conditions

Blizzard Warning now in effect as Atmospheric River brings feet of snow to the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The warnings have been coming for over a week, and now the day weather experts have been warning us about is here. For snow that has been measured in inches so far this winter, a big change hits Lake Tahoe and the Sierra starting Tuesday night when it will be measured in feet.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has now upgraded the storm warnings to blizzard level.

Lake effect snow could bring additional six inches of snow to South Shore Lake Tahoe Monday night

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a new Winter Weather Advisory for Monday at 4:00 p.m. to Tuesday morning at 4:00 a.m. This new advisory is due to what is known as "lake effect snow." Six more inches of snow can drop on the south shore of Lake Tahoe area this evening.

Lake effect occurs when a mass of unstable cold air moves over a mass of water that is warm in comparison. The lake provides moisture for the band of weather moving over it.

South Lake Tahoe forecast: Snow, snow, and some more snow

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A wintry week is on tap for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Western Nevada with at least two winter storms impacting the region. The first arrives Sunday night and the second is shaping up as a blockbuster storm for the Sierra with wind and snow impacts Tuesday night through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. An active and moist onshore flow is forecast to continue through the weekend and into early February.

Blizzard conditions expected this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active winter weather pattern will prevail through much of next week as a series of progressively stronger winter storms push through the Sierra and western Nevada. A significant winter storm is looking increasingly likely by late Tuesday through at least Thursday according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. Additional waves of moderate to heavy snowfall are possible through next weekend.

Sunday night and Monday

Some road controls remain as small weather system moves through Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A taste of what is to come in the next week hit the Lake Tahoe Basin Saturday. The overnight system is moving out with the next one due Sunday afternoon.

Heavenly reports 2" of snow overnight, Sierra-at-Tahoe 3", Kirkwood 3", Mt. Rose 1" and Squaw Alpine 4".

Road Conditions as of 10:45 a.m. Saturday. US50 over Echo and I80 over Donner controls have been lifted at this time.

SR88
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on CA-88 from mile post 66.7 in Amador County to mile post 19.2 in Alpine County in California.

Lake Wind Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe ahead of series of storms

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Lake Wind Advisory to be in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday, January 22. Southwest winds from 15-30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph are expected at Lake Tahoe. Waves 3-5 feet from mid-lake to the north and east shores are possible.

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will continue widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, if conditions and weather allow. Smoke may be visible.

1. Twin Peaks 49 - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - West River Park Drive and South Upper Truckee Road, Meyers, CA. Burn Type: Hand Piles.

High Wind Warning issued for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A High Wind Warning is in effect for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 10:00 p.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday. Expect winds 20-30 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected, mainly above 6500 feet. Under that elevation, winds are expected 15-25 mph with gusts 30-45 mph.

Over the ridges, winds 60-80 mph are forecast with gusts exceeding 130 mph.

The winds will be coming from the east/northeast.

The warning is mainly for the western half of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Southern Lassen, Eastern Plumas, Eastern Sierra Counties, and northern Mono County west of Highway 395.

Where and how to get COVID-19 vaccines in counties around Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With five different counties in two different states surrounding Lake Tahoe, there are different procedures concerning COVID-19 vaccines depending on which area one resides. As more doses of the vaccine become available, each county is in charge of its own vaccination rollout. Most in California will be vaccinated at community vaccination sites, doctor’s offices, clinics or pharmacies, depending on their county's plans.

On the Nevada side of the lake the state has developed "lanes" instead of the California side "tiers." All information is listed below.

Recreate responsibly if heading to Lake Tahoe this weekend

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With nice weather, a relaxing of some travel restrictions, and some snow on the ground, the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend is expected to be a busy one in the Sierra.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and California State Parks have joined together in an outreach campaign to provide simple actions to increase the enjoyment of the outdoors experience. Staying local, planning ahead, social distancing guidelines, not leaving trash and following the posted rules are just some of the ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

Groundwater management plan update for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Public Utility District is seeking input from the public as they update the Groundwater Management Plan for the greater South Lake Tahoe area.

Barton Health could be called on to accept patients from outside the area

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Hospitals across California have been experiencing the effects of the coronavirus, with overflowing intensive care units (ICUs) and a workforce stretched to its limits.

On January 5, 2021, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a plan to reduce pressure on strained hospital systems and redistribute the responsibility of medical care across the state so patients can continue to receive lifesaving care.

This mandate is meant to share resources and staffing related to the current COVID-19 surge.

Prescribed fire operations continue around Lake Tahoe

Conditions and weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team will conduct widespread prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Smoke may be visible.

1. Panther ULM - USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit - Fallen Leaf Rd. and Highway 89, South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Burn Type: Hand Piles, Total Acreage: 10.00. Planned Ignition: 01/13-18/21. Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 5-7 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time. Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast/East. Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas:

Mostly sunny and mild week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - High pressure will bring mainly dry conditions and light winds this week to the Lake Tahoe Basin and Western Nevada. Limited ventilation and inversions will develop this week as high pressure remains overhead. Afternoon temperatures somewhat above average early in the week will rise to well above
average mid to late week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno. They said the first chance at some unsettled weather comes after the holiday weekend, though confidence in a big system is low at this time.

Weak winter system Friday in Lake Tahoe Basin with Lake Wind Advisory and light snow showers

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Another weak weather system is expected to bring very light snow showers to the Sierra and northeastern California along with increasing winds through Friday afternoon. Minor snow accumulations around a trace up to an inch will be possible by early Friday morning mainly north of Lake Tahoe and in upper elevations according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Ongoing prescribed burn operations around Lake Tahoe Basin

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will resume prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Operations will continue over the next several weeks, conditions and weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Avalanche warning issued for the backcountry around Lake Tahoe

The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee has issued a Backcountry Avalanche Warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area through 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5.

The affected area is the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains between Yuba Pass (Hwy 49) on the north and Ebbetts Pass (Hwy 4) on the south, including the greater Lake Tahoe area.

Avalanche Danger...HIGH avalanche danger exists today and tonight in the mountains.

Chance of snow, rain and wind possible in the weekly Lake Tahoe forecast

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A fast moving Pacific storm will move through Monday with strong winds, valley rain and mountain snow. Clearing for Tuesday into Wednesday with a couple weak systems possible Wednesday night and on Friday. Some increase in wind along with showers are possible with each storm.

New laws taking effect in California January 1, 2021

Through the pandemic, legislative sessions in Sacramento were canceled just as they were across the country, not giving the time needed to add new legislation. As a result, in 2020 Governor Gavin Newsom signed the lowest number of laws since 1967, just 372. In comparison, in 2019 there were 870 new laws, 1016 in 2018 and 859 in 2017.

Many of the new laws are centered around COVID-19, addressing systemic racism, employee rights and policing. For a full list, select 2020 here.

Extensive period of stormy weather for Lake Tahoe anticipated to start off 2021..

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There is a notable change ahead for a more active weather pattern for the Sierra and western Nevada with multiple periods of strong winds, heavy mountain snow, along with valley rain and snow. This forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) shows there be likely be significant travel impacts in the Sierra next week. Chances for valley snow (including down in Reno/Carson) will be increasing by midweek.

Law enforcement prepares for possible New Year's Eve crowds on South Shore

Even with the current pandemic, New Year's revelers could still flock to the Stateline casino corridor and South Lake Tahoe on Thursday so law enforcement will be prepared. With no SnowGlobe this year due to the pandemic, and Heavenly Village New Year's Eve activities canceled, it is unknown as to what will take place in an area that at one time saw 50,000 people in the streets to bring in the new year. Last year it was estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets at midnight at Stateline and 6,500 at Heavenly Village for its 9:00 p.m. fireworks.

Small weather systems bring chance of snow to Lake Tahoe for last week of 2020

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a few chances for precipitation as we wrap up 2020 and head into 2021, but at this point in time the systems on the horizon aren't looking like big snow makers.

As one system leaves Monday afternoon there will be a break in snow/rain activity on Tuesday, the next weather system is projected to arrive Wednesday evening and exit quickly by Thursday morning. While the more likely scenario favors light
snow (up to 2") for the Sierra and northeast California/far northwest Nevada it could cause some morning commute issues.

Officials warn of sledding dangers at unofficial sled hills at Lake Tahoe

Snow, a good slope and a sled in hand are the ingredients needed for a fun day around Lake Tahoe, but first responders are warning the public to only use official sledding locations or that fun can turn to a bad day very quickly.

Sledding is not as harmless as it looks, just ask the roughly 20,000 kids under age of 19 in the United States involved in sledding accidents annually.

Quick-moving Christmas weather system passes with another on its heels

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A late Christmas Day weather system dropped several inches of snow around Lake Tahoe. A second colder system will be on its heels Sunday night into Monday and will provide chances for another round of snow. Additional fast moving storms are possible going into 2021.

Ski resorts are reporting the following 24-four snowfall reports at the beginning of operations Saturday:

Heavenly - 3"
Sierra-at-Tahoe - 7"
Kirkwood - 8"
Homewood - 7"
Squaw/Alpine - 12"
Northstar - 5"
Mt. Rose - 10"
Diamond Peak - 4"

Winter Storm Watch issued for Lake Tahoe on Christmas Day

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It is looking more like a white Christmas for the Lake Tahoe Basin as a Winter Storm Watch is now in effect from late Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. A stormy pattern is taking shape as another Pacific storms look to impact the Sierra and western Nevada into early next week.

Heavy snow is possible with this first storm and total snow accumulations of 3 to 8
inches are possible with 1 foot or more above 7000 feet. Exposed Sierra ridge winds could gust to 85 mph or higher.

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless begins move-ins at purchased motels

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) successfully purchased El Nido Motel using some of the awarded Project Homekey funding. The property will provide much-needed affordable housing and supportive services for the most vulnerable local seniors, people with disabilities, and others at high risk of cold exposure and COVID-19 illness. The first client move-ins began last week, including medically fragile seniors who were living unsheltered in our community for many years.

Quick storm drops snow in Lake Tahoe Basin, Chain controls in place

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The snow is still falling this morning so totals are not yet available, but as ski resorts opened they were reporting 3"-4" with more coming. Temperatures were too high for snow at midnight, but they have since dropped allowing snow to start falling.

The Winter Storm Advisory expires at 10:00 a.m.

Use caution on roads around Lake Tahoe as there are controls on all of them. Here are those controls as of 9:00 a.m.:

US50

Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin from 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16 to 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning.

Snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches for communities around Lake Tahoe and near Truckee, with amounts to near 12 inches above 7000 feet possible. Winds could gust as high as 100 mph over exposed Sierra ridges, according to NWS Reno.

Column: Cultivating cheer everywhere

Tahoe is a wonderland. Every season creates not only beautiful landscapes, but also new opportunities to get outside and play. For those of us that enjoy playing in the outdoors there are some simple practices we can all engage in to spread cheer all year and everywhere.

Tread Lightly
In the show “The Crown” the queen educates Margaret Thatcher on proper behavior while stalking a stag. She mentions the importance of dressing properly, speaking quietly, and avoiding wearing perfumes. The same is true for spending time outside while visiting Tahoe.

Column: 2020 fire year highlights importance of forest health

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The new Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Deputy Forest Supervisor Danelle D. Harrison is our guest columnist and looks back, and ahead, to the health of Lake Tahoe

Looking Back

December is a special time of year when our thoughts turn to family and friends, and communities come together to celebrate the season. It also marks the end of the year. And what a year it was. Together, we experienced unprecedented events including a record-breaking wildland fire year in the Pacific Southwest Region.

South Lake Tahoe home damaged in early morning fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An early morning fire damaged the second floor of a South Lake Tahoe home on Springwood Avenue Monday.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue received the emergency call just before 5:00 a.m. December 14. Upon arrival they found a home with heavy smoke coming from the second floor. The homeowners were able to get out safely after trying to extinguish the flames.

Widespread prescribed fire operations around Lake Tahoe resume

Weather and conditions permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin. California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts are scheduled to burn hand piles and smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Lyons Ranch - Northwest of the Golden Bear Subdivision. East of Lake Tahoe Airport.
Responsible Agency: California Tahoe Conservancy
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 12/14-17/2020

Roads being cleared as over a foot of snow drops at Lake Tahoe ski areas

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe area ski resorts are reporting 10"-17" of snow in the last 24 hours. Even though the snow has stopped, roads are still snow covered and plowing operations are under way.

The road conditions at 9:15 a.m. Monday:

US50
Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 58.0 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 0.0 in Douglas County to mile post 0.5 in Douglas County in Nevada.

Chain controls up around Lake Tahoe as new storm system moves in

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A Winter Weather Advisory starts at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, but now has already begun to fall and road controls are up on roads around Lake Tahoe. The advisory is in place until 4:00 a.m. Monday, and before that time, total snow accumulation of 2 to 6 inches below 6500 feet and 8 to 16 inches above 6500 feet is expected.

Road controls as of 9:00 a.m. Sunday, December 13:

US50
Chains or Snow Tires Required - on US-50 from mile post 59.8 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California.

USFS closes more campgrounds in California due to COVID-19

National Forest developed campgrounds in the Lake Tahoe Basin have already closed for the winter season and dispersed camping in Desolation Wilderness and Meiss Country are not affected by the following closure.

Winter Weather Advisory in place for Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Lake Tahoe Basin and Truckee from Sunday, December 13at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Monday.

This next storm is expected to drop more snow that the one overnight Friday. This morning Heavenly reported no new snow, and Kirkwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe reported 3". There were chain controls over US50 andI80 but they have lifted, and controls are still in place on SR88 by Kirkwood.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Lake Tahoe

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for South Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Stateline, and Incline Village from 4:00 p.m. Friday, December 11 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 12.

Snowfall potential has increased for the Lake Tahoe area, especially above 6500 feet has changed since initial forecasts were released earlier this week. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches are expected below 6500 feet, 4-8 inches above.

Approaching Lake Tahoe weather system not much of a snowmaker at lake level

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There hasn't been much precipitation over California and the Sierra since summer but approaching weather systems may change that.

A series of systems through the weekend will break down the persistent dry pattern, with the first bringing increased winds late Thursday afternoon into Thursday night with fire danger concerns for portions of Mono County. Rain and snow chances arrive Friday night and Saturday with a second round Sunday. Another period of gusty winds is looking likely for Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Reno.

Dry week ahead for South Lake Tahoe, possible change in weather next week

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Dry conditions are likely for the upcoming week in South Lake Tahoe with temperatures near to, or slightly above, average. There is a Lake Wind Advisory in place for the beginning of the workweek, with winds from the east reaching up to 40 mph on the lake and peak Sierra crest gusts of 70-100 mph with gusts 40-65 mph for higher ridges east of the crest.

Lake Wind Advisory in effect for Lake Tahoe Monday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Lake Tahoe from midnight to 4:00 p.m. Monday, December 7.

Expect east winds on the lake 15-25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Expect waves on the west shore to be the highest, from 2-4 feet. Winds onshore in South Lake Tahoe should be up to 10 mph.

Small boats, kayaks and paddleboards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Kirkwood opens for 2020/21 season, Heavenly expands to Nevada side

In a year filled uncertainties and safety mandates, many have been anxiously awaiting the ski season at Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Mountain Resort opened last week, and now their sister Vail property, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, has opened.

As long as allowed, Kirkwood's winter operating plan is focused on comprehensive safety protocols, Kirkwood opened Friday with more than 180 acres of beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County not under shut down orders, yet

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With a surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, California Governor Newsom today issued a new regional stay-at-home order as an "emergency brake" to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

This order goes into effect in regions with less than 15 percent ICU availability. At this time, the El Dorado County does not fall into that group but it could be a matter of days until it does. The county is part of the Greater Sacramento Region which is at 22 percent capacity as of Thursday.

Recreate responsibly this winter

With winter just around the corner, all visitors to California’s National Forests should continue to plan ahead before visiting and recreate responsibly once there. Early snowfall has already begun on some forests and road conditions will begin to impact access so please ensure that your vehicle is snow ready before you go.

Record low rainfall in October leads to just 10% of water supply requests fulfilled

With California off to a dry start for the water year, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced Tuesday an initial State Water Project (SWP) allocation of 10 percent of requested supplies for the 2021 water year.

Initial allocations are based on conservative assumptions regarding hydrology and factors such as reservoir storage. Allocations are reviewed monthly and may change based on snowpack and runoff information. They are typically finalized by May.


Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) members will continue prescribed fire operations this week in the Lake Tahoe Basin, weather and conditions permitting. California State Parks and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District are scheduled to burn hand piles on the east and west shores. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park
Responsible Agency: California State Parks
West of Hwy 89, along S Fire Rd and Campground Rd
Burn Type: Hand Piles. Total Acreage: 20.00
Planned Ignition: 11/30/2020 - 12/18/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 3 weeks

Mild and sunny days, chilly nights during the week ahead in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A dry cold front will move through northeast California and western Nevada Monday and Monday night. This will bring breezy conditions Monday, especially north of Interstate 80. Tuesday will bring cooler, but still seasonable, high temperatures. Temperatures will remain around average mid to late week with generally light winds, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno.

Lake Wind Advisory in place for most of Thursday

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno has issued a Lake Wind Advisory for Greater Lake Tahoe area including the cities of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Truckee, Markleeville, Stateline, Glenbrook, and Incline Village. It is in effect from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 26.

Winds will be from the east 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected with waves 1 to 3 feet.

Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve.

Prescribed fire operations scheduled for three areas around Lake Tahoe

California State Park and Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District crews are scheduled to continue prescribed fire operations this week, weather permitting. Smoke may be visible.

Project Name: Secret
Responsible Agency: Tahoe Douglas Fire District
North of Glenbrook
Burn Type: Hand Piles
Total Acreage: 10.00
Planned Ignition: 11/23/2020
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: 2-4 days of ignition and 2 days of burn down time
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North/Northeast

Project Name: Sugar Pine Point State Park

Celebrate safely this holiday season

The holidays are upon us, bringing a time to celebrate and gather. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, however, even small in-person gatherings are a contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases we are seeing across the nation and in our own community. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, family, and community healthy and safe.

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country open November 27

Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country will open for the 2020/21 winter season on Friday, November 27, 2020 with new safety procedures.

“We are eager to welcome our guests back to the mountain and are thrilled that opening day is just a week away,” said Greg Dallas, President and CEO of Sugar Bowl/Royal Gorge. “Our team has worked tirelessly on a reopening plan that keeps the safety of our guests and staff as the top priority.”

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