Latest Stories

How much snow on South Lake Tahoe roofs is too much? Two local buildings damaged with cave-ins

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - One of the signs of near record amount of snow around Lake Tahoe is the height and weight of snow on the roofs of all buildings. This week there have been two buildings that suffered damage on the South Shore as the roofs caved in after the snow load became too much.

What is too much?

New York man dies at Heavenly Mountain Resort

UPDATE FRIDAY, MAR. 3: The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office has provided new information about this tragic event. The New York man has been identified as 46-year-old Wesley Whalen, and the story has been updated.

Agencies release first-ever Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy, webinar planned

Event Date: 
March 31, 2023 - 5:30pm

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Buried beneath an ever-deepening blanket of snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin lie more than 580 miles of official dirt trails that provide recreation, transportation, fitness, and fun for those in the outdoors. For the first time ever, a coalition of Tahoe partners has developed a Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy to take a basin-wide perspective to trail planning and building. The strategy released this week serves as a blueprint for a connected and accessible dirt trail network for Tahoe.

Enjoy the short storm reprieve as a new Winter Storm Watch is issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hold onto those hopes of sunny, warm beach weather for a bit longer (okay, a lot longer) around Lake Tahoe. As residents around the lake had a much-needed break on Wednesday and getting more of the same through Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Storm Watch Saturday-Monday.

There will be widespread snow, strong winds, and travel headaches, in other words, more of the same.

Longtime staff member named interim director of Tahoe Youth & Family Services

The Tahoe Youth & Family Services (TYFS) Board of Directors has appointed Cheyanne Lane as the new interim executive director for the agency that started in 1971.

Cheyanne began working for TYFS in 2006 and has filled many roles during her tenure. Most recently, she has served as the agency's Supportive Services manager focusing on homeless intervention and prevention services to ensure that unaccompanied minors and homeless young adults in our community have a voice and are represented.

No school Thursday for Lake Tahoe Unified School District

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - As many residents are starting to dig out from the past week's snowstorm, some roads are still not cleared. The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has said school buses cannot safely maneuver the streets.

In conversations with both city and county representatives, it is clear that roads will not be widened by tomorrow morning, according to LTUSD. As a result, school will be canceled Thursday, March 2, 2023.

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Today, U.S. Senator Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced her bipartisan, bicameral legislation to extend the authorization of the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. This law has delivered millions of dollars in federal funding to Lake Tahoe since the original law passed in 2000, supporting environmental protection and habitat restoration programs across the basin.

Washington rape kit leads to arrest in 1979 Lake Tahoe murder

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - On September 28, 1979, Patricia Carnahan was beaten, strangled, and left for dead at Sugar Pine State Park at Lake Tahoe.

Carnahan died, and her body was recovered and investigators gathered evidence, including a sexual assault kit (SAK) which provided a DNA sample. At the time, no suspect(s) were identified or arrested. Her identity was unknown at the time, and she was buried in a nondescript grave marked "Unidentified Female" with Tahoma 9-79 as the location and date.

20th annual Drug Store Project coming this April

The 20th annual Drug Store Project returns to an in-person event in South Lake Tahoe on April 4, 2023. Sixth-grade students from area schools will be taking part in the day-long event at South Tahoe Middle School

Homeschool students are invited, and if not signed up, please contact tahoedsp@gmail.com.

Christmas Cheer to remain closed Wednesday, hope to open doors Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas Cheer will not be open again on Wednesday due to the storm and needed cleanup.

Volunteers wanted to get the word out to the public so those who use the food bank won't attempt to go out in the snow.

They are scheduled to be open on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas Cheer is located at 1120 3rd Street, South Lake Tahoe.

Snow Day on Wednesday for students in South Lake Tahoe , Tahoe Truckee, Alpine County

UPDATE: Douglas County schools at the lake will not open on Wednesday. They will determine status of valley schools by 5:15 a.m.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With continued snow, road conditions, and campuses still buried even after long hours of clearing snow, Lake Tahoe Unified School District has canceled school for Wednesday, March 1.

The Blizzard Warning expires at 4 a.m. Wednesday, with snow expected through the morning.

Douglas County School District said they will determine the status of classes in the morning.

Carson City schools are on a two-hour delay.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District's community meeting moved due to snow

Event Date: 
March 15, 2023 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) State of the District/LCAP Community Conversation at South Tahoe High School has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting has been rescheduled due to the heavy snow received over the last several days, giving the public a chance to dig out and get back on the roads.

Kudos: Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe hosts Bread & Broth dinner

Long active in the Lake Tahoe South Shore community, the Kiwanis Club of Lake Tahoe and its members believe in service and want to make a difference by working together, and with, other members of the community. That is why sponsoring a Bread & Broth Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) on Monday, February 20, was a natural fit for the service organization and the members who volunteered to help with their sponsorship dinner.

South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting canceled due to blizzard

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to the current severe weather conditions, the City of South Lake Tahoe has canceled the Tuesday City Council meeting which was slated for 5:30 p.m.

The agenda items will be moved onto the agenda for its next meeting on March 14. The planned Mayor For The Day events that were to occur Tuesday are being moved to the March 28 evening council meeting.

City Manager Joe Irvin stated, “This decision was made in the interest of public safety. We discourage travel today and tonight given continued blizzard conditions.”

Blizzard conditions continue in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Sierra

UPDATE 12:45PM: US50 is now closed at Echo Summit due to avalanche control, heavy snow and multiple spin-outs.

Travel is highly discouraged. If you don't need to be on the road, CHP says "don't." There is no estimated time of reopening.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Blizzard warnings continue for the Lake Tahoe region and the Sierra, with more heavy snow forecast for the rest of the day on Tuesday. The warning expires at 4 a.m. Wednesday with snow ending around 7 a.m.

Story of South Lake Tahoe teacher heads to the stage in New York City

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Lake Tahoe community knows her as a dedicated and celebrated teacher at her alma matre, one who is full of energy and passion. They know her as the winner of the 8th season of Dancing with the Tahoe Stars in 2020.

People know her as a champion for LGBT+ youth, an advocate celebrated by the California Teachers' Association in California Educator and Read This, Save Lives by Sameer Jha.

Snow days once again at Lake Tahoe area schools

The forecast shows the snow will not be letting up until the end of the night on Tuesday, and heavy snow is expected to cover roads until then, making travel hazardous. Conditions have led school districts to cancel school on Tuesday, February 28.

Lake Tahoe Community College has called a snow day for Tuesday, as has Alpine County Schools, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Douglas County School District, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, and many in El Dorado County.

For Alpine County, all Alpine sites will be closed, including AELC, DVES, and BVES.

Lake Tahoe area road closures as blizzard bears down on the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to heavy snow, poor visibility, and multiple vehicle issues on Lake Tahoe area roads, the following roads have been closed:

SR89 over Luther Pass between Christmas Valley and Hope Valley. It is closed around Emerald Bay.
SR88 is closed to eastbound traffic at Dew Drop; closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Fork to Kirkwood and the Carson Spur; from 2 miles east of Kirkwood to 5 miles west of Picketts Junction. Closed to westbound traffic at the junction of SR89 in Woodfords due to a disabled vehicle.

Christmas Cheer closed Tuesday due to blizzard

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Christmas Cheer will not be open on Tuesday due to the current storm.

Volunteers wanted to get the word out to the public so those who use the food bank won't attempt to go out in the snow.

They will announce Tuesday if they will also be closed Wednesday.

Christmas Cheer is located at 1120 3rd Street, South Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe CHP to offer free teen driver safety classes

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is offering free driver safety classes for teenage drivers this March and April.

This Start Smart program is aimed at helping newly licensed and future licensed teenage drivers become aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of being a licensed California driver. The program was created in an effort to preemptively reduce the incidence of teen injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicle collisions.

CANCELED: TJ Carter and Band are returning for Tahoe Arts Project performances

Event Date: 
March 10, 2023 - 6:00pm

UPDATE: Due to forecasts and flights, the weather has once again forced the cancelation of TJ Carter and Band.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - TJ Carter and Band will be performing in South Lake Tahoe schools on March 9 and 10, and in a public show at Lake Tahoe Community College Duke Theater on March 10 at 6 p.m.

"It is a dream come true to be able to come back to Tahoe to share and inspire students through musical art and education," said TJ Carter.

Tickets still available for Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra's 2nd annual Meat Raffle

The Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra is holding its 2nd annual Meat Raffle.

With the support of Victor Gomez, the owner of Overland Meat and Seafood Co., Tahoe Sierra Kiwanis is offering the winner an opportunity to select from one of the three $300 Family Meat Packs https://overlandmeatco.com/family-packs/.

Raffle tickets are $5 each, six for $25. To purchase your tickets, please call Tom or Cheryl Millham at either 530-573-2273 OR 530-308-5215.

California law prohibits online raffles from taking internet payment, but Kiwanis has several options for those wishing to purchase.

Big rigs once again blocking South Lake Tahoe area roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The minute each winter I80 closes to tractor-trailer semitrailer combinations, many seek other ways to make it over the Sierra. US50 at Echo Summit is a common goal, as is SR88 at Woodfords.

LTCC closed Monday due to incoming blizzard

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to heavy snow and blizzard conditions, Lake Tahoe Community College’s campus will be closed on Monday, Feb. 27. Classes will not be held, and all offices and departments will be shut.

Please don’t travel to campus so snow removal operations can continue unimpeded.

Visit https://ltcc.edu/ for further information.

Snow Day Monday for Lake Tahoe Unified schools and Douglas County schools at the lake

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District has announced there will be no school on Monday, February 27. Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe will also be closed.

With heavy snow and forecasted blizzard conditions, the District wanted students and staff to remain safe and not on the roads of South Lake Tahoe.

They will continue monitoring the forecast and will provide an update Monday evening about school on Tuesday. The blizzard forecast is expected to end early Wednesday morning.

Bread & Broth Monday meal canceled due to storm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to forecast blizzard conditions, Bread & Broth will not hold its Monday Meal on February 27.

It isn't often the group cancels meals, but for the safety of guests and volunteers, the non-profit won't serve this Monday.

On Friday, their Second Serving meal at Lake Tahoe Presbyterian Church is still planned.

For more information, visit https://breadandbroth.org/.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Blizzard could drop 2-3 feet of snow at lake level, up to 6 feet at upper elevations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a Winter Storm Warning in place for the Lake Tahoe Basin until Monday morning at 11 a.m., and then a Blizzard Warning takes over and is in place until 4 a.m. Wednesday.

NTSB says downed Care Flight plane broke apart prior to crashing near Stagecoach

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) held a press conference Sunday in Carson City regarding the downed Care Flight airplane that crashed in Stagecoach on Friday night.

During the conference, it was confirmed that the plane's wing had broken off mid-flight only about 14 minutes after it had taken off.

South Lake Tahoe Library Book Club Kits available for local teens

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Library in South Lake Tahoe now has Book Club Kits for local teens. They are perfect for teens wanting to start a book club, or for those who already have a book club and are looking for their next read.

Each kit comes in a sturdy bag that includes six copies of the book, a tip sheet on how to start a book club, discussion questions, and a sheet to help keep track of each book.

Slow Food Tahoe benefits from spring Truckee-Tahoe Salmon Buying Club

Slow Food Lake Tahoe (SFLT) is introducing an early spring pick-up option for their popular Alaskan Salmon Buying Club serving the Truckee-Tahoe area. Previously only offered in the early fall, this additional pick-up date allows locals to replenish their supply of the healthy omega-rich protein more frequently with a significant club discount. Order a 20 lb. box of filets ($14.99/lb) or portions ($15.99/lb) for your own freezer, or share with a friend. Ordering closes on March 15. Boxes will be available for pick up in the Truckee River Regional Park on April 1.

Go Fund Me fundraiser established for couple that died in Care Flight crash

The names of the Reno couple who died in Friday night's crash of a Care Flight plane near Stagecoach, Nevada have been released on a fundraising site.

Mark "Bear" Rand was on his way to Utah to receive life-saving medical treatment, and he was accompanied by his wife Terri.

"Mark and Terri were big-hearted, family-oriented, proud parents and grandparents. The Rand family is now coming together to figure out how to move forward," said the post on Go Fund Me.

Go Fund Me fundraisers set up for Care Flight pilot, nurse and paramedic

While notifications to the family members of the five people aboard Friday night's deadly crash of a Care Flight plane have been made, names have not been officially released. Friends of the Care Flight pilot, nurse, and paramedic identified them when they started Go Fund Me fundraisers to help their families during this difficult time.

Ready for some more? Blizzard Warning and Winter Storm Watch for Lake Tahoe

UPDATE: NWS Reno says the incoming storm has picked up in intensity, bringing with it the potential for blizzard conditions across the Sierra Nevada. Because of this, they have issued a Blizzard Warning for Lake Tahoe and the Eastern Sierra starting at 10 a.m. Monday, through 4 a.m. Wednesday. During this period, total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 feet, except 4 to 6 feet above 7000 feet are expected. Winds gusting as high as 55 mph with over 100 mph along Sierra ridgetops.

Bill Murrell ~ February 11,1946 - February 10, 2023

Bill Murrell of South Lake Tahoe passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023, at Renown Hospital in Reno, Nevada with his wife by his side. Bill was born to Captain C.D. Murrell, head of Naval Intelligence in San Diego, and Nancy Jane Murrell on February 11, 1946.

Care Flight plane crashes near Stagecoach, killing all five on board

A fixed-wing Care Flight plane crashed Friday night outside of Stagecoach, Nev. All five on board were killed.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office said they received multiple calls about a possible airplane crash at approximately 9:15 p.m. Deputies were joined by Lyon County and Douglas County search and rescue teams, and Central Lyon Fire in a search of the area. At 11:15 p.m., the aircraft was located and there were no survivors.

South Lake Brewing holding annual St. Barles' Day celebration

Event Date: 
March 18, 2023 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Brewing Company's annual St. Barles' Day celebration is being held on Saturday, March 18. Their beloved brew dog, Barley, is turning 10 this year, and they're celebrating for a good cause!

Bring your furry friends to the brewery on a leash to participate in their pet costume contest. South Lake Brewing will be releasing a new beer that day and a limited-edition pint glass with sales benefitting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

Two Lake Tahoe area ski resorts first to announce extended seasons

LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With epic amounts of snow this season, Palisades Tahoe and Sugar Bowl are the first two Lake Tahoe area resorts to announce later closing dates than normal.

In an announcement this week, Palisades Tahoe said due to over 400" of snow so far, they will be open for skiing and riding through Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 - at least, weather and conditions permitting. Visit https://www.palisadestahoe.com/ for more information.

Caltrans closes westbound lanes of I-80 after multiple collisions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Caltrans has closed the westbound lanes of I-80 from the Nevada state line to Truckee. Vehicles are being turned around at the state line. There is no estimated time for reopening.

The interstate was closed overnight, then earlier today it reopened to vehicles only and all tractor-semitrailer combinations were not allowed.

US50 over Echo Summit was closed for over two hours due to a truck fire earlier on Friday, and it has seen heavy traffic since it opened back up.

Column: Fuel Up on Vitamin (N)ature

Exercise is one of the most positive actions you can take for your health - especially activities that can be enjoyed outdoors. Though cold temperatures and fewer daylight hours can present challenges during the winter, getting outside is not only packed with variety and adventure, it’s full of mental and physical benefits as well.

Truck fire stalls traffic on US50 at Echo Summit, I80 remains closed to trucks

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Dodge pickup truck with a trailer heading west on US50 caught fire at 11 a.m. Friday morning, temporarily closing the highway which was already experiencing heavy traffic with the closure of I80.

The truck had a 50-gallon tank of gas onboard and the driver was concerned it would catch fire.

As of 12:30 p.m., the scene is being cleared and the truck and trailer were moved into Gunmount. (12:44 p.m. update - road has reopened)

The resulting backup on Pioneer Trail and US50 into South Lake Tahoe was lengthy

Douglas County urges residents to be prepared for next series of storms

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – With a new series of winter weather in the forecast, Douglas County urges residents to prepare in advance. According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno, there will be a “significant winter storm Friday into Saturday, followed by a brief break before another major winter storm midday Sunday through Tuesday night.”

Douglas County wants to urge all residents to prepare in advance for the upcoming storms. Our community should avoid unnecessary travel and have emergency plans in place in case of power outages and dangerous snow conditions.

Multiple vehicle issues along US50 between Meyers and Placerville, on I80 and other Sierra roads

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The snow has been constant over the Sierra, causing headaches along the mountain highways.

As of 6:45 p.m. Thursday, traffic is behind held between Pointview in Placerville to Meyers due to multiple spinouts. There is also avalanche control at Echo Summit and drivers can expect more of the same through the night.

I80 is closed at the state line to Colfax due to whiteout conditions.

SR89 around Emerald Bay is closed and there are high avalanche warnings for that area.

2023 South Tahoe Earth Day Festival

Event Date: 
April 22, 2023 - 10:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival will be held on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bijou Community Park.

The festival recognizes, celebrates, and promotes our unique environment by educating the public about the preservation and protection of our local and global natural resources. This is a free, family-friendly event open to the public. There will be organizations and vendors that will be engaging the community in a constructive and positive manner.

Celebrate local Olympic history at 4th annual Free Ski Day at Sugar Pine Point State Park

Event Date: 
March 5, 2023 - 10:00am

TAHOMA, Calif. – California State Parks and the Sierra State Parks Foundation are bringing back groomed Nordic skiing at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park by inviting the public to a free ski day on Sunday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The latest round of winter storms has brought in plenty of fresh snow for the park to offer this popular pastime. The public can ski or snowshoe on the trails made famous when the biathlon and cross-country events of the 1960 Winter Olympics were held here.

Christmas Cheer closed and Meals On Wheels not in service Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe food pantry Christmas Cheer will be closed on Thursday, February 23 due to snow conditions.

The South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is open for senior nutrition for dine-in and take-out only. There will be no home delivery Thursday.

The Vitalent Blood Drive Friday is postponed.

Free tax preparation at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center is canceled today.

The Child Support Services office in South Lake Tahoe is closed today.

This story will be updated if more information on other closures is made available.

Ivano Costantini ~ February 23, 1964 – December 6, 2022

Ivano Costantini, the owner of the popular Ivano’s Restaurant in Stateline, Nevada, passed away unexpectedly on December 6, 2022. He was born in Milano, Italy, and grew up in Napoli, Italy. Ivano graduated from the Institute of Agrario in Ponticelli before moving to the United States in 1989.

Ivano worked in the restaurant business in California and then opened his first restaurant in Lake Tahoe in 1994. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed boating, fishing, skiing, and running – everything Lake Tahoe had to offer.

Cannabis tax revenues of $221.6 million reported for Q4 in California

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported cannabis revenue on Wednesday for the fourth quarter of 2022. As of February 16, 2023, total cannabis tax revenue from fourth-quarter returns is $221.6 million. This includes California’s cannabis excise tax, which generated $108 million; and $113.6 million in sales tax revenue from cannabis businesses. The total reported cannabis tax revenues do not include outstanding returns and they also do not include locally imposed taxes collected by cities and counties.

Planning Commission meeting first of many to look at possible changes to South Lake Tahoe area plans

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The public is invited to the next meeting of the South Lake Tahoe Planning Commission as they discuss both the Tahoe Valley and Tourist Core area plans. Feedback is important as the City starts looking at amendments to the plans.

The meeting will be held Thursday, February 23 at 3 p.m. in the City Hall-Council Chambers, 1901 Lisa Maloff Way. Zoom will also be available.

This is the first of multiple public hearings to gain feedback from stakeholders and the general public.

Barton Health Foundation donates 32 lifesaving AEDs to be placed around Barton facilities

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Continuing its mission of advancing local health care through philanthropy, the Barton Health Foundation has donated 32 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to aid in the response to heart issues at Barton Health facilities, both in and out of Barton Memorial Hospital. According to the American Heart Association, there are more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S., and 9 out of 10 cardiac arrest victims who receive a shock from an AED within the first-minute lives.

Several rounds of snow storms in the Lake Tahoe forecast into March

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A cold and stormy period will continue through the end of February and into the beginning of March, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. They say to anticipate several rounds of snow at all elevations, leading to widespread travel difficulties in the Sierra. Periods of enhanced winds will make it feel that much colder. Bundle up and protect vulnerable populations and pets.

The Winter Weather Advisory is in place until 4 a.m. Friday, then a Winter Weather Watch until Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m.

Syndicate content