conditions

Chain controls finally going up around the Lake Tahoe Basin

It's been awhile, but its time to get the chains ready if you're without 4WD and snow tires! A long awaited storm is making its way into the Lake Tahoe basin. A Winter Storm Warning is in place for Lake Tahoe until 4:00 p.m. Friday.

I-80 over Donner Pass has had chain controls go up at about 7:00 p.m. but Highway 50 over Echo Summit just saw chain controls go up at 10:15 p.m.

As of 10:35 p.m. Thursday:

Highway 50 from Meyers to Twin Bridges

Column: How Medicare covers mental health

Let’s hope it never happens, but there may come a time in your life when you need mental health care. Your Medicare covers a wide variety of such services, in both hospital inpatient and outpatient settings.

If you have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), you’re eligible for mental health services when you’re admitted to a hospital as an inpatient. You can get these services either in a general hospital or a psychiatric hospital that only cares for people with mental health conditions.

Rain and snow in the 7-day forecast for Lake Tahoe

Forecasts of snow for Lake Tahoe haven't lived up to their promises recently, but a new system headed to the region could have more promise. Dry conditions and above average temperatures are expected today and through the weekend as high pressure builds into northeast California and western Nevada. More active weather is expected next week, especially by late week, as the stronger of two systems moves through the region.

The above average temperatures are not forecast to be record breaking as highs in the past for this week have been as high as 56-60 degrees.

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe, weather permitting

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT), which includes local, state and federal agencies, may continue prescribed fire operations this week in multiple locations around Lake Tahoe, weather permitting. Smoke may be present.

A) West 1st Creek - 25 acres
B) Diamond Peak Ski Resort/Tirol Drive - 21 acres
C) Champagne Rd. - 9 acres
D) Dale Drive - 1 acres
E) South Lake Tahoe Airport - 1 acre
F) D. L. Bliss State Park - 1 acre
G) Burton Creek State Park - 30 acres
H) Sugar Pine Point State Park - 7 acres
I) Big Meadow - 100 acres
J) Brockway, Kings Beach - 50 acres

Could that be snow in the Lake Tahoe forecast?

With the Sierra snowpack at three percent of normal at Echo Summit, and 84 percent of normal at top of Mt. Rose, snow is needed not only on the slopes, but at upper elevations to keep reservoirs full of water for summer.

The weather pattern remains unsettled into the weekend in Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe. A warm and relatively weak system Friday evening into Saturday will bring
additional rain and high elevation snow to the region. A brief break is expected Sunday before a stronger and wetter system is forecast to impact the region Monday and Tuesday.

Letters: It's been 7 years. Can you turn it down?

To the City, Snowglobe, and Community – As many of you know I am vocal critic of Snowglobe. Well after another year I feel like it’s kind of tradition for me to write my letter and vent about the event.

I will preface this letter with a reminder that I am not against events in the area. I just want events to be at a proper venue and I want them to not shake the walls of my house.

USFS fire operations scheduled to resume this week in Lake Tahoe

Weather permitting, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) may conduct prescribed fire operations this week on the north end of Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be present.

In the picture:

A) 25 acres on west side of 1st Creek Drainage
B) 21 acres at Diamond Peak Ski Area
C) 9 acres at end of Chamapgne Road
D) 1 acre on Dale Drive

A map with project locations and details is available for viewing at http://www.tahoefft.org.

From homeless to housed, EDSO Homeless Outreach Team is making a difference

"Instead of trying to find a way to eliminate the homeless, we now have the ability to change homelessness with a new approach - and it is working," said El Dorado County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Macras.

Above average temperatures, and no snow, in Lake Tahoe forecast

Abundant mid and high clouds and periods of gusty winds in the high Sierra are expected through the weekend, leaving Lake Tahoe with party sunny conditions for Christmas. Abundant mid and high clouds and periods of gusty winds in the high Sierra are expected through the weekend.

A very weak system is passing through Northeastern California and Northern Nevada next week, and with it comes a very slight chance of snow coming into the Lake Tahoe Basin, but more precipiation will be staying near the Oregon border.

Chain controls up as storm moves out of Lake Tahoe

A Winter Weather Advisory is up for Lake Tahoe until 1:00 p.m. Snow overnight and this morning have left for slight conditions and road controls, so use caution as you drive in the area. There is still a 40 percent chance of lingering snow showers this evening.

Road information at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday

Chains Required, All Vehicles Except 4-Wheel Drive with Snow Tires - on US-50 from mile post 52.1 in El Dorado County to mile post 70.6 in El Dorado County in California (Pollock Pines to Meyers).

Winter Weather Advisory for Lake Tahoe: 3-5" snow possible at lake level

It most likely won't be a white Christmas in Lake Tahoe, but snow is headed to the Sierras this Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. It is a quick moving storm but has a chance to leave behind the much-needed snow. Christmas Day is expected to be sunny and cold, with a high of 39, low around 12.

Plan on slippery road conditions during the morning commute Wednesday from Lake Tahoe to Reno and the Carson Valley. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are forecast for lake level, with up to 10 inches expected above 7000 feet.

NDOT completes second season of SR 28 shared use path construction

The Nevada Department of Transportation this week completed the second construction season of the State Route 28 Shared Use Path, Water Quality and Safety Improvement Project near Incline Village. The entire project is anticipated to complete in late 2018 or early 2019, depending on weather.

Tribute for long time Washoe County Search and Rescue volunteer

For nearly 30 years, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office could rely on volunteer Richard Swartzendruber to deliver equipment necessary to support our Search and Rescue teams. From floods and fires to avalanches, water rescues, injured hikers, and stranded motorists, Richard would overcome conditions that were often extreme to haul boats, command centers or other equipment needed to help the mission succeed.

Richard, described by his family as an “adored husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather,” passed away on December 11, 2017.

Wind advisory and 20% chance of snow in Lake Tahoe Saturday

A quick moving, weak weather system will affect the area Friday night through Saturday morning bringing very light snowfall across the region. The inversions we've seen in the Reno-Tahoe area are likely to strengthen again early next week before a cold front moves through in the middle of next week and breaks them down.

A weak ridge will be in place early next week which will again provide dry conditions, light winds, and the valley inversions. However, models do continue to show a potential for a more potent slider type system on Wednesday.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork December 17 - 23

The following are the Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County road projects being done in the coming week by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless one step closer to opening Warm Room

After meeting with the City, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, police, neighbors and other interested parties, the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless (TCH) is one step closer to opening a warm room for the winter in South Lake Tahoe and could be open by January 1, 2018.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork December 10 - 16

As weather permits, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has scheduled projects at Lake Tahoe and in El Dorado County. The following are the projects for the week:

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Mild days, cold nights in the 7-day forecast; No snow for now

While snow is falling along the southern part of the U.S. from Texas to Virginia, Lake Tahoe is experiencing a high pressure system with dry conditions with valley inversions, cold nights and light winds for the next 10 days. Daytime highs will be 5-8 degrees above average, and the overnight lows will be below average.

Air stagnation forecast from limited mixing and light winds which will promote hazy skies and potential air quality issues under the 5,000 foot level.

Highs in the low-50s, lows under 20 is in the forecast from the National Weather Service in Reno:

Still time to vaccinate against the flu this winter

Flu season is ramping up and the El Dorado County Public Health is reminding people to get vaccinated. Two Washoe County residents in their 80s died this week due to the flu.

“Thanksgiving week was the first week this fall that the numbers of people in the U.S. who saw their healthcare providers for flu-like symptoms were higher than baseline, heralding the onset of the flu season,” said El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams. “Vaccination can prevent the flu.”

City wants citizens to be prepared for high winds and cold temperatures

Brrrrrr...

The week ahead in South Lake Tahoe will be a clear one, but very cold as a strong high pressure system builds over the Sierra causing prolonged periods of strong morning inversions.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a wind advisory for Lake Tahoe from 1:00 p.m. Monday to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. Winds will be from the East 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Over the ridges will be as high as 80 mph.

CVS to acquire Aetna for $69B; Lower healthcare costs and better experiences promised

Drugstore chain operator CVS Health is buying health-insurer Aetna for $69 billion, a transaction that promises to fill an unmet need in the current health care system according to a joint press release Sunday.

The deal would enable CVS to expand its range of health services to Aetna’s vast membership, with CVS’ storefronts becoming community medical hubs with primary-care, drug-management and other services. "It will redefine access to high-quality care in lower cost, local settings whether in the community, at home, or through digital tools," said the company.

Prescribed fires around Lake Tahoe as weather permits

The Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) will continue prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Lake Valley, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will conduct prescribed fire operations in multiple areas around Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be present.

A. Airport East - 1 acre
B. West 1st Creek - 25 acres
C. Diamond Peak Ski Area - 23 acres
D. Champagne Rd - 9 acres
E. Dale Drive - 1 acre
F. Cave Rock Area - 5 acres
G. Upper Kingsbury - 3 acres

Lake Tahoe area roadwork December 3-9, 2017

The following is the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) roadwork schedule for the Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County area.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Sierra-at-Tahoe opens for the season Saturday, Northstar opened today

Sierra-at-Tahoe is the latest Lake Tahoe area ski resort to open for the 2017/18 winter season. The slopes open on December 2, 2017 with limited terrain.

Grandview Express and Easy Rider Express will give skiers and riders access to 11 trails and two terrain parks. Early season conditions are present throughout the mountain and guests are asked to obey all signs and closures.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for November 26 - December 2

The following are the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) projects around Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Prescribed fires set to resume around Lake Tahoe

After taking a break during the Thanksgiving holiday, the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) resume prescribed fire operations next week, beginning Monday, November 27, 2017, weather permitting.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, California State Parks and the California Tahoe Conservancy will conduct prescribed fire operations above Incline Village, D.L. Bliss and Burton Creek state parks and near the airport in South Lake Tahoe. Smoke may be visible.

North of the CSLT Airport, Southwest of the Sierra Tract Subdivision - 8 acres
Hwy 89 / Lester Beach Road - 8 acres

New EDC Traction Control Ordinance ready to be enforced

Vehicles without the proper traction control device on their cars while on El Dorado County roads this winter may be fined and/or towed.

Massive traffic jams on Sundays in Meyers throughout last winter led drivers onto side streets without chains or snow tires on their vehicles, creating a parking lot of disabled cars that were stuck in the snow. Those drivers attempting to circumvent traffic ended up using Manda, North Upper Truckee and other local roads but a new ordinance will try and alleviate those issues.

Winter Workout Motivation

Does the cold weather stop you in your tracks? Maybe not if you are a winter sports enthusiast, but what if you aren’t? Maintaining your fitness goals can be challenging when you’re shoveling snow to get out of your driveway - or even to get into your car. But remember: shoveling snow is exercise!

If you’re someone who goes into hibernation with the bears during winter, I’m here to offer some tips that will help you stay motivated throughout the colder, darker months.

Blustery and wet end to holiday weekend

Very mild conditions will prevail through Saturday with a few record high temperatures possible. Things will start changing Saturday ahead of a strong cold front which will bring snow to the Sierra and northeast California Sunday and Sunday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for Lake Tahoe on Saturday, November 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as a potent Pacific storm moves inland, bringing rain and mountain snow along with those gusty winds.

South Lake Tahoe Police urge safe driving this holiday

Winter is upon us as we begin to see light snowfall and cold, icy conditions. Every year families travel to South Lake Tahoe for Thanksgiving and Christmas, leading to congested roadways and an increase in pedestrian traffic. Many of these travelers are foreign to winter weather and do not have much experience driving in icy conditions. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department reminds motorists to be alert and courteous so that everyone can arrive at their destination and enjoy the holiday season with their friends and loved ones.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for November 19-25

The following is California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) roadwork projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County.

Note: Most traffic-interfering work will be limited from 6 a.m. Wednesday, November 22 through Sunday, November 26 because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

Barton Health RNs vote to unionize

Registered Nurses (RNs) at Barton Memorial Hospital and Lake Tahoe Surgery Center voted 123 to 17 to unionize during a secret ballot taken Wednesday night according to the California Nurses Association (CNA).

After the Barton Health vote, 3,000 caregivers in 10 union elections have voted to have collective representation in California in 2017.

“A record of incredible accomplishment for CNA that will strengthen the ability of RNs to promote safer care conditions for all Californians,” said CNA Co-President Malinda Markowitz, RN, who is also an NNU vice-president.

Douglas County prepares for possible flooding

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and a wind advisory for Douglas County through late Friday night on November 16, 2017. Douglas County Emergency Management is preparing for changing flood conditions and the safety of Douglas County residents. Updates will be posted to http://www.douglascountynv.gov/AlertCenter.aspx

Lake Tahoe area roadwork for November 13-18

The following is the scheduled roadwork by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for roads on the California side of Lake Tahoe and in El Dorado County.

LONG-TERM PROJECTS

First firefighting boat of its kind on Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District christened Marine 24 Monday, giving Lake Tahoe its first year-round firefighting boat.

At a cost of almost $500,000, Marine 24 is able to fight fire from hoses on board as well as hooking up to pipes along lakefront homes in Douglas County and piping water from the lake into water tenders. The boat can send water 300 feet, but their main function will be to pump water into pipes at the shore that water tenders will hook up to.

Winter storm watch and wind advisories up for Lake Tahoe this week

11:30 AM Update - The forecast snow totals have changed slightly and are reflected below.

Two storm systems heading for Lake Tahoe this week will impact the region with gusty winds, rain, snow and cooler temperatures.

New program for family and friends of those with mental health conditions

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in El Dorado County is among the first of the NAMI Affiliates in the nation to offer "NAMI Family & Friends," a new NAMI four-hour seminar.

"We are delighted to be able to provide an educational experience for those that care deeply about a family member or friend in the community," said Jeanne Nelson, NAMI El Dorado County President. "In just four hours the participants may walk away with some tools and techniques that could directly make a positive difference in the recovery process."

Placer County looking for someone to reinvent Tahoe City firehouse properties

Next to Commons Beach in North Lake Tahoe are the Place County owned Fire Station 51 and adjacent properties, and they are looking for someone to reinvent the area into a mixed-use development.

Experienced mixed-use development firms and other interested parties are invited to submit letters of interest for a long-term lease and their reuse concept for the former firehouse, Tahoe Community Center building and the former visitor center building.

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe

Lake Valley, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy and the U.S. Forest Service will continue Lake Tahoe Basin prescribed fire operations over the next several weeks, weather permitting. Operations are scheduled to take place at or near D.L. Bliss State Park, Carnelian Bay, Kings Beach, Incline Village, Diamond Peak Ski Resort area, Glenbrook, upper and lower Kingsbury Grade and south and east of the Lake Tahoe Airport.

South Shore

Christmas Tree permits go on sale November 13

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and the Eldorado National Forest (ENF) will begin the sale of Christmas tree permits on Monday, November 13, 2017. Permit holders may choose from a variety of pine, fir or cedar trees up to six inches in diameter at the base in designated cutting areas. Trees must be cut on the forest where the permit was purchased (the ENF is south and west of the Lake Tahoe Basin, on the west slope).

Lake Tahoe ski areas planned opening dates

After a winter of historic snowfall and atmospheric rivers, what will 2017-18 have in store?

That has yet to be seen, but many resorts around the Lake Tahoe Basin are making plans for opening even without that "one good dump."

Planned opening days:

Heavenly Mountain Resort - Nov. 17
Kirkwood Mountain Resort - Nov. 22
Sierra-at-Tahoe,- mid-November
Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows - November 17
Northstar - Nov. 17
Mt. Rose - Nov. 4
Boreal - Nov. 8
Homewood - Dec. 8
Diamond Peak - Dec. 14

Prescribed fires resume around Lake Tahoe Saturday, weather permitting

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – California State Parks, Lake Valley, North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts and the U.S. Forest Service are scheduled to conduct prescribed fire operations beginning tomorrow, November 4, 2017.

Weather permitting, operations are scheduled to take place:

D.L. Bliss State Park - 25 acres
West side of Incline Village - 17 acres
West of the First Creek drainage - 25 acres
Upper Kingsbury Grade - 3 acres
Lower Kingsbury Grade - 6 acres
Off Pioneer Trail near Marshall Trail and Powerline Road - 20 acres

South Tahoe Now: Why Measure C is needed now

Many of South Lake Tahoe's roads are decades past their prime, and Measure C is in front of voters November 7 to increase taxes by one-half percent to pay for their maintenance and repair.

I support Measure C and let me tell you why, but it will have to start with a look back to see how we got here.

Upper elevations to see "feet" of snow; Winter Storm Warnings start Friday

Is the snow blower tuned up and full of gas? Have you replaced that broken shovel from last year? Did you get your snow tires on your car? Is the outdoor furniture put away or covered?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions you've most likely been paying attention to the weather reports that snow is on the way to Lake Tahoe.

Winter storm possible for Lake Tahoe by end of week

A Winter Storm is forecast to move into northern California and northern Nevada by Friday with snow impacting travel over the Sierra Saturday and Sunday. Windy conditions and periods of rain and snow are possible for western Nevada.

* What can we expect in the Sierra? Gusty winds, rain and snow
starting Friday afternoon with heavy snow possible Saturday and
Sunday. Travel could be difficult at times.

* How about western Nevada? Gusty winds Friday into Saturday with
some light rain possible. Best chance for rain is Saturday into

Prescribed fires return to Lake Tahoe basin

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – California State Parks will kick off the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team (TFFT) fall prescribed fire program next week beginning Wednesday, November 1, 2017. If conditions are favorable, prescribed fire operations will take place in D.L. Bliss State Park on the southwest end of Lake Tahoe. This operation was originally scheduled for earlier this month, but was delayed due to resource needs elsewhere.

65 acres of understory in the area will be burned and it is expected to take one week to complete the job.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe opens for two days of skiing and riding

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe will offer a little tease of skiing and snowboarding as they open for two days, Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28. They are the first Lake Tahoe area resort to open this season.

There will be limited terrain available for skiing and snowboarding. Mt. Rose will offer access to one beginner ski trail accessed by the Wizard chairlift from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. both days. Lift tickets will be available for $20 for guests ages 16+, and $10 for children ages 15 and under.

Amgen Tour of California men's and women's stages return to South Lake Tahoe

Good news for South Lake Tahoe as the Amgen Tour of California has announced their 2018 race schedule. A favored site for the women’s race, South Lake Tahoe will once again host the men for the Stage 6 finish and welcome back the women for the fourth year in a row on May 18. 2018.

AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, made the announcement Thursday.

CodeRed emergency alert available for County residents

El Dorado County residents can sign up for CodeRED, an emergency notification service so they can be warned in the event of an emergency. This El Dorado County Sheriff's Office - Office of Emergency Services Alert Notification System provides a number of ways in which the county may contact the community in the event of an emergency or urgent law enforcement operations such as evacuations due to wildfires, hazardous material spills, or urgent law enforcement operations.

Warm, dry and clear week ahead for South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Drier air moves into the region as high pressure builds over the Sierra. There will be warmer conditions are expected for the rest of this weekend and next week as temperatures increase well above seasonal averages.

Today - Sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight - Clear, with a low around 29. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming east after midnight.

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 70. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Monday Night - Clear, with a low around 30. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

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