Highway 50 over Echo Summit closed for avalanche control, traffic backed up

8:25 p.m. update - Traffic is starting to move over Echo Summit.

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8:00 p.m. update - Highway 50 from Meyers to Sly Park remains closed at this hour due to avalanche control. There have also been several spin-outs and other weather related issues according to and earlier Caltrans report.

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Traffic has been backed up for hours on Highway 50 as people head to South Lake Tahoe for a weekend of fresh powder. Snow, snow covered roads and chain controls have made travel slow and now the road is closed between Meyers and Pollock Pines for avalanche control.

The road was closed about 5:30 p.m. according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Meyers. The normal closure for avalanche control is two hours, though heavier snow with more danger results in the road being closed longer.

When it opens, chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel / all wheel drive vehicles with snow treaded tires on all wheels from Meyers to Sand Flat.

There is also an accident near Kyburz and a vehicle went down an embankment near Sly Park.

Chain controls are up on all other mountain roads. SR89 at Emerald Bay is closed, as is SR88 at the Carson Spur.