winter

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.

Sierra-at-Tahoe plans to open for the season on Saturday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Sierra-at-Tahoe announced today they will begin spinning lifts for the 2019-20 Winter Season this Saturday, November 30, at 8:30 a.m.

After a slow start to November, Mother Nature has turned on the tap, bringing Sierra two feet of snow and counting in the last 48 hours. This, combined with Sierra’s snowmaking efforts, will allow the resort to open for operations. Conditions permitting, Sierra plans to run Easy Rider Express, Rock Garden Chair and two surface lifts, with access to 2 runs and one terrain park.

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.

SLT Cancer League inaugural Winter Bazaar and See's Candy Sale

Event Date: 
December 7, 2019 - 10:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Cancer League is starting a new tradition and holding it's inaugural Winter Bazaar at the American Legion Post on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The bazaar also marks the launch of their annual See's Candy Sale.

NV Energy prepares for storm heading to Lake Tahoe and offers helpful tips

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - The incoming winter storm will not only bring with it heavy snow but also wind with gusts up to 115 mph over the crest of the Sierra.

"Safety is our top priorty," said NV Energy Director of Delivery Operations, Brian Costello. He said during these storms there is a concern for both public and staff safety with downed power lines.

NV Energy supplied electricity to the Nevada side of the Lake Tahoe Basin and to the Truckee Donner PUD. Their power lines go over the Mt. Rose Highway into Incline Village and over Kingsbury Grade into the South Shore.

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

Lake Tahoe and Sierra area roadwork 11/25 - 12/1/19

Most traffic-interfering work will be restricted from 6 a.m. Wednesday, November 27 until 10 p.m. Monday, December 2 due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

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.

No planned weekend traffic relief in Meyers this winter

MEYERS, Calif. - Residents attending the El Dorado County Town Hall meeting in Meyers on Thursday didn't hear what they wanted to about the upcoming winter and any plans that could be put in place to alleviate traffic jams in neighborhoods.

As is the case with all meetings concerning traffic in Meyers, there were several audience members with ideas from instituting maximum vehicles allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin to turn restrictions and road closures during specific hours.

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.

Viking Corner: This Week at South Tahoe High

It was an eventful week for students and staff at South Tahoe High School. With unfortunate news, fundraisers, and the end to successful “fall sports” seasons. STHS is getting ready for Thanksgiving break.

On Campus

Thursday morning, woodshop teacher, Nathan Crnich was arrested at the STHS campus on sexual misconduct charges. While news was shocking to many, students said they feel safer.

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.

Valhalla Holiday Faire and Tallac Historic Site "Winter Wanderland"

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sun Nov 24 2019 .
November 22, 2019 (All day)
November 23, 2019 (All day)
November 24, 2019 (All day)

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It will be a grand weekend at the Tallac Historic Site as the Valhalla Holiday Faire and Winter Wanderland help everyone get into the holiday spirit November 22-24.

The three-day holiday celebration includes 30 local vendors inside the Valhalla Grand Hall with holiday music, treats, pictures, and a Forest of Lights between the Grand Hall and Pope-Baldwin Estates with shopping at the historic site museum.

Friday, Nov. 22 - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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.

Public gives input on proposed changes to USFS snowmobile/winter travel plan

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - When the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) revised their Forest Plan over 10 years ago, many wanted them to include changes to snowmobile and other winter travel access to public lands at the same time. With the amount of public comment and the recognized need to have its own plan, they separated the two.

In 2011, LTBMU started a collaborative group to develop a proposed action plan for Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) use in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

2nd annual Turkey Trot in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
November 24, 2019 - 9:00am

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless and City of South Lake Tahoe are bringing back the popular Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 24. This second annual event to raise much-needed funds for the nonprofit and their seasonal Warm Room. The Trot is held at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center, 1180 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe.

9:45 a.m. - Gobble Wobble (10 and under) begins promptly at 9:45a
10:30 a.m. - 5k run for ages 11 and above

Warren Miller’s “Timeless” heading to Harrah's Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
Repeats every day until Sat Nov 23 2019 .
November 22, 2019 (All day)
November 23, 2019 (All day)

Sports Ltd will be presenting the South Lake Tahoe premier of Warren Miller Entertainment's latest winter sports film epic, “Timeless,” in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe on Friday and Saturday night, Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.

South Lake Tahoe resident and ski legend Glen Plake returns to screen in Warren Miller's 70th full-length feature film.

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:

Caltrans and partners officially open first of two roundabouts in Meyers

Caltrans addressed what they reported to be an increase of accidents at the intersection of US50 and SR89 with a $7.3 million roundabout in Meyers, and today there was a ribbon-cutting with local partners to officially open it up.

What used to be a T-intersection with one stop sign is now a three-leg roundabout with a bypass lane. Years of studies, planning, environmental reviews, and engineering led to this past summer's build by Q&D Construction.

Open Houses on proposed snowmobile/winter recreation access around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – There was a lot of public reaction when the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) released their "Proposed Action for the Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) Travel Management Project" in September. That document outlined changes to snowmobile access in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

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.

Caples Fire 100% contained, 3,435 acres burned

A burned area assessment of the area burned by last month's Caples Fire is now underway. The Incident Commander Kevin Breitwieser has declared that the Caples Fire is now 100 percent contained and in patrol status at 3,435 acres.

There has been almost no change in fire size since October 18. The extreme wind event on October 26 that prompted a public safety power shutoff was a good test of the containment lines and resulted in three small spots that were extinguished. Traces of smoke from interior burning will continue to be visible, but no additional fire growth is expected.

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.

Single lane closures on Kingsbury Grade Tuesday-Wednesday

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) will be working on the Lake Tahoe side of Kingsbury Grade on October 29 and 30. Expect single-lane closures as crews fill roadway cracking.

Small sections of Kingsbury Grade will be reduced to one lane from approximately 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday from Meadow Drive to Tramway Drive. Motorists are advised to give extra travel time and to anticipate moderate travel delays as traffic flaggers and pilot cars alternate directions of travel. The road work schedule is subject to change.

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.

Winter Anthology of Authors at SLT Library

Event Date: 
December 14, 2019 - 12:30pm

This free event will feature a number of local authors presenting their books for sale. This pre-holiday gathering will make it easy to shop for your favorite bookworm or that person who has everything. This is a wonderful way to shop local and support your Library community. A raffle for door prizes generously donated by local businesses will be included. Immediately following the Anthology join us for a concert by Sierra Strings...

Location

South Lake Tahoe Library
1000 Rufus Allen Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA
United States

STPUD informs Alpine County they are ending recycled water agreement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Effective the end of November, the South Tahoe Public Utility District (STPUD) is ending an agreement with Alpine County regarding its recycled water operations.

STPUD has paid Alpine County an annual mitigation fee to address potential impacts caused by recycled water for 35 years, a fee that is approximately $100,000 per year.

STPUD says there have not been adverse impacts from the recycled water operations and the agreement is no longer necessary.

Opinion: Sierra Boulevard is at an end; Looking forward to the next beginning

It's been one heck of a summer in terms of driving around town. Between Echo Summit and the Meyers roundabout, the horrible accident at Elks Club, US50 through town and then the construction at Stateline that caused delays back to Zephyr Cove in mid-September. Luckily, the Stateline issue was quickly remedied, the highway at Elks Club seems mostly repaired, and the Meyers roundabout turned out great.

New snowmobile access proposed for parts of Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has released the "Proposed Action for the Winter Recreation and Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) Travel Management Project," and in that document are changes to snowmobile access in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

They have proposed to open OSV use (snowmobiles) to areas around the lake that have been restricted in the past and close up other areas. The plan still leaves about 50 percent of the lands managed by LTBMU open to OSV use.

The new areas proposed for OSV use

4th annual Customer Appreciation Day at Sunsational Tans

Event Date: 
October 24, 2019 (All day)

Sunsational Clothing & Tans will be holding there annual Customer Appreciation Day Thursday, October 24, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for all new and current members.

They will be displaying their new infrared sauna and have free tanning, $20 spray tans, free red-light therapy. There will be raffles, food, prizes and gift bags.

Sunsational Tans will also be offering discounts on all tanning packages and tanning lotions. Purchase a package for now, or later.

Forest Service begins seasonal closure of Lake Tahoe recreational sites

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It's that time of year again when the Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) begins the winter closure of their recreational facilities around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Seasonal closures apply to many Forest Service recreation sites including beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and National Forest roads.

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

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 skier awarded BlueZone Sports and Moment Ski package

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The ski resorts have yet to open in Lake Tahoe, but young racers and competitors headed to BlueZone Sports Saturday for "Competition Day" where they had special prices and prizes.

One of those prizes went to 14-year-old Sebastian Kilgore, a freshman at South Tahoe High School. Blue Zone Sports selected the young man who competes in slopestyle and rail events in the USAA South Tahoe Series. Kilgore had a very successful 2018-19 season and placed fourth in Nationals where his "Front 630 Off Rail" won the "Best Trick" award.

Prescribed fire operations continue in Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Weather and conditions 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.

D. L. Bliss State Park - Along Lester Beach Road, between Group Camp and Beach Camp
Type of Burn: Understory, Total Acreage: 65, Planned Ignition: 10/8/2019
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 1 week
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: Northeast
Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas: Rubicon Bay, Hwy 89

Meyers roundabout bypass lane will reopen when signage installed

The newly installed roundabout at the intersection of US50 and SR89 in Meyers isn't fully functional yet. The westbound bypass lane is still closed as Caltrans awaits the installation of new signs.

According to Caltrans, when the bypass lane initially opened motorists were confused on how to use it. They put cones up to close it off again until instructional signs could better inform users.

They hope to have the sign package installed in the coming week and reopen the bypass lane up again.

Trash scavenger hunt with Olympian Jamie Anderson and Clean Tahoe

Event Date: 
October 3, 2019 - 3:30pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Clean Tahoe is hosting an event on Thursday afternoon with South Lake Tahoe native and Olympian Jamie Anderson, Don't Talk Trash - Pick It Up Scavenger Hunt.

On October 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., join the community at Lakeside Beach and participate in a trash pick up. Be at the beach at 3:30 p.m. to get supplies and scorecards. The fun begins at 3:50 p.m. and all have exactly one hour to clean the beach and neighborhood. Prizes will then be handed out.

No need to RSVP, just show up and have fun while helping the environment.

Winter that ended at 175% of average snowpack leads to robust reservoir storage this Fall

October 1, 2019 marks the first day of the 2020 Water Year and reservoirs in the state are still full from the epic snow year of 2018-19. California began a new water year today with significantly more water in storage than the previous year thanks to above-average snow and precipitation.

Winter Weather Advisory returns overnight in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A winter storm just days after the first day of Autumn isn't too unusual for the Lake Tahoe region, but it always catches everyone by surprise and leaves one wondering if Fall will return.

Many areas at lake level saw an inch or so of snow, with a few inches at upper elevations. Expect more of the same Sunday night into Monday morning. The Winter Snow Advisory goes into effect Sunday night at 5:00 p.m. and lasts until 10:00 a.m. Monday.

Dramatic change to the Lake Tahoe weather this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A strong cold front will move through the region Saturday bringing a dramatic change to the weather with breezy winds, rain, snow, and much colder weather returning for the weekend. according to the National Weather Service in Reno. Now is the time to prepare for winter travel if you have plans to drive over the mountains, and to prepare your garden and irrigation for possible freezing temperatures.

Two Lake Tahoe boat ramps to continue watercraft inspections as roadside stations close

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – This week marks the last full week of summer operations for watercraft inspection stations around Lake Tahoe. Starting Oct. 1 the duties will move from roadside stations to inspecting only at the Cave Rock and Lake Forest launch ramps for the winter season.

Prescribed burns to resume around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Lake Tahoe Basin Fall Prescribed Fire Program may begin as early as September 24, 2019, under the management of the Tahoe Fire & Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal fire and land management agencies.

Weather and conditions permitting, California State Park crews may begin prescribed fire operations in Burton Creek State Park near Tahoe City and in a couple of weeks move to D.L. Bliss State Park near Tahoma.

Smoke will likely be present.

STHS art teacher and students create mural on TRPA shipping container

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – What was once a dull gray shipping container has been transformed into a work of art at the watercraft inspection station in Meyers, California. The container houses equipment used to decontaminate boats arriving at the station that might harbor aquatic invasive species.

Now greeting boaters will be a colorful and creative mural painted by local artists and students. At the same time the mural puts the Clean, Drain, and Dry message front and center.

South Lake Tahoe campground closed for restroom renovations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Campground by the Lake, the City of South Lake Tahoe's campground at Rufus Allen and Lake Tahoe Boulevards, has closed for the 2019 season.

The City Council approved funds to completely renovate the aging restroom structures, a long-time complaint of many campers.

The new restrooms will have new toilets, insulated water pipes and coin operated showers. In case of the possibility of future winter camping, the facilities will be able to have the showers operate in winter.

Campground by the Lake will reopen in the Spring.

Full closure of US50 over Echo Summit delayed until 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The full closure of US Highway 50 over Echo Summit planned for October 18 has been postponed until next year.

The seven precast bridge girders needed for the Echo Summit Sidehill Viaduct (bridge) Replacement Project will not be ready in time for an October closure. Instead, contractor Q&D Construction will winterize the job site and come back to finish the project next year.

This is a two-year project that the contractor was attempting to accelerate. It is still on track to be finished next year.

Lake Tahoe and Sierra roadwork for September 8-14

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Scheduled roadwork around the Lake Tahoe Basin is still in full swing before the winter hiatus.

For those wondering about the old Caltrans traffic camera at the Y: it is being replaced and when received there will be a lane closure coordinated for installation.

The camera at the new roundabout in Meyers can be rotated to analyze traffic needs and will not be aimed just at the roundabout for the time being.

The following are the Caltrans projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Safety at Round Hill Pines Resort entrance focus of upcoming public meeting

Event Date: 
September 25, 2019 - 5:00pm

LAKE TAHOE, Nev. - Safety for visitors entering and exiting the Round Hill Pines Resort from U50 is the focus of a second public meeting on a project currently in the Environmental Assessment stage. The purpose of the project is to increase safety and improve accessibility for motorists, pedestrians, and bicycles entering and exiting the popular resort. HIghway planner say the major issues in the area are limited sight distance, unprotected turning movements across US50 and vehicle queuing in the eastbound inside lane of US50 during peak visitation periods

Update on fiery tanker explosion in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A 36-year-old man from North Highlands, California has been identified as the driver of the gasoline tanker involved in Saturday's deadly crash and explosion.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has released more information based on its investigation. No names are being released at this time.

On September 7 at approximately 11:45 a.m. a tanker truck and trailer fully loaded

Syndicate content