02/23/2008: Sweet, Like Butter
A week of spring skiing was terminated late last Tuesday when temperatures started dropping as the latest storm front began it's assault on Lake Tahoe. Conditions quickly became firm until Thursday night when we received 6 inches of sweet powder.
Friday's skiing was perfect, the new snow was heavenly and many that turned out to ski and ride on Friday enjoyed some of the best snow of the season. Effortless turns and freshies all day.
More snow is expected throughout the weekend.
02/03/2008: EPIC
It's been a long time since I've seen this much snow on the ground at lake level. Friday was nostalgia at Alpine Meadows as Alpine Bowl chair was running. This chair has been operating for 3 or 4 decades and provides easy access to the steeps of Palisades which on Friday, was sheltered from the wind.
We received another 3 foot of snow yesterday with perhaps another foot scheduled today. We have so much snow that Alpine Meadows will be closed today to dig out as will be the case at many of our ski resorts.
01/28/2008: Getting Fat
My, my. After a solid week of snow fall we have gained an additional five feet of snow. Forecasts again call for another week of snow. Heaven has come to Lake Tahoe!
01/21/2008: Icing on the Cake
We are in the beginning of another week of snow. Overnight we received several more inches of the fluffy white stuff. The new snow is a very welcome addition to our newly formed snow base. Of course, all the new snow has some of our weekend and holiday warriors on the road home a bit early and traffic leaving the area is at best slow. Safe driving everyone.
01/12/2008: Our Base is Here!
The predictions of 5-8 feet of snow have come true and at the upper elevations some ski resorts are reporting over 10 feet of snow. It was a little wet last Thursday which helped to seal the base in. While the upper elevations were uneffected, the lower elevations may be rather firm.
Ski Season is here!
01/02/2008: Our Base is Scheduled to Arrive!
Weather forecasts are calling for our first large dump of the season with a predicted 5-8 feet of new snow. The long anticipated whiteout is scheduled to begin this Friday and last until Sunday. Weekend warriors should plan to arrive in the area well before Friday afternoon as the whiteout is expected to be accompanied by 100mph winds and treacherous driving.
12/23/2007: No Off-Piste, Yet
Cold temperatures have our beginners base in top shape. The runs down Alpine Meadow's Roundhouse are excellent. Off-Piste is yet another story, you usually want at least a 5 foot base to venture off the groomed runs. So expect rocks and other obstacles if you venture outside of the groomed runs.
Over at Squaw, the early season dry powder base led to one or two avalanches that knocked the base off the top of one or two of the peaks. Siberia Express would be the lift of choice for early season skiing.
Fortunately the weather forecasts call for more snow throughout the week!
12/18/2007: A Week of Snow
Rejoice! Monday it snowed. Today it is snowing. And the weather forecast predicts that it will keep snowing throughout the week. At last, our snow base is here.
12/07/2007: Snow Has Arrived!
Better late than never! The snow plows started their engines early this morning to start to clear our newly fallen snow from our parking lots and roads. We received 6 inches at snow at lake level with one to two feet up top! That's a start.
11/30/2007: Fourteen Dustings Later
Be thankful for cold nights! While the past month has seen numerous snow sightings we have yet to develop a snow base. This week our nights have become cold and our resorts have begun to blow snow. Several resorts have declared, "We're Open" so you can strap on those skis or boards and catch some beginner runs. For example, tomorrow we will be checking out Alpine Meadow's famous 'Kangaroo' lift. That ought to wake up the legs:)
We will be updating this season's resort ski reports as we start to see some more snow on the ground.
10/10/2007: Second, Third, & Fourth Dusting
While mother nature usually waits until the end of October to deliver our first snow fall, this year, mother nature has decided not to wait quite so long. It has been several years (2004-2005) since we experienced a white October, a year that boasted the longest ski season in a decade.
While NOAA has been remiss in predicting most of the snow we have received so far, if it keeps up, we could see an early opening of some of our ski resorts with the formation of an October snow base. Keep your fingers crossed!
09/20/2007: First Dusting
While we all expected to see some precip over the next several days, the light dusting of snow we received overnight was not expected. Of course, the dusting has as much chance of lasting as a snowfall in Texas, but it could be a good oman for a bountiful winter ski season.
09/10/2007: Local's Summer
With the passing of the holiday and the official end to many summer resort area vacation seasons, comes local's summer in Tahoe. Gone are the crowds.
With near summer like temperatures, September is a great month to visit. So far, we have had bit of rain, thank god, and temps are bit cooler at night. But the Lake sports glass, and you won't quite work up such a sweat hiking or biking, and many of our summer attractions remain available.
08/18/2007: Bad News Blues
For the second time this season fire trucks are racing down Highway 89, this time on their way to the western end of the lake. The Talmont & Tahoe Parks subdivisions just south of Tahoe City have been evacuated. Several homes (3) have been destroyed according to news reports on KCRA3.
Apparently a house near Washoe Way caught fire around 1:40PM and the fire spread to two of the neighboring homes before spreading into the trees. The fire is several blocks away from the Sunnyside Resort.
Traffic has been closed at the 'Y' south from Tahoe City and north from Sunnyside Resort. Winds were gusty and spotty out of the south and are forecast to diminish. Visual observations seem to indicate that our fire fighters (200) are well on their way to containment.
08/13/2007: The Keep Lake Tahoe Blues
Anyone visiting Lake Tahoe can't help but notice the numerous bumper stickers that declare "Keep Lake Tahoe Blue". The reference is to the magnificent clarity of Lake Tahoe and the enemy is anything that would cause any acceleration of natural buildup of sediment that occurs in any lake. The clarion call has been religiously enforced, through often extreme bureaucratic measures.
One bureaucratic nightmare for some, has been the sheer reluctance to perform forestry maintenance along our stream beds. Apparently not even our amigos will submit to the manual backbreaking work of clearing dead trees and shrubs from our stream beds and the shear enormity of the task requires heavy machinery. It is the heavy machinery that is said to increase the rate of pollutants into the lake.
The Angora fire help to clarify the opposite side of the coin, as the fire quickly spread up the creek beds toward the city of South Lake Tahoe. The city was saved due to the magnificent work of our firefighters at a cost of tens of millions of dollars. In one post, I learned that one such bureaucratic "Keep Tahoe Blue" proponent lost his home in the blaze.
Perhaps the slogan should be changed, "Keep Lake Tahoe Green" might be a more effective way to "Keep Lake Tahoe Blue". Only time will tell if our bureaucrats will change their tune.
Regardless, other than the blemish caused by the Angora fire, our summer has been magnificent.
Come join us.
06/25/2007: Disaster South of the Lake
One of the largest fires on record has struck some 5 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, destroying over 200 homes in Meyers, CA. The fire started early yesterday afternoon near Fallen Leaf Lake and spread north. Numerous older style fire trucks were observed speeding down highway 89 on the north shore, sirens wailing, presumably heading south, amidst a very beautiful summer day on the north shore.
I was unaware of the seriousness of the fire until I observed a dramatic increase in traffic to this web site as many were searching for maps and web cams in the area. Little wonder, as news media coverage spread worldwide declaring that a fire had swept through the resort town of Lake Tahoe.
Very dramatic. Except to those many folks who own second homes in the area or have loved ones in the area. Although California officials have declared a state of emergency, the fire has burned only about 4 square miles, 2500 acres, which is but a small percentage of the total area of Lake Tahoe.
Here on the north shore, except for some smoke in the air, life goes on as normal. Our view south, across the lake, to the south shore is clouded by the smoke from the fire. Although heavy black ash has been reported on the southern most tip of the lake, the majority of the lake remains unaffected.
The inversion layer that hampered fire fighting early on has dissipated this afternoon and it is hoped that the fire will be brought under control soon. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those impacted by this man made disaster.
06/22/2007: River Run Concert Series in Full Swing
Summer just would not seem the same without the summer concert series at the River Ranch Lodge. The Lodge has booked an impressive series of concerts for this year, generally held on Thursday evenings. Next Thursday, Zepperalla, an all female band specializing in the 70s classic's of Led Zeppelin will once again grace our little piece of paradise. Their last appearance, last August, was impressive. Who would have thought anyone but Led Zeppelin could put on a successful show, playing just Led Zeppelin?
Of course, the summer series has sparked some controversy as some of my neighbor's have objected to the late night music. In addition, some of the promoters have acted over the top, objecting to some of us planting chairs in our backyards, claiming that we were somehow stealing their music and they somehow believed they had the right to trespass on private property to chase us away.
But, those issues are minor and I am looking forward to having a summer full of live concerts, enjoyed from the comfort of my back deck and living room nestled on the banks of the Truckee River.
06/13/2007: Tahoe City River Rafting Begins
Preparations for rafting operations on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to the River Ranch Lodge has begun. The water master has increased the flow rate from Lake Tahoe into the river allowing smooth navigation, not to mention allowing the precious liquid to flow to our neighbors. Lake Tahoe is one of the few western reservoirs at or near capacity.
In addition, the biking trail from Squaw Valley to Tahoe City is now open. Summer is here!
04/30/2007: Global Warming Spotted at Lake Tahoe?
After one of our driest and warmest winters in 20 years, one could be tempted to point at Lake Tahoe and say see, global warming is real. While this kind of proof by example is unacceptable, we do have the prospects of having one of the best summers we've seen for some time. It was just a short two years ago that we had our longest winter and I for one, am looking forward to a long endless summer!
02/25/2007: Hammer Time
After a brief respite, long enough to let all the weekend
warriors arrive, another two feet of snow fell at lake level
this weekend! Travel times out of the area are substantial.
Traffic has been backed up on highway 89 from Truckee to Tahoe
City with average speeds in the 1-2 mph range. Such is the life
of the weekend warrior.
More snow is expected over the next few days!
02/23/2007: POW POW
We have received over a foot of new, very dry, powder!
02/16/2007: Snow, rain, Snow, more Snow!
Last week's weather patterns produced snow at the upper
elevations with mixed rain and snow at lake level. As a result
our ski resorts have been able to report 100% open! We expect
more snow over the weekend. Enjoy!
01/20/2007: Squeaky Stuff
It's been a cold couple of
weeks in Tahoe which has left our snow base very dry, makes you
wonder if your skis need a little oil. Our snow pack is around
60% of normal, we are but one storm away!
12/27/2006: Olympic Valley & Alpine Meadows Goes Dark
High winds that preceded our latest snow fall knocked down
power poles and wire yesterday afternoon resulting in a power
black out for almost 11 hours starting around 3:15pm yesterday.
The good news is that we received another foot of new snow bringing
our snow base into the 3-5 foot range. Snow continues to
fall today and forecasts call for sunshine Thursday and Friday
along with the season's best riding. Enjoy.
12/16/2006: NOAA Jinx
After several days of rain, NOAA finally removed their
forecasts of snow for the Lake Tahoe basin. Oddly enough, with
cloudy skies and cold temperatures, the skies filled with powder
early this afternoon! NOAA has returned to forecasts of snow,
unfortunately.
While the roads look benign, they are ice rinks. CHP and
local tow services were kept busy all day as unsuspecting
drivers had a difficult time staying on the road, let alone
between the lines. One Lexus preformed a remarkable u-turn on
west shore, invading my frontal crash buffer zone with
precision.
Please consider others when visiting us, slow down and avoid
our streets and highways if your vehicle is not adequately
equipped for
winter driving.
12/11/2006: Almost There!
With the passage of our second storm front of the year and
nearly a foot of new snow, ski season is starting. Feel free to
test out those ski legs.
11/24/2006: A White Black Friday
The Tahoe basin received a basic dusting (3") for the Thanksgiving
holiday and
we are expected to see an Arctic blast enter the area late
Sunday. Travelers here for the Thanksgiving holidays are advised
to get on the road home early on Sunday to avoid our first major
snow storm of the year!
11/12/2006: A Taste of Snow
The Tahoe Basin received it's first taste of snow of the
winter season this weekend. While the dusting was light, it
remains a welcome event as Thanksgiving day, our traditional
opening ski season day, looms near. With cold overnight
temperatures finally taking hold, snowmaking becomes an option
for our local resorts, raising the hopes for first turns on
turkey day.
09/27/2006: Fall Is In the Air
While summer may be officially over, our days remain mild
with temperatures in the 70s. Of course, we expect to see the
start of cold fronts moving through the Tahoe basin. Now is the
time to think snow and ski lease. Check out
ski
leases at Chinquapin and
ski leases at Tavern Properties and guarantee yourself a
place to stay for our upcoming winter season.
09/11/2006: Bluebird Returns to Tahoe
After a weekend of smoky skies, our summer weather has
returned sweet. Hints of our first touch of snow for the
upcoming winter season have been forecast for this Thursday or
Friday by NOAA . Grab those rock ski's or boards, first turns
are coming!
08/18/2006: Thank You River Ranch
Wow, can't believe it's mid august! Spared from the heat
waves, we have a perfect summer underway.
I also wanted to congratulate the Ranch on its concert
series. The latest installment, a group from The City called
Zepparella, actually
made a night of it with Led Zeppelin. This 21st century
rendition of a 70s classic, live in my living room, brought
tears to my eyes!
Living Loving Maid (She's Just A woman) was perfectly
introduced after Heartbreaker. Whole Lotta Love was exquisitely
drawn out, after a reggae tune D'yer Maker, to fit perfectly
with today's 20 something's. At least in my mind's eye. That's
so 70's!
07/15/2006: Fisherman Beware
Rafting has once again resumed, turning Bells Landing from a
peaceful fishing hole into a bustling rafting landing area!
07/09/2006: On again, Off again
The release rate of water into the Truckee River from Lake
Tahoe has once again been curtailed, effectively shutting down
rafting operations.
07/01/2006: Truckee River Rafting Restarts
The Water Marshall backed off on the flow from Lake Tahoe to
the Truckee River and rafting down the Truckee River has resumed
just in time for the 4th of July holiday!
06/28/2006 - Raging Truckee River
The release rate of water from Lake Tahoe into the Truckee
River has been increased to over 1000cfs, effectively shutting
down rafting operations. The increased rate of flow is to make
room for the anticipated snow pack melt to keep the lake level
below legal limits.
06/19/2006 - Summer Arrives Early
It is nice to see spring in Tahoe! The lake is full, the sun is
shining and it looks like summer will be early. Rafting on the
Truckee River is already underway and the boat is on the buoy!
05/04/2006 - Spring Skiing Winding Down
The season is winding down. Except for Alpine Meadows and
Squaw Valley, all resorts have closed for the season. Squaw &
Alpine will remain open until the end of this month.
04/18/2006 - 2-4 Feet of New Powder Arrives
The latest storm front to move through the area left over 2
feet of new snow at lake level with much more up top. The new
powder packed ski areas like Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley as
the draw of fresh powder and spring skiing proved irresistible.
While some of the smaller ski resorts are closing their lifts
for the season, the fabled long spring skiing season of Lake
Tahoe is guaranteed to last through late May.
03/09/2006 - Powder, Powder, Powder!
After another 4 days of snow, we have powder everywhere!
Forecasts call for, you guessed it, another 4 days of snow fall!
03/03/2006 - A Powder Week
The Pineapple Express that began with a day of rain has
turned into several days of very dry powder. Several feet of the
dry fluffy stuff has fallen during the last several days!
02/11/2006 - A Blue Bird Week
Plenty of sunshine has marked the past week and with it, some
beautiful scenery while skiing or riding. Cold overnight
temperatures are firming up the base, so follow the sun during
the day. 'Scott Chute' and 'The Chute That Seldom Slides' at
Alpine Meadows were both excellent rides yesterday.
01/19/2006 - Epic Powder!
Cold weather paired with several days of winter storms has
left 2-3 feet of dry snow at lake level and much more up top.
Enjoy!
01/10/2006 - Ski Season Arrives
Despite a slow start, skiing in Lake Tahoe is again in full
swing with every major resort in full operation. Base levels of
80-120 inches are the norm and despite the rather wet conditions
over the holidays, the snow is in excellent shape. Wind blown
powder up top with southern exposures becoming a bit sticky in
the afternoon at lower elevations. More snow is expected
throughout the week.
01/02/2006 - Tahoe City Still Dark
An unprecedented event, Tahoe City remains without power for
a third day. The only good news is that we expect snow, rather
than rain, over the next few days.
Mt. Rose is also reporting that they are closed due to lack
of power.
Power was finally restored in Tahoe City this afternoon, now, how about my
phone?
01/01/2006 - Dark New Year for Tahoe City
Wind and rain made it tough yesterday. Mud slides on I80 &
Hwy 89 forced a closure of Highway 89 between Squaw Valley and
Truckee blocking access to I80 for many Bay Area visitors.
Power went out in an area from Squaw Valley to Dollar Point
for approx 4 hours. Power has yet to return to Tahoe City today.
Phone and cable services also remain spotty throughout the area.
DirecTV & DirecWay came through with flying colors!
Safeway & Albertsons managed limited operations with backup
power while two Tahoe City gas stations remained operational
with cars lined up for gas backed up into the street. Last night
some restaurants served up limited menus using gas stoves and
candlelight. Fortunately, The Village at Squaw was unaffected
last night and today.
Power is expected to return to Tahoe City sometime after
midnight tonight.
12/26/2005 - Santa Arrives Late
The rain at lower elevations finally came to an end, replaced
with that white looking stuff called snow. 1-2 feet of the stuff
fell overnight and it is expected to continue snowing throughout
the week. We may be able to build a solid 10' base by early next
week as up to 8" of rain is expected to make its way into the
Sierra from the Bay Area. Thank you Santa!
12/06/2005 - Winter Begins
After several days of heavy rain, the temperatures finally
dropped and left 2-3 feet of snow on the upper elevations. Thus,
ski season started with several ski resorts opening Dec 2&3.
Operations are still limited with early season conditions, but
my, it is good to finally get the season's first turns in.
09/13/2005 - Local's Summer
When the summer crowds diminish, the wind dies down on the
lake, and the temperatures remain in the 70s; we locals enjoy a
brief summer.
While some had fun with the snow NOAA predicted over the
weekend (including me), a brief dip in temperatures left us with
a perfect opening NFL
football season weekend!
Evenings will remain cool. Come join us!
08/28/2005 - What a summer!
Please, please stay. Perfect weather! Temperatures in the
80s, clear blue skies and vacationers galore. Truckee River
rafting to end after Labor Day.
07/16/2005 - Gates Open Up at the Tahoe City Dam
Due to the large amount of snow pack runoff downstream on the
Truckee River, the flood gates at Tahoe City had remained
largely closed. Until this weekend. The increased flow rate from
Lake Tahoe into the Truckee River allowed the Truckee River Raft
Company to begin operations.
Temperatures reached the 90 degree mark for the first time
this summer. Expect daytime temps in the high 80s for the
foreseeable future.
Not everybody was impressed with the increased CHP and other
law enforcement activities over the Fourth of July Holiday.
While I have no issue with the strict enforcement of our
seatbelt laws, the activity did draw criticism from visitors and
locals alike. Such a large presence dampened the spirits of
visitors and their propensity to spend money during one of our
busiest holidays.
06/26/2005 - Mild Rattler Shakes Lake Tahoe
A mild earthquake measuring Mag 4.8 startled the area at
11:45am this morning. According to
USGS, the event was followed by over a dozen micro-quake
aftershocks, none perceptible. While walls rattled for a second
or two, no damage is expected.
On a brighter note, summer arrived right on queue as
temperatures finally rose above the 70 degree mark. Sunny days
are ahead for all!
06/03/2005 - Early Summer?
Phew! The longest winter season in memory has come to an end
with the last of the ski resort closings over the Memorial Day
holiday. Some of us are more than ready! Temps are finally
flirting with the 70s and everyone is busy cleaning up for what
is hoped to be an equally long summer season.
Lake levels should be amongst the best we've seen in 3 or 4
years, ensuring a long rafting season on the Truckee River and
more than adequate access to the lake for boaters.
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