekend. Roads will be full of cars, and the added threat of high winds and a snow storm will create issues for those not prepared on the road.
High winds ahead of weekend snow storm in Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 11/24/2016 - 8:15pm
It was a beautiful Thanksgiving Day in South Lake Tahoe, but things are about to change.
Another system is headed into the Lake Tahoe basin on Friday, bringing with it winds 20-30 mph with prolonged wind gusts from 30-55 mph. The wind advisory is in effect from 10:00 a.m. Friday to 4:00 p.m. Saturday.
Waves are expected to be 2-4 feet with the highest ones on the north and east shores.
South Lake Tahoe ski, snowboard and weather report for Sunday
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/27/2016 - 7:55am
The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Sunday, March 27, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.
Lake Wind Advisory from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday.
Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 53 and a low tonight of
CHP advises winter tourists not utilize side roads to circumvent traffic
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 2:42pm
Winter has been welcomed back to the Lake Tahoe basin after a few years of drought and less-than-average snowfall, but a resurgence of winter brings with it not only more visitors to enjoy the snow, but poor traveling conditions for the driver.
Winter mountain travel requires caution and preparedness
Submitted by paula on Tue, 12/22/2015 - 6:15pm
The holiday travel week may not have started out as many hoped it would as a storm hit Lake Tahoe on Monday, stranding many travelers for hours. I was one of those stranded between Kyburz and South Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, making the 1.5 hour drive from Cameron Park in 8.5 hours.
This caught me off guard since I've been driving the mountain roads for the past 36 years and my four-wheel drive car with snow tires has been very steady and dependable. I normally don't drive the mountain passes when a storm is headed our way, but I had to pick my daughter up from the San Francisco Airport.
With storm headed to Lake Tahoe, Caltrans offers tools to help be prepared
Submitted by paula on Wed, 12/09/2015 - 9:59pm
With a forecast for the Sierra of a significant snowfall over both Donner Summit and Echo Summit, Caltrans issued a statement for motorists to take caution and to alert drivers of tools at their disposal to help them on their trip.
High winds are predicted with heavy snow, creating the potential for white-outs and even blizzard conditions on summit passes between Wednesday night and Friday morning.
SLT Police Chief on Officer Hounsell, auto theft, violent crime and winter driving
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/04/2015 - 2:21pm
Tragedy at the Police Department. The department is deeply appreciative of the support given to the family of Mark Hounsell who was killed, along with his wife Jeanne and her friend Laura Fisher, in a motor vehicle accident. They are survived by 4 children who have been the recipients of beautiful and heartfelt support from the entire community. The fund for the Children is now approaching the goal of $130,000. See this at: https://www.gofundme.com/hounsellchildren
Is that snow in the Lake Tahoe forecast?
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 3:08pm
There is more snow in the forecast for the Sierra for elevations above 7,000 ft Thursday through Friday.
The National Weather Service in Reno says to expect winter driving conditions and possible chain controls over Sierra passes, especially at night or during heavier snow showers. Higher elevation routes including Sonora, Tioga, Ebbetts and Monitor passes may be closed later this week and possibly into the weekend.
Periods of snow headed to Sierra and Lake Tahoe by Sunday
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 2:12pm
A low pressure system over California will bring some snow to the Sierra and Lake Tahoe Basin beginning Sunday morning, the National Weather Service in Reno reports.
Up to 6 inches of snow is possible along the Sierra crest near the Lake Tahoe Basin with a few inches at lake level and higher accumulations amounts expected across Mono County.
Weather systems to produce snow and rain through the weekend
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 11/15/2012 - 6:54am
A series of storm systems will move into Lake Tahoe and the Sierra this weekend but how much snow to expect is still up in the air. The first low will move into the region late Thursday night into Friday, with moist flow continuing ahead of the next system for the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Winter storm could bring additional 2 feet of snow to Lake Tahoe and Sierra region
Submitted by Editor on Tue, 02/28/2012 - 8:07am
With a much stronger storm system approaching tonight, expect slick roads with freezing fog this morning for the Lake Tahoe Basin and down into the valleys, according to the National Weather Service.
Chains and snow tires are required along mountain roads throughout the basin and over mountain passes.
More snow in the forecast for Lake Tahoe and Sierra by Wednesday
Submitted by Editor on Sun, 02/26/2012 - 9:27pm
More changes in the weather are in store this week as a winter storm, which may produce strong winds and heavy snow, is expected to arrive in the Lake Tahoe Basin by Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Reno.
Winter storm arrives at Lake Tahoe
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 5:27pm
The change in the weather has been a long time comin' and now it appears to have arrived, to rephrase an old Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song. Here's the latest from the National Weather Service in Reno:
A strong Pacific storm that has prompted a winter storm warning through 10 a.m. Saturday will affect the region tonight bringing heavy snow and gusty winds to the Sierra. The heaviest snowfall is expected to remain above 7,000 feet in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Snow will increase later tonight as the cold system moves through dropping between 2 to 4 inches an hour.
Winter driving tips from Caltrans
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 10:32amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As the winter season approaches, Caltrans District 3 crews are taking the necessary measures to prepare for major rain and snowstorms throughout the season. Caltrans is a...
Tahoe Transportation District blog: Winter Driving Tips
Submitted by Editor on Mon, 10/31/2011 - 5:26pm
With the first snow of the season hitting the Sierra earlier this month, now is as good a time as any to brush up on your winter driving skills. So whether you’re down in the valley or you plan to take a trek over the mountain passes across the Sierra, you need to know what you’re doing or else you could wind up somewhere waiting for the tow truck. While you don’t have to white knuckle drive through ice and snow, it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting into well ahead of the drive.
