US50 at Echo reopens; update on other roads around Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 8:26am
From Caltrans: This morning's situation on US50 on Echo Summit is what they say is "a sluff," not a slide. It was in the bluffs east of the summit on the lake side, not in the avalanche zone. This is an area of steep rocks and the snow will shed naturally. It was about 3 feet of snow in the westbound lane. There were no injuries and crews were able to clear it quickly, in about a half hour. It's a common occurrence amplified by the rapid and substantial snowfall. Caltrans plow/patrol trucks can handle the majority of these sluffs. The traveling public should remain in their vehicles and wait for Caltrans, CHP, or other authorities to clear the road and ensure safe passage should they be caught in a snow sluff.
UPDATE: Caltrans says the road is reopened but traffic is moving slowly. Chain controls are in effect.
UPDATE: Caltrans has updated its controls to "holding traffic for snow work." It is unknown at this time how deep the slide was.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The expected blizzard did not disappoint. With the last day of snow from this system on Sunday, many are using the opportunity to dig out.
US50 at Echo Summit is closed due to a slide at 8:15 a.m. Sunday. CHP reports say several vehicles are involved and the backup at the roundabout in Meyers is long. Other westbound roads in the area are currently closed. No other information is available at this time since it just occurred. Story will be updated as more is learned.
The following roads are currently closed:
I80 from Colfax to the Nevada State Line
SR267 from 3.7 mi south of Truckee to the Jct of SR 28 in Kings Beach
SR88 from six miles east of Ham's Station to Pickett's Junction
SR89 closed at Emerald Bay
Sierra-at-Tahoe is closed after 100mph+ winds
Heavenly Mountain Resort is hoping to open by 10 a.m.
Palisades Tahoe is aiming to open by noon, so check ahead before heading over there.
Contact the businesses before you head out on the road to make sure they are open.
For up-to-the-minute road information, visit https://www.nvroads.com/ for Nevada and https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for California.