water

SHORT-TERM PROJECTS

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County) from Chiapa Drive to Kyburz Avenue: Motorists can expect intermittent full highway closures at various locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for survey work.

U.S. Highway 50 (El Dorado County) from Truckee Drive to Rubicon Trail/Carson Avenue in South Lake Tahoe: Eastbound and westbound motorists can expect the #2 lane and right shoulder closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday for utility work.

A low pressure system has moved over the Sierra, bringing cooler temperatures and precipitation for the next week. Snow levels will be rather high starting around 9,000 feet, dropping periodically down to 7,500 feet. The highest passes could become slick at times, but major issues are not expected.

El Dorado County is proposing roadway and multi-us path improvements for the Meyers community, and they are inviting the public to participate during three different outreach meetings on Friday, April 22.

The proposed changes are meant to make the transportation options more safe and attractive for those living in the area as well those visiting or passing through. One option already mentioned by Caltrans is the addition of a roundabout at the Highway 50/Highway 89 intersection to slow down traffic coming from Echo Summit.

The U.S. Forest Service seeks input on their draft environmental assessment for the restoration for the Burke Creek Highway 50 Crossing and Realignment Project.

The first two phases of the proposed project would restore the Burke Creek channel and adjacent marsh, reduce the amount of sediment that flows into nearby Lake Tahoe and reduce the potential for flooding on U.S. Highway 50.

The following is the ski, snowboard and weather report for Thursday, March 31, 2016 for South Lake Tahoe, brought to you by Lake Tahoe SkiBum.

Weather - South Lake Tahoe will have a high today of 52 and a low tonight of
31. Today: Sunny, with a high near 52. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming northeast in the morning. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Construction is scheduled to begin May 1 in South Lake Tahoe at what is being called the "Zephyr Cove Resort Corral and Bike Path Construction Project." When completed, there will be 1,500 feet of new pathways between the stop light at Zephyr Cove Resort and Warrior Way, new paved parking areas and improved erosion control and water quality areas due to a collaborative effort between the U.S. Forest Service, Zephyr Cove Resort and Douglas County.

Enlightened gardeners realize that it is not enough for a garden to be just beautiful. Gardens must also attract crucial pollinators and conserve water. Gone are the days of lush, green, thirsty lawns. We can replace turf with species that are well adapted to the local climate, save water, reduce runoff, and support wild creatures in the face of habitat loss and climate change. Learn how to support the local ecosystem and insect pollinators like native bees and butterflies, too, at the next UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) lecture on April 7, 2016.

The Buckle Up Big Air Slopestyle event, in remembrance of Sierra team rider, Greg Taylor Smith, is held annually to honor Greg's memory with a fun day on the slopes, his favorite place to be.

This local's-favorite event not only spreads good vibes throughout the day, but also raises awareness about seat belt safety and the ever-present need to buckle up whenever you're in a car. Topping off the day will be live music from Fish out of Water featuring all-original rophunk raehop (Rock, Funk, Reggae + Hip-hop) jams.

The proposal to install a 60-foot-long tunnel extension at Cave Rock this summer is the subject of a public hearing by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency on March 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

The agency's hearings officer will meet with all interested parties, public included, on the Nevada Department of Transportation's project to create a safer tunnel due to the falling rock and deteriorating hillside on the westbound lanes of Highway 50 entering the tunnel.

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, in its capacity as the Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization, on Wednesday adopted an active transportation plan that will help communities continue to improve transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians in the Tahoe Basin.

Transportation projects that improve infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians also help improve air and water quality, revitalize the economy, improve public health, and enhance recreation opportunities.

South Lake Tahoe locals and visitors utilizing transit opportunities have seen some recent changes including new buses, lighting, signage and a new scheduling system for those with disabilities and over the age of 60.

The Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) responded to input from the public and added the changes.

Visitors to Lake Tahoe’s east shore could soon have a new bike path linking upscale Incline Village to Nevada’s Sand Harbor State Park, but the price tag might induce sticker shock: $12.5 million for the 3-mile project.

Yes, that is more than $4 million a mile in taxpayer dollars for a 10-foot-wide bike path traveling just about 16,000 feet along the picturesque mountain lake.

Not to mention another $7 million to $9 million that the Nevada Transportation Department plans to spend in state gas taxes in conjunction with the project on related environmental and safety needs.

The South Lake Tahoe Fire Code has changed, much to the appreciation of both homeowners and contractors who had to deal with different codes, depending on the location of the home, City or in the County.

The council voted to remove restrictions on the fire sprinkler code (Chapter 5.20) to be more in line with Lake Valley Fire District. The City's stricter code confused contractors who build houses in the city, and in the county, and it was also found to be cost prohibitive for homeowners wishing to remodel.

Restoring and conserving our environment at Lake Tahoe means setting our aspirations at the right scale. That’s what TRPA and many partners are working to do through strategic initiatives to ensure the health of our basin’s forests, streams, and lake, and to improve our communities and transportation infrastructure.

The storms that hit the Lake Tahoe Basin over the last four days left behind much needed snow, bringing the season totals close to average.

The Sierra snowpack as of Monday, March 14, 2016 is at 92 percent of normal, with the central Sierra measurement at 94 percent.

Ski resorts around the lake are boasting measured snowfall very close to average as well. A couple of more storms are needed to bring most of the resorts to average though Northstar and Mt. Rose resorts are already there.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council will look at the new Master Fee schedule during the March 14 meeting, something they do annually. The proposed fees and charges for 2015-16 show no change for users of the recreation center or campground, a $2 to $3 increase in daily golf course fees, a $5 to $15 increase in golf course passes.

South Lake Tahoe residents may remember Courtney Walker when she worked for the Tahoe Resource Conservation District and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, but now she has a new job as the newly hired Douglas County Stormwater Program Manager.

She is bringing with her over 10 years of experience with stormwater and watershed management. With much of her experience in the Tahoe and Carson River Watershed area, Courtney is well versed in local stormwater and watershed coordination.

The South Lake Tahoe Recreation Department is offering American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard Training. Participants must register for this class by March 14th at www.cslt.sportssignup.com. The class is conducted by American Red Cross Certified Instructor Liz Terzian and will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will be trained and certified to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until EMS (emergency services) take over.

“Mother Nature is not living up to predictions by some that a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño would produce much more precipitation than usual this winter,” said California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Mark Cowin. “We need conservation as much as ever.”

A fairly dry February didn't add much needed water to the Sierra snowpack, but a storm system heading to the Lake Tahoe this weekend may help make up the deficit.

Low pressure will brush by the region and produce gusty winds on Tuesday afternoon and evening. A Lake Wind Advisory is in effect for both Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Southwest winds from 15-25 mph are expected with gusts up to 40 mph.

Due to the recent crisis of lead contamination in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, South Tahoe Public Utility District is providing information regarding water sampling procedures and the possibility of lead contamination in our local distribution system.

STPUD's priority is to provide reliable and safe water distribution to their customers efficiently and cost effectively. The District has been focused on safeguarding our resources for more than 65 years.

The following is a list of all 911 calls received by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) from January 27 to February 18, 2016.

1/27 - 6 calls: 2 EMS, 1 interfacility transfer, 1 CO2 detector malfunction, 1 water/steam leak, 1 public service assistance.

1/28 - 11 calls: 8 EMS, 1 EMS psych transfer, 1 no incident found upon arrival, 1 unintentional alarm.

1/29 - 19 calls: 13 EMS, 1 public service assistance, 1 psych transfer, 1 no incident found upon arrival, 1 cancelled en route, 1 vehicle accident with injuries, 1 smoke detector malfunction.

All community members are invited to become an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard through their training at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Swim Complex in March.

The South Lake Tahoe Recreation Department the class with instructor Liz Terzian who will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. Participants will be trained and certified to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness until EMS (emergency services) take over.

The Knights Inn could be purchased by the City of South Lake Tahoe for $6 million should a grant be awarded them by the California Tahoe Conservancy. If that happens, the City would purchase, and then demolish, the motel located on Highway 50 near Ski Run Boulevard to make way for a new environmental and retail project.

There is grant money available through the CTC which the City will apply for. The funds come from the state's Proposition 1 Water Bond which was approved by voters in 2014 to authorize $7.545 billion in general obligation bonds for water projects.