LTUSD reopens building at South Tahoe High that was closed due to snow load concerns

UPDATE 3/14 3 p.m.: Lake Tahoe Unified School District received the go-ahead to reopen Building C on the South Tahoe High School campus.

UPDATE 3/13 4 p.m.: Over the past week, representatives of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and LTUSD determined the flat roof buildings at South Tahoe High School should be reviewed. They did so with the use of a drone. It was determined that the A-B-C hall at the school was in need of further review so on Monday, CalFire conducted a walkthrough with the LTUSD directors of facilities and transportation.

The LTUSD engineer also participated in the walkthrough and it was determined that out of an abundance of caution, classes in the C wing would be relocated and snow removal would ensue. They are working on the snow removal at this time and will reopen the classrooms when it is determined safe to do so.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) has closed Building C at South Tahoe High School (STHS) due to its snow load.

Superintendent Todd Cutler said this has been done "out of an abundance of caution." Students in the wing have been relocated to other areas of the campus.

Staff is working Monday to remove the snow load off the building and will reopen the building when determined safe. South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) and a local engineer conducted an inspection of STHS on Monday. SLTFR is also helping with snow removal on the building.

Parents and community members have been sharing concerns regarding the safety of South Lake Tahoe schools, specifically roof loads.

There was one room in Building C that showed some stress.

"We appreciate everyone’s concerns and are working with the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and engineers to guarantee student and staff safety," said LTUSD Administration in a statement.

"As a District, we want to assure the community that we have been continually assessing all aspects of our facilities’ safety for students and staff. We would not put our students in buildings that are unsafe. Rest assured, California schools are some of the safest buildings in the State due to building regulations stipulated by the Division of the State Architect (DSA)," they continued.

In the photo above, buildings 5, 11, 12, and 13 are the ones that were not included in the last bond measure that created new buildings on the rest of campus.