tahoe basin

Snow and water still over many Desolation Wilderness trails

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit wilderness ranger scouting expeditions last week have brought back some updated trail conditions for those planning to venture into Desolation Wilderness.

Many hikers are turning around because of difficulty they have in finding the trail because of the large amount of snow at upper elevations, limited dry ground, frozen lakes, and high stream crossings.

Another warm week in store for South Lake Tahoe but no records expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Records aren't expected to fall this week, but South Lake Tahoe will continue to see warm and sunny days. Winds will increase on Monday and Tuesday.

South Lake Tahoe broke records three of last seven days with all time highs of 90 on June 19, 87 on June 20 and 86 on June 21.

Records and forecast temperatures this week:
June 26 - 89 (2015) - 81
June 27 - 87 (1981) - 78
June 28 - 89 (2013) - 78
June 29 - 89 (2013) - 81
June 30 - 89 (2013) - 81
July 1 - 92 (2013) - 82
July 2 - 90 (2013) - 86

First responders and resilient community honored on 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

"It was so frustrating and only so much we could do," recalled Kit Bailey of the U.S. Forest Service during Saturday's Angora Fire First Responder Remembrance Ceremony. "Its miraculous nobody got hurt."

On the 10th anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed 254 homes as it burned quickly through 3,100 acres in the Meyers area of the South Shore, fire responders gathered at the Lake Valley Fire Department to honor those who served that day, and to honor the resilient community that supported them.

Senator Ted Gaines recognizes 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

The following is from the office of Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado):

Senator Gaines this week recognized the 10th anniversary of the devastating Angora Fire and pledged his continued efforts to increase fire safety in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Wild Tahoe Weekend: Native species and bird festivals

Event Date: 
June 24, 2017 (All day)

Get ready for a wild time as the Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) host Wild Tahoe Weekend.

Join them June 24-25, 2017 at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, just three miles north of South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Residents and visitors are invited to attend this free family event.

Activities surround 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - On June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire started at an illegal campfire at about 2:15 p.m. near North Upper Truckee Road in Meyers. The wind driven wildfire consumed 3,100 acres, destroyed 242 homes and 67 commercial structures, and damaged 35 other homes. As many as 2,180 firefighters battled the blaze with was 100% contained by July 2. There will be several community events to mark this tragic anniversary.

Thursday, June 22

Firefighters from South Lake Tahoe head to New Mexico and Arizona fires

Two local firefighters will be joining almost 600 California-based U.S. Forest Service wildland firefighters and support personnel as they head to Arizona and New Mexico to fight massive fires.

In Arizona, almost 40,000 acres have burned in over ten fires; In New Mexico 13,000 acres have burned this week, over 30,000 acres last week.

The personnel that are part of this mobilization come from all 18 national forests in California (Pacific Southwest Region).

Socioeconomic study on South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals released

When the South Lake Tahoe City Council voted on a new Vacation Rental Ordinance in 2015 they also promised to hire a consultant to prepare a socioeconomic study on the impact vacation home rentals (VHRs) have on the community.

The results of the study were presented to the City Council and the public during a special meeting on Tuesday.

Zalanta in South Lake Tahoe celebrates grand opening

The Zalanta Resort at the Village celebrated the completion of their first phase Tuesday with a grand opening and ribbon cutting for local dignitaries.

On what was formerly known as "the hole," Zalanta is the first whole ownership luxury condominium residences in the Lake Tahoe Basin since Lakeland Village was completed 30 years ago.

The 30 residences are all one-story and available in 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units. The cheapest unit, priced at $950,000, and the most expensive at $2.125M have both sold as well as several other residences. The second phase will add another 60 residences.

Medical adventure race returns to South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Wilderness enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, first responders, outdoor educators, and medical students are encouraged to put their emergency medical knowledge to the test and sign up for the second annual Tahoe MedWAR Challenge on Saturday, September 9.

What next for Tahoe now that Sandoval has signed SB 471 and 462?

Event Date: 
June 13, 2017 - 6:00pm

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed dozens of new bills last week, including two that affect improvement districts on the Douglas County side of Lake Tahoe, and both will become law on July 1, 2017.

SB 471 abolishes the Douglas County Sewer District No. 1, which was established in 1953, and converts it into the Douglas County Lake Tahoe Sewer Authority and changes its governing structure. The Authority will furnish residents with an adequate system of sewage collection and treatment and disposal of wastewater.

Wildfire Safety Expo in South Lake Tahoe Saturday

Event Date: 
June 17, 2017 - 12:00pm

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue along with multiple local agencies are coming together and hosting the 4th annual Wildfire Safety Expo on Saturday, June 17 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the TJ Maxx parking lot located at the “Y” where
Highways 50 and 89 intersect.

Everyone one is invited to the free event with lots of information about being prepared in case of a wildfire.

Angora Fire 10 years later: Water suppliers complete $1.6M in water infrastructure projects

Igniting on June 24, 2007, the Angora Fire rapidly spread to over 3,100 acres, destroying 254 homes, 75 commercial structures and resulting in more than $141 million in damages. In response to this disaster, an Emergency California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission was formed to conduct a comprehensive review of the laws, policies and practices that affect the vulnerability of the Tahoe Basin to wildfires.

Master Gardener vegetable plant sale at Ski Run Farmer's Market

Event Date: 
June 9, 2017 - 3:00pm

The UCCE Master Gardeners of South Lake Tahoe are having part one (vegetables only) of their 4th annual Plant Sale this Friday, June 9 at the Ski Run Farmers Market from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., or until they sell out of plants. The sale is being held jointly with the Sierra House Elementary School who will be selling student crafted garden art.

St. Joseph Community Land Trust thanks businesses, invites new members to join

The Board of Directors and membership of St. Joseph Community Land Trust would like to thank Mike Bradford of Lakeside Inn, Jeff and Rosie Cowen, owners of Blue Angel Café, and Gabriela and Rafael Aguirre, proprietors of Margarita’s Mexican Café, for their generous donations of gift certificates to their charming eateries.

Tahoe in Depth released: Issue marks 10th anniversary of Angora Fire

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) has published the summer 2017 edition of Tahoe In Depth, a special issue on “Remembering Angora” to mark the 10-year anniversary of the wildfire this June.

The Angora Fire is the most destructive wildfire in memory at Lake Tahoe. Sparked on June 24, 2007 by an illegal and abandoned campfire, the fire quickly burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 homes and structures.

Lake Tahoe 4WD Club holding annual Meet & Greet on Saturday

Event Date: 
June 3, 2017 - 9:00am

Learn about four wheel driving around the Lake Tahoe Basin during the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s 4WD Club meet and greet membership drive on Saturday, June 3 in the TJMax parking lot at the Y in South Lake Tahoe from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The non-profit club has been in Lake Tahoe for 50 years. They promote family recreation, social activities, enjoyment and protection of natural resources. The club has been a member for 50 years of California Four Wheel Association which is a state wide organization of California four wheel drive clubs and Gary Lefler is the local club's current president

Life in the mountains: Practice proper food storage

After a challenging winter and spring in the Lake Tahoe Basin, the summer season is upon us. Agencies around Lake Tahoe (U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California State Parks, California and Nevada Departments of Wildlife) are reminding residents and visitors to practice proper food storage and trash disposal when living in, or visiting, bear country.

Forest thinning operations near Fallen Leaf Lake until July 1

Whole tree removal will take place near Fallen Leaf Campground for the next month as part of the U.S. Forest Service's healthy forest program in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

The public is being asked to avoid that area during operations due to hazardous conditions associated with heavy equipment, falling trees, limb removal and trees being cut into sections.

Work in this area will stop around July 1, 2017, and any unfinished work will resume after Labor Day.

The work area along Fallen Leaf Lake Road off of SR-89 could be hazardous even when work crews are not present so use caution.

Events planned in Lake Tahoe for Fire Awareness Month

Event Date: 
June 25, 2017 - 11:00am

The snow is melting, water is flowing, and wildfire fuels are growing. Despite all the moisture, the wildfire threat remains a concern. Preparing your home and community now is more important than ever. June is “Wildfire Awareness Month” in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and members of the Tahoe Fire and Fuels Team are continuing last year’s campaign by asking all Tahoe residents and visitors to “Think First to Keep Tahoe Fire Safe”.

New traffic restrictions for South Lake road project

Traffic restrictions are changing for Caltrans’ two water-quality improvement projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin after Memorial Day to better accommodate peak season traffic while continuing construction.

Work on both the $57 million South Lake Tahoe “Y” to Trout Creek Bridge project on U.S. Highway 50 and the $70 million State Highway 89 West Shore project won't resume until Tuesday night.

Local Rotary clubs help UNR fire camera network at Tahoe prepare for robust fire season

With a record mountain snowpack changing to a robust, above normal, significant fire potential, wildland firefighting agencies are gearing up for another fire season and the University of Nevada, Reno is ramping up its AlertTahoe HD/4K fire camera system, which overlooks and helps protect dozens of western mountain ranges and hundreds of square miles of Nevada’s Great Basin.

240 building allocations released by TRPA to Lake Tahoe jurisdictions

In a unanimous decision during their May 24 meeting, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Governing Board voted to release 240 housing allocations to jurisdictions in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

After concern was raised during their April 26 meeting, the TRPA Governing Board's Local Government Committee met on May 11 to address the use of residential

Tahoe summer camps offered in robotics, backpacking, art and more

Tahoe Summer Camps is offering a wide variety of unique adventures for youth. Their out-of-the-box camps are all based at the north end of Lake Tahoe and reach the adventurous, artistic and maker-spirit of children. Some camps are all day long while others are overnight adventures around the lake.

Tahoe Summer Camps is proud to offer wide a range of camps to satisfy any child’s adventurous spirit. Broken down into art camps, high-tech camps, wilderness camps and lacrosse camps, below are just a few of the options available to children:

Lake Tahoe Basin fuelwood permit sales begin May 30

LAKE TAHOE, Calif/Nev. - The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit will begin the sale of personal use fuelwood permits at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in South Lake Tahoe on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, and at the Incline Village office on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Permits cost $20 per cord, with a two-cord minimum purchase and a limit of 10 cords per household.

TTUSD and Auerbach Engineering team up on water quality project

Construction season has started in the Tahoe basin and the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District will utilize the warm weather and their student’s summer exit to complete projects that were approved under Measures E and U in 2014.

Auerbach Engineering Corporation was selected through a competitive bid process to provide Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) services for the Tahoe Lake Elementary reconstruction and the Rideout/Tahoe Lake Elementary temporary relocation projects.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Report

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIF. - El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responds to calls throughout the county. The following are calls that only pertain to the South Shore. There may be some missing calls due to sheriff's logs not being completed at time of story.

5/14

Two plead guilty to stealing recreation fees

Two suspects have pled guilty to stealing from fee tubes on the Eldorado National Forest and other sites in El Dorado County.

Brian Lisanti and Deseree Tougas entered the pleas in El Dorado Superior Court after a multi-agency investigation uncovered the crimes.

Thankful for generous $25,000 donation

The Board of Directors of Saint Joseph Community Land Trust wishes to acknowledge a generous donation in the amount of $25,000. This donation is from an anonymous donor through Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation located in Incline Village, Nevada.

Saint Joseph CLT is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families who cannot otherwise afford housing, by acquiring real estate and developing programs to benefit communities in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Lake Tahoe area roadwork May 14-20

The following is a list of roadwork projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, both on the North and South Shore.

EMERGENCY PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls for slope repair work.

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County) from Bull Creek Road to Alder Creek Road near White Hall: Motorists can expect intermittent one-way traffic control from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to noon Friday for drainage work.

Community members sought to fill vacancies on SLT Board of Appeals

The South Lake Tahoe City Council is looking for three community members to take a spot on the Building & Housing Board of Appeals.

Those who apply need to reside within the Tahoe Basin portion of EI Dorado County.

Board members hear appeals regarding requirements of the City relating to the use, maintenance and change of occupancy of buildings and structures, including requirements governing alteration, additions, repair, demolition and moving. In addition, they hear appeals relating to new building construction and appeals relating to existing buildings.

Almost 1,500 lbs of trash collected during Clean Tahoe's “Spring Clean”event

After the record-breaking winter we experienced in South Lake Tahoe, we also saw record-breaking amounts of litter throughout our community as the snow melted. On Saturday May 6th, 118 volunteers scoured South Tahoe neighborhoods to help clean it up and kick off the summer with a litter-free town. The groups covered fifteen different locations and gathered 1,484 pounds of trash and debris from our environment.

New format for Master Gardeners plant sale in South Lake Tahoe

Event Date: 
June 9, 2017 - 3:00pm

The UCCE Master Gardeners of Lake Tahoe are having their 4th annual Plant Sale takes on a different format this year. Natives and other perennials need more time to grow out of their overwintering slumber so the sale will be held in two segments. Vegetable plants will be sold at the Ski Run Farmers Market on friday, June 9 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or until all plants have been sold) and the Natives and Perennials will be sold on Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sierra House Elementary School.

Location

Ski Run Farmers Market
Ski Run 3 pm - 7 pm
United States
38° 44' 1.734" N, 120° 36' 26.3628" W

Changes ahead in South Lake Tahoe forecast

The warm weather has been a welcome relief from a long, wet winter, but the dry and sunny days are gone from the from the forecast for at least a week. The National Weather Service says to expect showers, thunderstorms and even snow (sorry) as unsettled weather passes through the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Here is their forecast:

Today - Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tahoe Roads launches new brand and improved website

Those who have used TahoeRoads.com for their roadwork and conditions information in the past will now find an all new, updated look.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has now included information on roads around the lake, including information from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).

The goals of the website are to:

- Educate the public on the benefits of the construction happening around the lake
- Keep the public and partners updated on project details and roadwork schedules

Squaw Valley attempting to keep one lift open all summer long

For the first time ever, Squaw Valley will operate past July 4 and is now planning for an "endless season." They will attempt to keep one lift open on Saturdays to take advantage of the over 714 inches of snow that fell this winter.

USFS announces West Shore fuels reduction project

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) released the final decision to reduce hazardous fuels on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The West Shore Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project will treat approximately 4,875 acres extending from Emerald Bay to Burton Creek State Park.

Grading season begins in Lake Tahoe, but only if soil is ready

The annual grading season of May 1 to October 15 begins today in the Lake Tahoe Basin and those who will be disturbing soil need to remember some rules after this wet winter.

No grading can take place during times of precipitation, and if the project site is still covered in snow, saturated or muddy, all grading and soil disturbing activities must be suspended.

Temps into the 70s this week in South Lake Tahoe; Chance of rain by end of week

Warming temperatures and sunny skies are on hand for those in the Lake Tahoe Basin through Thursday. Expect a high of 71 on both Wednesday and Thursday.

There is a slight chance of rain and thundershowers starting Thursday night to Saturday night.

Monday - Sunny, with a high near 66. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Monday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday - Sunny, with a high near 67. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Night - Mostly clear, with a low around 34. East wind around 5 mph.

Widespread fire operations to continue in Lake Tahoe Basin

North Lake Tahoe and Tahoe Douglas fire protection districts, California State Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service are planning to continue prescribed fire operations next week beginning May 1. If conditions are favorable operations will take place in the following areas:

A) Glenbrook Area - 30 acres
B) Lower Kingsbury Area - 5 acres
C) Upper Jennifer/Tyner Area - 32 acres
D) Sugar Pine - 5 acres
E) Highway 50 and Logan Creek - 50 acres
F) SR89 and Grass Lake/ Luther Pass - 30 acres
G) SR89 and Fallen Leaf Lake Road - 40 acres
H) SR267/Brockway Summit - 40 acres

Work to begin next week on Highway 50 Project in South Lake Tahoe

Work is set to begin next week on reconstrucing a two-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe.

The $56 million Caltrans project from the “Y” intersection with State Highway 89 to the Trout Creek Bridge will build drainage systems to treat stormwater runoff as part of the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program (EIP), a multi-agency effort created to protect and improve the natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Winners of TRPA Lake Spirit Awards announced

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) honored four people with Lake Spirit Awards Wednesday who have shown exceptional commitment to protecting Lake Tahoe and fostering a spirit of collaboration in their work and volunteer time.

This year’s award winners do everything from helping protect Lake Tahoe communities from wildfire and aquatic invasive species to promoting alternative transportation and sustainable lifestyles.

Public comment encouraged on US 50 Revitalization Project

For the next 75 days the public is encouraged to comment on environmental documents concerning the US 50/South Shore Community Revitalization Project, also known as the Loop Road.

Jointly, the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD), Federal Highway Administration, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency released the Environment Impact Statement (NEPA), Environmental Impact Report (CEQA), and Environmental Impact Statement (TRPA). All of these detailed reports are available on line here: tahoetransportation.org/us50.

South Tahoe Board of Realtors 'Lunch and Learn' to focus on radon

Event Date: 
April 26, 2017 - 12:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The South Tahoe Association of Realtors (STAOR) have invited the public to learn about radon, something that is prevalent in the Lake Tahoe basin due to the high amount of granite in the area. On Wednesday, April 26 from noon to 1:00 p.m., join STAOR in their board room at 2307 James Avenue and listen to a presentation by Jim Gorman of Tahoe Radon.

Jim is a licensed contractor and is certified by the National Radon Proficiency program. He will cover the potential risks this radioactive gas has and how to mitigate them through a safe environment.

Caltrans roadwork projects in Lake Tahoe Basin and El Dorado County for the week

EMERGENCY PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County): The highway is reduced to one lane in each direction at Bridal Veil Falls due to slope damage.

State Route 89 (Placer County/El Dorado County): Motorists can expect one-way traffic control at various locations from the Tahoe City “Wye” to Alpine Meadows Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and from Valley View Drive to General Creek State Park from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday for dead tree removal.

Mosquito Awareness Week brings reminders on how protect against the insect

The arrival of mosquitoes in El Dorado County communities is delayed this year due to the long and wet winter, but health officials are taking Mosquito Awareness Week of April 16 through April 22, 2017 to remind the public to protect themselves. As warmer weather approaches residents should be aware of the serious risks mosquitoes present to their health, including West Nile, Saint Louis encephalitis, and potentially dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

South Lake Tahoe 5th-Graders take part in Winter Adventure Program

Wildlife survival, avalanche safety, snowmaking, and environmental restoration are all part of the curriculum at a unique outdoor classroom at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

Nearly 300 fifth-grade students from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (TLUSD) took part in the EpicPromise Winter Adventure Program over five days in January and March. The program includes a ride up the ski resort’s Aerial Tram, snowshoeing, and getting hands-on learning experiences at a trio of educational stations.

Public comment sought on tree removal and reseeding at Emerald Fire area

Trees will need to be removed from the Emerald Fire area, and the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is asking for comments on a proposal to remove the hazardous trees and plant seedlings in that area.

“Restoration of the Emerald Fire area will help restore habitat for various wildlife species and provide benefits to the Lake Tahoe watershed,” said LTBMU Forest Supervisor, Jeff Marsolais. “The restoration effort will also provide visual benefits to residents and visitors and allow for a more fire resilient landscape.”

Tahoe Prosperity Center CEO receives Citizen of the Year Award

South Lake Tahoe resident, and Tahoe Prosperity Center DEO Heidi Hill Drum was awarded Citizen of the Year by the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, Chamber, Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Hill was given the honor during the 63rd annual Community Awards Banquet on April 6.

“I was very surprised and I am grateful to be recognized, but I am just the messenger," Heidi noted at the ceremony accepting the award. "Our dedicated Board of Directors and staff are just as deserving of the honor recognizing the importance of our work in the region.”

Lake Tahoe area ski and weather news: The Mountain Resort Report©

Good morning skiers and riders, and if you’re visiting, welcome to Lake Tahoe!

Today is Thursday, April 13.

Syndicate content