x
Breaking News
More () »

Update: Avalanche alert for parts of Incline Village, I-80 reopened to passenger vehicles

In a Stage 2 Avalanche Alert, an optional evacuation is issued. If residents choose to evacuate the area, they should do so within the next 2-4 hours.

Update: 10:30 p.m.:

A Stage 2 Avalanche Alert continues for Crystal Bay and Third Creek areas in Incline Village. Outdoor activity is not advised.

Backcountry areas in the Sierra are under an Avalanche Warning. This doesn't apply to highways and ski resorts with avalanche mitigation.

Travel through the Sierra will continue to be hazardous with additional snowfall overnight through early Saturday.

Lighter snow showers are expected Saturday with light accumulations through the day.

Widespread showers are over for the valley with only a few isolated showers possible through Saturday.

Update: 445 p.m.:

Interstate 80 westbound has reopened to passenger vehicles but remains closed to tractor trailers. Eastbound I-80 was reopened around 5 p.m. Drivers are advised to take it slow as a lot of snow is on the higway. Trucks will be turned at Applegate.

Update 3:00 p.m.:

The North Lake Tahoe Fire District has issued a Stage 2 Avalanche Alert for the Crystal Bay/Third Creek areas within Incline Village.

In a Stage 2 Avalanche Alert, an optional evacuation is issued. If residents choose to evacuate the area, they should do so within the next 2-4 hours.

If a Stage 3 Avalanche Alert is issued, residents will need to shelter in place and not leave their homes for up to 24 hours.

Residents who wish to stay up to date with the alerts will need to sign up with the Washoe Counter Emergency Management CodeRED phone alerts. The alerts come through a reverse-dial phone call. Click here to sign up.

Update 2 p.m.:

Update 12:45 p.m.:

Update 12:00 p.m.:

Hwy 50 near Pollock Pines, traffic being held due to downed power lines.

Update 11:30 a.m.:

Hwy. 89 between Truckee and Squaw Valley has re-opened.

Hwy. 50 in the Kyburz area is closed due to downed power lines. Caltrans estimates it'll re-open around 2 p.m.

Update 11 a.m.:

The National Weather Service says the Heavenly and Northstar ski resorts near Lake Tahoe reported Friday morning they each received more than 2 feet (0.61 meters) of snow in 24 hours.

The Sierra Avalanche Center says there's high avalanche danger at all elevations in the central Sierra backcountry in the greater Lake Tahoe region.

Forecasters say travel across the Sierra is highly discouraged through early Saturday, and drivers should expect chain controls, delays, possible closures and treacherous conditions.

Despite potential problems, the storm is boosting the Sierra snowpack, which is a vital part of California's water supply and was well below average when officials measured it early this month.

Update 10:45 a.m.:

Hwy. 89 is currently closed from Truckee to Squaw Valley due to multiple spin outs. Hwy. 89 is also closed at Emerald Bay.

Update 8:45 a.m.:

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe resort said it would be closed Friday because of road closures

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — As of 8:30 a.m., Interstate 80 is closed both eastbound and westbound because of weather.

From Applegate to Stateline, I-80 is closed due to visibility issues over Donner Pass.

There is currently no estimated time of re-opening. Officials are advising commuters to expect delays.

There's also currently a high avalanche risk in the Truckee area, and ski areas are in full clean up mode for safety this morning so many delays and upper mountain closures.

Before You Leave, Check This Out