April 1 is more than just the start of a month that many embrace for the warmer weather that typically accompanies it. It is a day set aside for pranksters just waiting to pull the wool over someone else’s eyes all in the name of good fun. While many participate in April Fools’ Day shenanigans, they may not be as familiar with all there is to know about this day when jokers rejoice. These interesting facts about April Fools’ Day truly are no joke.
The origins of April Fools’ Day are something of a mystery, but historians believe the day started in France during the sixteenth century. History.com offers the popular theory that when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, moving the New Year from the end of March to January 1, some received the news later than others. As a result, some people continued to celebrate the New Year in the spring, and were thus referred to as “April fools.”
Another theory surrounding April Fools’ Day origins involves the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria. This festival involved masquerades and jesting to celebrate the rebirth of the god Attis.
The French call April Fools’ Day “Poisson d’ Avril,” which translates to “April Fish.” It’s customary to place a paper fish on a person’s back without them noticing.
In some countries, such as Australia, Canada and parts of the United Kingdom, April Fools’ Day pranks must be completed by noon; if not, the prankster becomes the fool. Those in the United States, Germany and Japan engage in pranks the entire day. In Scotland, the fun stretches into April 2, which is known as “Taily Day,” and involve pranks exclusive to the posterior region of the body.
April Fools’ Day gradually spread around the world due to European influence and colonization during the eighteenth century.
April Fools’ Day is an opportunity for people to embrace their creative side. Even the media and businesses sometimes get in on the action. Fake stories and sneaky endeavors can create wild tales that spread. In 1957, the BBC broadcast a story about a spaghetti harvest that took place in Switzerland. In 1974, a local logger named Oliver Bickar created a hoax where he made it seem the dormant volcano Mount Edgecumbe in Alaska was about to erupt. He deposited 70 tires into the volcano by helicopter and lit them on fire. Another prank insinuated that Taco Bell purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell.”
Google often engages in April Fools’ Day jokes. The company has fooled people with everything from a search engine for smells to “Google Tulip,” which ostensibly enabled users to communicate with plants.
The famous comic strip “Peanuts” actually featured a character named April Fool, who would play pranks on his friends.
April Fools’ Day is an entertaining opportunity to get one over on an unsuspecting person. However, it’s important to prank responsibly and avoid jokes that can cause panic or emergency situations.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Tahoe Chamber announces the return of the highly anticipated Go Local Business Expo, taking place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. As Tahoe’s largest business networking and community event, the Expo continues to grow year after year, bringing together over 125 local businesses and more than 1,500 attendees for an evening that celebrates and supports the region’s vibrant business community.
For just $20 general admission, attendees will enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings, interactive vendor experiences, raffles, giveaways, and the chance to take home exciting prizes and local swag. This family-friendly event invites community members and visitors alike to discover new businesses, reconnect with local favorites, and experience the best of Tahoe all in one place. Kids under 8 are free.
Returning favorites include Chart House, Base Camp Pizza Co., Tahoe Blue Vodka, The Grove, The Cork and More, Tahoe Cruises, The Idle Hour, Fox and Hound Smokehouse Grill & Bar, Cold Water Brewery, The Baked Bear, Riva Grill, Tahoe Knight Monsters, Tahoe Sports, Tahoe Flyfishing Outfitters, and many more. New to the Expo this year are exciting participants including Lazy Bear Bakery, Juice It Up!, JB Audio, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Truckee Overhead Door, Castle Rock Creamery, Retroactive Arcade, and others bringing fresh energy to the event floor.
A limited number of vendor booth spaces are still available and filling quickly. This is a premier opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, connect directly with the community, and gain exposure in front of a highly engaged audience.
The Tahoe Chamber extends its gratitude to the 2026 Go Local Business Expo sponsors, including Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Barton Health, Edgewood Resort Tahoe, Golden Nugget, Tahoe Production House, Clearly Tahoe, Luna Lending, Dollar Signs & Graphics, and Adventure Network Outdoors.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for businesses looking to increase visibility, even for those unable to attend in person. With options at various investment levels, sponsors receive valuable exposure through event marketing and on-site placements reaching over 1,500 attendees.
Tickets are available now online at tahoechamber.org/business-expo or in person at The Cork & More (cash only, no service fees).
Don’t miss this signature Tahoe event, where community, connection, and local business come together for one unforgettable evening.
Perch Pine by Patrick Guyton features one of Lake Tahoe’s precious dwellers – mountain chickadees Victoria Mastrocola/Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – For Chris and Dawnel De Rubeis, owning a gallery in a place like Lake Tahoe was more than just a business venture – it was an escape to a realm filled with inspiration, a beautiful get-away.
Chris De Rubeis has been an artist for many years and has been sharpening his skills through an art form he created called Abstract Sensualism® with many of his pieces using light as an interactive element. De Rubeis paints on metal, and there’s an ethereal and visually-stunning quality to his art.
“He etches into the metal, and he’ll paint on top of it. What’s beautiful and unique about his artwork is he’ll even light them on fire, and they’ll change from the morning to evening light in your home,” said Megan Uthe, Gallery Director at De Rubeis Collective. “It’s not stagnant art – it’s living art.”
De Rubeis was featured in another art gallery in Tahoe many years ago, and “he fell in love with the amount of inspiration that was here, from the lake to the mountains,” said his wife, Dawnel De Rubeis. “We love small, quaint towns, which is very much Tahoe.”
Their family-owned art gallery in South Lake Tahoe is now nearing its first year being open and has acquired some stunning and vastly unique styles of art including Lake Tahoe-inspired works by Patrick Guyton.
“[Guyton] actually honed in on two different styles of painting, where it’s an 18th century and a 14th century style and combined the two to create a new art form,” said Uthe. The new art form was coined Gilded Modernism®. “He’ll lay down the silver or the copper leafing and paint on top of it, sometimes even varnishing the metal.”
“On Golden Wings” by Patrick Guyton shows a patina process which uses natural chemical reactions on metal, essentially changing its color Victoria Mastrocola/Tahoe Daily Tribune
Before Guyton began his journey to create Gilded Modernism®, he studied fine arts, sculpture and design theory at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Eventually, he went on to become a background artist for Chuck Jones, animator, painter and filmmaker who along with his career at Warner Bros., created popular cartoon characters including Marvin the Martian, Pepé Le Pew, Road Runner and more.
“I was his last background artist, and I also painted his animation cels,” Guyton told the Tribune. In addition, Guyton worked with Chuck Jones’s right-hand man and background artist, Maurice Noble. Noble was an animation production designer who created the stunning background art for Disney’s iconic classics, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, “Bambi”, and “Dumbo”.
“They sent me up to work with him because he wasn’t able to do the cels. His hands were in bad condition, so he basically just told me how to do what he would do,” Guyton recalled. “I got this crash course with this monster of animation.”
Guyton touched on the essence of being a “background guy”, noting that every person who has seen those beloved Disney animations has seen Noble’s work but had no inclination of his name or who he was. Among the practices he learned from Noble, Guyton retained Noble’s use of a space such as background, foreground and midground, in addition to the emotion Noble would put into his work.
After Jones and Noble passed away, Guyton hit a dead end in his animation career, and he found himself reverting back to his roots. His years of experience as a sign painter led him to mastering the art of leafing or gilding, a method of applying very thin sheets of metal, such as copper and gold, to surfaces.
“We’d do fire trucks and bank windows, and it was a big part of the sign industry. So I took that part of it and then thought ‘Well what about doing paintings on leafing? Actually painting on leafing itself.'”
Guyton now creates artwork blending traditional fine art with his experience in animation and his skills doing leafing while using techniques like burnishing to produce an ambient glow.
He continues to push limits, finding inspiration while traveling to different places and experiencing new cultures.
“To be able to just continue painting is the biggest thing for me,” Guyton said. “Hopefully that doesn’t end. I’ll do it as long as the good Lord has me doing it.”
The De Rubeis Fine Art Gallery in South Lake Tahoe is now home to many of Guyton’s pieces as well as artwork spanning from more than nine artists and counting, many of whom encapsulate the natural beauty Lake Tahoe has to offer.
“Emerald Bay” by Patrick Guyton exemplifies his ability to make use of the background, foreground and mid ground while creating art – a technique he learned from Maurice Noble during Guyton’s time working in animationVictoria Mastrocola/Tahoe Daily Tribune
“What we hope is that people get to see artwork like they’ve never seen before, and it’s something they want to enjoy everyday and they can almost “Mary Poppins” into the painting after a long day at work. Let the artwork make the presence for the space,” said Uthe.
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, Uthe encourages folks to come in and take a look around. Along with purchasing work from their collection, payment plan options are also available for those interested in collecting a piece they really love.
Their next art show, scheduled for July, will feature brand new work from Chris De Rubeis. More details to come.
De Rubeis Collective Fine Art Gallery is located at 4125 Lake Tahoe Blvd, suite B, in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) is announcing he secured $2.2 million in federal funding for South Lake Tahoe projects that support critical infrastructure development that ensures water sustainability, and for the development of essential affordable housing.
Schiff delivered $1.2 million to South Lake Tahoe to enhance water infrastructure resilience by replacing aging water mains with larger, more resilient pipelines that will improve system capacity, reduce leaks, and ensure a reliable drinking water supply. This project will also improve public safety and wildfire preparedness.
He also delivered $1 million to Lake Tahoe Boulevard Affordable Housing which will be used to increase affordable housing supply, support local businesses to ensure they have staff in the region, and improve quality of life for residents with decreased commute times in South Lake Tahoe.
The funding is part of the $254,457,366 in total federal funding Schiff delivered for California for the 2026 fiscal year, with the passage of recent funding bills.
“I’m proud to have fought for and delivered $2.2 million for South Lake Tahoe, as part of hundreds of millions in federal investments that went to California in my first year in the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Schiff. “These federal dollars will directly work toward improving housing affordability and infrastructure in South Lake Tahoe, and they would not be possible without the partnership of my colleague Senator Alex Padilla, our colleagues in the House, and community leaders who helped ensure that California receives the resources it deserves.”
The Tribune will be following up with a look at the projects receiving funding.
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Child Advocates of El Dorado County (CASA) is celebrating a major milestone with its 30th Annual Box Lunch Fundraiser, taking place on April 23. This long-standing community tradition supports CASA’s mission to advocate for abused, neglected, and at-risk youth throughout El Dorado County.
Since 1992, CASA El Dorado has provided a voice and empowerment for the region’s most vulnerable children. Now celebrating its 30th year, CASA’s Box Lunch event continues to play a vital role in sustaining these services and ensuring that every child has a dedicated advocate in their corner.
CASA celebrates 30 years of its fundraiser. Provided
Each year, CASA staff and community volunteers prepare and deliver more than 3,000 lunches to schools, businesses, and individuals across the county. Lunch orders must be placed by April 6th. To place your order, please visit https://www.casaeldorado.org/events/. Each $16 lunch includes a choice of sandwich or veggie wrap, chips, a handcrafted treat from Annabelle’s Chocolates, and a Barsotti apple juice. This year’s sandwich options include: 1. roasted turkey, bacon, and cheddar cheese with ranch on sliced sourdough bread; 2. ham and swiss cheese with honey mustard on sliced honey wheat bread; 3. greek veggie wrap with lettuce, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese in a flour tortilla; 4. peanut butter and jelly.
In addition to purchasing lunches, community members can support others by donating meals to local causes. Donations to First Responders help provide meals to those who serve and protect the community, while contributions to Upper Room Dining Hall support individuals experiencing food insecurity. Lunches can also be donated to Vista Rise Collective in South Lake Tahoe, an organization that provides critical services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Volunteers will deliver lunch orders of five or more directly to purchasers, and individual orders may be picked up at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville, Bayside Church in El Dorado Hills, or the South Lake Tahoe Library.
To celebrate 30 years of the Box Lunch fundraiser, CASA is also hosting a special anniversary giveaway, including a chance to win a prize. Community members are encouraged to follow CASA El Dorado on Facebook and @casa_edc on Instagram for details and entry opportunities.
For more information, visit the website or call (530) 622-9882, ext. 2.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The Incline Village Board of Trustees discussed replacement options for the Snowflake Lodge at Diamond Peak during its March 25 meeting.
The board heard a presentation of the Snowflake Lodge Needs Assessments that needed to be completed as a step to make updates to the lodge.
A 2015 Diamond Peak Master Plan identified a significant seating deficit for dining in the Snowflake Lodge. Replacing the Snowflake Lodge is a board priority.
In addition, the lodge is reaching its end-of-life and the Needs Assessment found that guests weren’t able to visit the lodge because the run leading away from it was too difficult. The assessment, completed by SE Group, identified four scenarios for the future of the lodge. The scenarios took core users, seasonality, operations and financial orientations into consideration.
Because the Snowflake lift will also soon require replacement, scenarios 3 and 4 include a new chairlift to make the lodge more accessible. However, that also opens up the opportunity for the lodge to operate for dining and events during the summers months.
While the assessment does not include architectural designs, SE Group did give a rough financial estimate for each scenario.
Scenario 1: About $29,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates and the new lodge Scenario 2: About $31,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates and the new lodge Scenario 3: About $44,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates, new chairlift and new lodge Scenario 4: About $62,000,000 for the Ridge Run updates, new chairlift and new lodge
Scenario 1 is projected to bring in just slightly more income than the current lodge is, which is very low compared to other IVGID properties. SE Group doesn’t recommend considering Scenario 1 but rather was presented as a baseline scenario.
Scenario 2 could bring in about $1 million extra in income, Scenario 3 could bring in about $1.7 million and Scenario 4 could bring in about $3 million in extra income.
One consideration SE Group recommended the board discuss was who they want the core users to be. Scenario 4 would require marketing to people outside of the community, while Scenarios 1-3 would remain as is, which is primarily targeted to the community but is open to the public.
“Do nothing, in my mind, is not an option,” said Trustee Mick Homan. He added that Scenario 1 is a nonstarter for him and Scenario 4 is too risky.
Trustee Dave Noble leaned more towards Scenario 3, stating the district tends to build on the smaller end on new projects and find themselves quickly at capacity. Scenario 3 would allow them to host bigger weddings and events which appealed to him.
Trustee Ray Tulloch said because he works for a different ski resort, he would not vote on any items related to this item but did have questions about expenses and net revenue.
The board agreed on an option somewhere between Scenarios 2 and 3. While the size of the lodge is still up for discussion, there was recognition of the importance of replacing the chairlift. The item was for discussion only so no vote was taken.
The board approved a Commercial Watercraft Launching pilot program which limits watercraft launches to IVGID Recreation Pass and Punch Card holders. The pilot program will run from April 1 to December 31, 2026.
The board also approved Watercraft Parking Pass rates changes. Premier spots are $260/month or $1,300 for the season up from $250/month and $1,250 for the season. Standard spots are now $210/month or $1,050 for the season up from $200/month or $1,000 for the season.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wedendsay April 8 at 5 p.m.
Emily is a one-year-old sweetheart who truly embodies everything people love about dogs. Social, gentle, and incredibly friendly, she greets everyone she meets with a happy, easygoing energy that instantly makes you smile. It doesn’t take long for Emily to win hearts. Her war personality and affectionate nature make her unforgettable.
She loves spending time with her people, whether that’s heading out for a walk, simply relaxing by your side, or curling up for some good ole puppy scratches. Emily has a cheerful spirit that brings a little extra brightness to every moment, and she’s happiest when she’s near the humans she loves.
Emily is this week’s Pet of the Week. Provided / HSTT
With other dogs, Emily shows wonderful manners. She enjoys playtime when the mood strikes, but she’s just as content coexisting peacefully, sniffing, strolling, or simply sharing space. Her balanced, easygoing nature makes her a great fit for a variety of homes.
Emily is also a joy on leash. While she walks nicely, she occasionally lets her playful side shine with an adorable hop, just a little burst of happiness that perfectly captures her fun-loving personality. All around, Emily is a charming little lovebug ready to share her affection with a forever family. If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion who will brighten your days, Emily might just be your perfect match.
If you are interested in meeting Emily or learning more about her, please get in touch with one of HSTT’s Adoption Specialists, 530-587-5948 or adoptions@hstt.org. She is spayed, vaccinated, and up to date on her vaccines. To view more adoptable pets or to learn more about the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, visit, www.hstt.org.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – VanWood Tahoe, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe in partnership with Kirkwood Mountain Resort and EpicPromise, announced a featured live music experience as part of its inaugural festival lineup. VanWood Tahoe, April 10-12, 2026, is the first-ever three-day spring ski, snowboard, and camping festival in the Sierra. The event combines outdoor adventure with community-driven experiences, including camping, skiing and snowboarding, social activities, and live entertainment.
Scott Pemberton O Theory,Provided
Saturday will feature a FREE performance from Scott Pemberton O Theory, known for their high-energy fusion of funk, rock, and psychedelic sounds, with special guest musician Cliff Porter of Jelly Bread joining on drums. This performance brings a dynamic and immersive live music element to VanWood, enhancing the weekend’s celebration of mountain culture, community, and springtime in the Sierra. This will be the only opportunity to see Scott Pemberton O Theory perform in the Tahoe region this year. The show will take place in the Kirkwood Village kicking off at 10am with an opening set from DJ Palmer. For the complete weekend schedule visit www.VanWoodTahoe.com.
VanWood includes gatherings in the Village, on-mountain experiences, and evening programming. Highlights: a Karaoke Party at the Cornice, Yoga, Games, DJs, the VanWood Mini Tahoe Brewfest and sunset shred session. Local Anthology will perform on Saturday at 6pm following an opening set by DJ Gabe Gavilenes in the Red Cliffs Lodge. All activities are FREE and open to the public, with the exception of the Mini Tahoe Brewfest where guests will have access to unlimited samples from 4-8pm.
Golden Road Gathering Giveaway Announcement: VanWood Tahoe is launching a special giveaway for campers. One lucky winner will receive a Golden Road Gathering package for their family (2 adults, 2+ kids), including a three-day festival pass with walk-in camping access. Winners will also have the option to upgrade their camping experience if desired.
All individuals who purchase a VanWood campsite will be automatically entered to win this exclusive Golden Road Gathering experience. This giveaway adds even more value for campers and strengthens the connection between these two unique Sierra-based festival experiences. A winner will be announced Sunday morning, April 12, 2026.
All proceeds from VanWood Tahoe support programs and services for local youth through the Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe. By attending the festival and its featured events, participants directly contribute to creating opportunities for young people in the Tahoe community.
The Tahoe TAP podcast returns with another look at the Things, Adventures, and People powering life in the Sierra. Hosts Mike Peron and Rob Galloway are back behind the mic, catching listeners up on what’s happening around the basin before turning their attention to one of the region’s most compelling cultural events of the spring.
In this episode, the spotlight is on Michelle Aguilar-Ficara, Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Festival, returning April 17–19 at Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe. Now in its latest iteration, the festival continues to carve out a unique space in Tahoe’s event calendar — blending adventure, storytelling, and global perspective through a curated lineup of documentary films designed to inform and inspire.
Aguilar-Ficara has spent more than a decade immersed in non-fiction filmmaking, producing stories from diverse cultures and communities around the world. Her work is rooted in the belief that documentary storytelling can build meaningful connections, bridge cultural divides, and spark deeper understanding. That same philosophy drives the mission of the festival, which aims to entertain, enlighten, and engage audiences through powerful real-world narratives.
As a nonprofit initiative, the festival reflects a growing appetite in the Tahoe region for cultural programming that complements its outdoor identity. By bringing globally relevant stories to a local stage, Aguilar-Ficara and her team are helping position Lake Tahoe as not just a destination for recreation, but as a hub for creative exchange and thoughtful dialogue.
On this episode of Tahoe TAP, the conversation explores the evolution of the festival, the role of documentary film in today’s media landscape, and what attendees can expect from this year’s event.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) celebrated the graduation of its 20th Fire Academy class on March 26, 2026, at the Duke Theatre, recognizing a group of cadets prepared to support and protect local communities across the region. The cohort trained under the class motto, “Refuse to Lose,” reflecting the discipline and resilience required to complete the program.
20th class of Fire Academy grads.Provided / LTCC
The ceremony brought together families, instructors, and regional fire agency partners to honor the cadets’ completion of rigorous training, including physical conditioning, classroom instruction, and hands-on emergency response simulations. Cadets entered the Duke Theatre in formation, led by bagpiper Sean Cummings, marking the start of the evening’s program.
All cadets completed the coursework and hands-on skills assessments for California Firefighter 1 certification, National Wildfire Coordinating Group wildland fire certifications, and emergency medical technician training, preparing them for immediate entry into fire service careers.
“This is a battle-tested, winter-trained, highly skilled group,” said Brad Deeds, Dean of Career Technical Education at LTCC. “They Refuse to Lose. They are ready to step up and fill those jobs to keep our communities safe. Do not let the smaller size of the cohort fool you. This group is tough.”
LTCC’s Fire Academy is built on strong regional collaboration with partner agencies, including South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Lake Valley Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, North Tahoe Fire Protection District, El Dorado County Fire Protection District, Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Department, and USFS – Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.
20th class of Fire Academy grads.Provided / LTCC
Class 20 graduates include:
Molly Adams
Crystal Bennett
Matthew Cain
Jake Hickman
Imanol Luquin Ramirez
Miles McGovern
Jesse Moreland
Cody Nelson
Richard Posada
Emperatriz Ruiz
Cody Nelson served as Battalion Commander for Class 20.
“We came into this academy as complete strangers, and we’re leaving with relationships and experiences that will last a lifetime,” said Nelson.
Looking ahead, LTCC is expanding its commitment to public safety training. The college will break ground in spring 2026 on a new Public Safety Training Complex, with the facility expected to open in fall 2027. Once complete, the complex will support hands-on instruction for fire, forestry, and emergency medical services, strengthening workforce development and regional emergency response capacity.
The Fire Academy continues to prepare career-ready firefighters equipped to serve mountain and rural communities throughout the Tahoe Basin.
For more information about the LTCC Fire Academy, visit www.ltcc.edu/fire.
Screenshot of Palisades Tahoe Top of Siberia Express chair at 11:05 a.m. Provided/Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – March is coming to a close, and although the door may be cracked for bouts of cold weather, many resorts are deciding to shut down for the season a little earlier than usual due to lack of consistent snowfall and rapidly melting snowpack.
Last year’s closures during the 2024-25 season for 11 of the resorts in Tahoe took place in mid to late April with the exception of Palisades Tahoe which had a May closure on Memorial Day.
Here’s a list of current closure statuses for resorts as of Monday, March 30:
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Yoga and Tahoe Tastings are thrilled to announce an exclusive new collaboration: “Boat to Board Adventure Yoga,” a unique, all-inclusive Summer wellness experience that blends scenic cruising, stand-up paddleboard yoga, and luxurious lake-level indulgence.
Lake Tahoe Yoga and Tahoe Tastings is launching a Boat-to-Board yoga experience in Summer 2026Provided
Launching Summer 2026, this private chartered experience invites up to six guests aboard Legend, a classic wooden motor yacht operated by Tahoe Tastings, for a three-hour journey to one of Lake Tahoe’s pristine and secluded coves. Once anchored, participants will step off the boat and onto their boards for an all level, guided paddleboard yoga session led by Lake Tahoe Yoga’s experienced instructor.
Guests have the option to elevate the experience with curated add-ons including a locally prepared brunch and a celebratory toast all enjoyed while floating on the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe.
Details:
Experience: Boat charter, paddleboard yoga, photos, optional food and beverages
Capacity: Private experience for up to 6 participants
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking serenity on the water, the Boat to Board Adventure Yoga experience is a unique way to connect with nature, care for yourself, and enjoy the best of Lake Tahoe from a fresh perspective.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Mark and Janeen White, owners of Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill, generously sponsored Bread & Broth’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment (AAD) for the Monday Meal held on March 23rd. Recognized for its family-friendly lunch setting and being a lively nightlife destination, Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill is also known for their pizza and beer selections. As a popular destination for locals, Mark and Janeen wanted to ‘pay it forward’ and support the community, as Mike expressed, “It’s really nice to be able to give back to the community.”
Sponsors of Bread & Broth’s Adopt A Day of Nourishment program help at their designated meal and donate $350. This tax-deductible contribution helps cover expenses for food, equipment, and facility use for the dinner. Each Monday Meal features a hot, full-course, restaurant quality dinner, serving between 100 and 140 dinner guests at no cost to the diners. Attendees also receive bags of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meat, and a variety of food staples to help with meals throughout the week.
Picture from Left to Right: Lindsey Oexle, Steve Maltase, Janeen White, Mark White, Danielle ‘Dani’ Bratton.Provided / Bread & Broth
Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill began supporting Bread & Broth in 2025, and after finding the experience rewarding, chose to sponsor another meal in 2026. Mark and Janeen were joined by Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill bartenders Danielle Bratton and Lindsey Oexle, and friend Steve Maltase, who were first-time Monday Meal AAD sponsor crew members. Lindsey shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We love meeting new people in our community.”
The dinner was a meaningful experience for both volunteers and guests. Danielle noted, “Everyone was so friendly and appreciative,” adding, “can’t wait to come back next year.” Bread & Broth aims to provide not only nutritious meals but also an inviting and warm environment for those who want to enjoy a free dining experience.
Thanks to Mott Canyon’s sponsorship, dinner guests were treated to a chicken enchilada casserole, baked squash with onions, pinto beans, and a garden salad served with a lime/cilantro dressing. The B&B cooks prepared enough food to serve a total of 140 dinner servings at the meal.
Bread & Broth extends its gratitude to Mott Canyon Tavern & Grill for their dedication to helping the community by sponsoring a free community meal for those in need.
Donations to Bread & Broth also provide funds for Second Serving, a hot meal served every Friday at the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church from 4 to 5 p.m. For children facing food insecurity, B&B 4 Kids donations help provide kid-friendly weekend food to children from 18 months to 18 years of age distributed through LTUSD schools and childcare centers serving low-families.
To learn more about Bread & Broth or how to donate, please visit www.breadandbroth.org or follow Bread & Broth on Instagram or Facebook.
STATELINE, Nev. — South Tahoe Football Club is inviting the local community to experience one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic golf courses—while supporting a powerful cause—at its upcoming “Locals Golf Day” fundraiser at Edgewood Golf Course on Monday, May 4, 2026.
This one-day community event offers a rare opportunity for locals to play Edgewood at a highly accessible price point, with all proceeds directly benefiting South Tahoe FC’s youth development and scholarship programs.
The tournament will feature a 12 p.m. shotgun start with a play-your-own-ball format , welcoming golfers of all skill levels to participate in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere.
A Day at Edgewood—For Everyone
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the premier golf destinations in the country, yet many locals rarely have the chance to play it. South Tahoe FC’s Locals Golf Day changes that.
With entry pricing starting at $130–$150 per player, depending on group size, this event represents one of the most affordable opportunities ever offered for the local community to experience Edgewood.
“This is about opening the doors,” said organizers. “We wanted to create something where locals can enjoy Edgewood together—while also investing back into the next generation of South Lake Tahoe athletes.”
Supporting Youth, Access, and Opportunity
All proceeds from the event go directly toward South Tahoe FC’s mission: providing access to competitive soccer, mentorship, and character development for local youth—regardless of financial circumstances.
The club’s scholarship program ensures that no player is turned away due to cost, helping families across South Lake Tahoe access year-round training, travel opportunities, and a positive team environment.
“This event is bigger than golf,” organizers added. “It’s about giving kids in our community the opportunity to play, grow, and belong.”
Event Details
Event: South Tahoe FC Locals Golf Day at Edgewood
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 12 p.m. shotgun start
Location: Edgewood Golf Course, 100 Lake Parkway, Stateline, NV
Where I live around Lake Tahoe, families are deeply connected to public lands. We hike and fish, off-road, mountain bike and ski on publicly-managed lands. This feeds the local economy, where rural businesses count on visitors drawn to these beautiful and shared landscapes.
When public lands are managed responsibly, everyone benefits. But when political leaders prioritize private interests over public use and responsible stewardship, then access shrinks, landscapes fragment, and entire communities lose.
That’s why this moment calls for strong leadership from our elected officials – including Rep. Kevin Kiley.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees roughly 10 percent of all land in the United States, including millions of acres in California. In Kiley’s district, large swaths of public lands in the Mono Basin and Eastern Sierras are managed by the BLM and valued for recreation, wildlife habitat, water resources, tourism, and cultural sites — including Mono Lake, Saddlebag Lake, June Lake, and Bodie Hills. These lands are meant to be managed for multiple uses and long-term public benefit – not short-term profit.
Yet these public lands are facing mounting threats. The nomination of Steve Pearce to lead the BLM is one example of the direction some in Washington want to take – prioritizing expanded drilling and mining, weakening longstanding environmental safeguards, and even the proposed sale or transfer of national public lands. Pearce has previously supported legislation that would have authorized the disposal of public lands and has questioned whether the federal government should retain ownership of large swaths of them at all.
Our public lands near Lake Tahoe, in the eastern Sierras, across Rep Kiley’s district are also under pressure from climate change and wildfire risk.
Rep. Kevin Kiley has an opportunity to do the right thing for his constituents and stand firmly on the side of public lands in his district, which are some of the most marvelous in the world.
But as a member of the Public Lands Caucus, he voted in favor of resolutions to strip protections and management from public lands, including for the watershed of the popular Boundary Waters Wilderness in northern Minnesota. The House will likely soon consider a similar resolution to repeal the management plan for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah. These actions could open the door to rolling back plans and protections for other monuments, wilderness areas, and other conserved lands in California and across the country.
This is not a partisan issue. Public lands enjoy broad bipartisan support across political lines. Folks deeply oppose these sell offs and want to see local business and culture prioritized over corporate profits.
We need Rep Kiley to take a strong stand for our public lands. We need him to help stop these threats before they come to places we cherish in California. Our public lands are not expendable. Once access is lost, it is rarely restored. This moment calls for leadership that protects what belongs to all of us.
STATELINE, Nev. – The Tahoe Knight Monsters knocked off the Rapid City Rush in overtime by a final score of 5-4.
In the first period, Rapid City scored in the opening minute of the contest, as Hunter Donohoe scored his first professional goal to make it 1-0. The Knight Monsters would respond just five minutes later as Devon Paliani extended his team-leading goal marker with his 29th of the season to tie it up at 1. After Tahoe tied it up, Rapid City went back out in front as Ryan Wagner scored in his first game of the weekend to go up 2-1. In the back half of the period, Trent Swick would tie the game once more off a beautiful feed from Linden Alger to make it 2-2 going into the locker room.
Knight Monsters take Rush in game threeProvided / Knight Monsters
In the middle frame, Rapid City would break out in front thanks to a power play goal from Ryan Chyzowski and another tally from Seth Fyten to make it 4-2 Rush going into the final period.
In the third period, it was Tahoe who would respond as Luke Adam scored his 18th of the year on the power play to make it a 4-3 game. Then, with just 3:10 left in regulation, Casey Bailey scored his 25th of the year on a diving shot to tie the game at 4. After no other goals in the third, the game headed to overtime.
In OT, it took just two minutes for Mike O’Leary to send the puck past Rapid City goaltender Connor Murphy, giving Tahoe a 5-4 win, their second consecutive OT win on a Sunday. Tahoe goaltender Dominic Basse picked up his second win in just his second start with the Knight Monsters.
The Knight Monsters return home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to take on the Cincinnati Cyclones at Tahoe Blue Event Center for What If? Night as the Knight Monsters become the Tahoe Powder Hounds. Puck drop is at 7:00 pm, with pregame coverage on the Knight Monsters broadcast network beginning at 6:50 pm. Ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are now available. For more information, visit www.knightmonstershockey.com
Stretches of calm weather in the mountains might seem harmless, but they can quietly increase avalanche danger over time. And traveling in groups doesn’t always make skiers and snowshoers safer. That’s one of the key takeaways from experts in the Sierra Nevada, where one of the deadliest avalanches in U.S. history recently struck near Lake Tahoe.
On a recent day along a snowshoe trail on Mount Rose, just outside Reno, Nevada, Wendy Antibus with the Sierra Avalanche Center checked the daily conditions.
“Today, our avalanche hazard is low,” she said, noting cooler temperatures and wind had helped freeze the snow’s surface.
But even on a low-risk day, she said, the snowpack can be more complicated than it appears.
Emergency first responders in Castle Peak, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.Provided / Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
“There can be cues in the snowpack, like sounds that the snowpack makes — like a ‘wompfing’ sound, cracking of the snowpack under your skis,” Antibus said.
Those subtle warning signs can point to instability beneath the surface.
In February, on a nearby mountain, avalanche danger was rated high. A guided group of 15 skiers was caught in a slide near Lake Tahoe, and nine people were killed, including six mothers who were close friends.
Human decisions play a major role
Understanding avalanches isn’t just about the snow.
Sara Boilen, a psychologist and backcountry skier, said human behavior is often a key factor.
“There are very few people who go out in the backcountry unaware of the fact that they’re in avalanche terrain or at risk,” she said. “And we still take those risks, just like people ride motorcycles without helmets.”
Boilen said familiar terrain can create a false sense of confidence. After a fresh storm, when powder conditions are ideal, it can be easier to downplay danger.
Group dynamics can also influence decisions.
Sierra Avalanche Center forecasters observe a crack in the snow on Feb. 17, 2026Courtesy Nolan Averbuch
Research shows that as group sizes increase — especially beyond six people — avalanche risk can rise. Larger groups can create a false sense of security, while subtle social pressure can push people to take bigger risks.
“We don’t have human-related or human-caused avalanches without humans,” Boilen said. “All of the decisions, it’s all being filtered through very, very human eyes and brains.”
And those decisions aren’t always obvious in the moment.
“It is incredibly difficult to notice all of the decisions that are leading you towards an avalanche incident,” she said. “Whereas in hindsight, it’s incredibly easy to see all of them.”
Changing winters, more complex snow
Scientists say environmental conditions are also shifting in ways that can increase risk.
Erich Peitzsch, a researcher with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, studies snowpack and avalanches in the Mountain West.
He says avalanches require a few key ingredients: a steep slope, a weak layer in the snow, a slab of snow on top — and a trigger.
Those fundamentals haven’t changed. But weather patterns are changing.
“We have a storm, and then it’s sort of dry for a while, we develop those weak layers, and then we get another storm and put it on top,” Peitzsch said.
That stop-and-start pattern can create what scientists call “persistent weak layers,” buried weaknesses in the snowpack that can linger for long periods.
In other words, a quiet stretch of weather can set the stage for danger, long before the next storm arrives.
Researchers say these kinds of variable winters are becoming more common in parts of the Mountain West, creating snowpacks that are harder to predict and easier to trigger. Investigators are examining those conditions in the Lake Tahoe avalanche.
Wendy Antibus with the Sierra Avalanche CenterKaleb Roedel / Mountain West News Bureau
What it means for the future
Back on Mount Rose, Antibus said these shifting conditions are making avalanche forecasting more challenging.
“It makes it harder for forecasters to anticipate conditions as we see different scenarios in the climate,” she said. “As we have warming and more rain, we might have more avalanches involving wet snow.”
Since that day on Mount Rose, avalanche danger in the area has already risen from low to moderate.
This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between KUNR, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, Boise State Public Radio in Idaho, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, KJZZ in Arizona and NPR, with additional support from affiliate newsrooms across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.
More than 400 attendees took to the bike path in South Lake Tahoe to march for No Kings IIIVictoria Mastrocola/Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The No Kings III (NKIII) rally had a monumental gathering at Lakeview Commons following a massive march by upwards of 400 participants from Ski Run Blvd on Saturday, March 28. A river of people, signs and American flags stretched down the bike path on U.S. Highway 50.
The event was organized by 50501 Tahoe in partnership with South Lake Tahoe Indivisible.
Founder and chairman of the Young Democrats Committee at LTCC, Beck Machin-Ward, along with many others, have been working with the city and the police department to plan the event.
In comparison to their last event, Machin-Ward noted the turnout was about 200-300 more people, just at the start of the rally around 2:30 p.m.
“I am beyond stoked. I think every time we have an event, we see hundreds of people come out. These are the people that really make up our republic,” said Machin-Ward. “They’re the people that fight on a daily basis to ensure we have democracy, liberty and freedom.”
The No Kings III rally was organized by 50501 Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe IndivisibleVictoria Mastrocola/Tahoe Daily Tribune
As car horns rang out consistently in support of the protest, the event had free a taco stand, a sign-making station and booths attended by advocacy members.
Among those participating in the demonstration were long-time locals who dubbed themselves Chief Slowroller, Chuckles and Ricky who have lived in Tahoe for more than 50 years.
When asked what brought them to the NKIII rally, Chuckles said, “We’re hanging on to our democracy,” with Ricky adding, “We’re supporting the Constitution. That’s how [America] got to 250 years, with that Constitution.”
South Lake Tahoe was one of many No Kings protests happening across the country on March 28, including demonstrations from Truckee, Reno, Sacramento, and San Francisco to Minnesota, Chicago and New York.
According to Machin-Ward, another protest in South Lake Tahoe is currently in the works for May Day. More details to follow.
Along with carbohydrates and fats, protein is one of the three macronutrients our bodies need every day. Each gives us energy, but protein plays a special role in keeping our bodies strong and healthy.
Why Protein Matters
Protein helps build and repair tissues like muscle, skin, bones, and hair. It also helps your body make hormones, enzymes, and antibodies which support your metabolic health and immune system. Because of these important jobs, getting enough protein each day is essential.
Everyone’s protein needs are a little different. Age, activity level, and overall health can all affect how much you need. The general recommendation for adults is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This amount usually works for people who are less active.
Adults who are more active — like many people living in the Tahoe region — may need more. Pregnant women and adults over 50 years old also have higher needs. These groups may benefit from 1.1 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Spreading protein across all meals and snacks helps the body use it best.
Protein should make up about 10–35% of the calories you eat each day. For someone eating about 2,000 calories per day, protein intake usually ranges from 50 to 175 grams per day.
Protein in Foods
You can find protein in both animal and plant foods. While many packaged foods now boast added protein, it’s best to meet most of your needs with whole foods.
Here are some common sources:
3 oz cooked poultry, meat, or fish: 18–26 g
3 eggs: 18 g
1 cup Greek yogurt: 22 g
1 cup cottage cheese: 18 g
8 oz cow’s or soy milk: 8 g
1 cup cooked lentils, chickpeas or black beans: 13–18 g
½ cup tofu: 9 g
2 oz cooked whole wheat pasta: 8–10 g
1 oz nuts or 2 Tbsp nut butter: 7 g
½ cup quinoa or farro: 4 g
½ cup potato, corn or peas: 2–3 g
Balanced Meals
A meal with 3–4 ounces of cooked animal protein, plus whole grains or starchy veggies and a garden salad, will give you around 30 grams of protein. A vegetarian meal can also provide about 30 grams of protein. For example, try 1 cup of beans, 1 cup of cooked quinoa, and a garden salad with nuts.
Choosing leaner animal proteins — like fish, shellfish, skinless poultry, eggs, and non‑fat dairy — can also help keep saturated fat lower for overall health.
Protein needs vary from person to person. A registered dietitian can help you find the amount that’s right for your body and lifestyle.
Jen Trew is a registered dietitian nutritionist with Barton Health. Barton dietitians are available for consultation. For more information or to schedule nutrition counseling, call 530.543.5825 or visit BartonHealth.org.
One year ago, Joan, my wife of 58 years, died of complications related to multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that can often go undiagnosed until it begins to seriously damage one’s health, as it did in her case.
I didn’t know much about the disease at the time, but I’ve learned a lot since then. March is Myeloma Awareness Month, and I want to share information that may be helpful to others.
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can lead to bone lesions, including those in the spine. For the majority of patients, the most frequent early warning signs are:
Increased total protein and/or an increase in IgG or IgA levels
Abnormal protein in the urine
Unexplained anemia
Unexplained increase in serum creatinine
However, particularly in its early stages, multiple myeloma symptoms may be absent. Red flags that should warrant additional investigation include:
Fatigue, severe tiredness or lethargy
Frequent infections, fevers and/or chills
Persistent or recurrent unexplained back or other bone pain
Increased difficulty walking
Joan had most of these red-flag symptoms, and they worsened in the last years of her life. She experienced back pain for years and was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, for which she was prescribed physical therapy and pain medicine. Although her pain continued to worsen and her bloodwork showed signs of anemia, no one suggested the cause might be something more serious.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, yet many doctors encounter it infrequently, and it’s easy to confuse the symptoms with common symptoms of other illnesses and conditions, including arthritis, diabetes and Lyme disease.
Knowing what we know now, Joan should have undergone testing for multiple myeloma. Diagnosis typically involves several steps: blood and urine tests to detect abnormal proteins and irregular blood cell counts; a bone marrow biopsy to examine plasma cells; imaging scans to identify bone damage or tumors; and genetic testing to guide treatment decisions.
If testing had been done in a timely manner, Joan might have been diagnosed earlier. Though we’ll never know for sure, treatment could have lessened the suffering she experienced and extended her life.
As much as I would like a do-over, the best I can do now is to encourage others with symptoms of multiple myeloma to seek testing. As we grow older, it’s easy to believe that bone pain is simply a result of aging. But if you or a family member is experiencing pain without a clear underlying cause, or is experiencing pain alongside a constellation of other health issues, do not hesitate to ask for additional testing. That request could end up saving your life or the life of someone you love.
For further information, visit Blood Cancer United (bloodcancerunited.org) and the International Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org).
Tony Cupaiuolo, professor emeritus at Pace University, lives in South Lake Tahoe. He is a volunteer ambassador with Blood Cancer United.
Three Ways to Plan a Walkable Meeting Near Tahoe Blue Event Center
When your attendees can move from keynote to cocktails without waiting on a shuttle, everything clicks a little more easily. And when the lake is just down the block, even the space between agenda items starts to feel like part of the experience instead of time lost in transit.
That’s what makes meetings in South Lake Tahoe stand out. Tahoe Blue Event Center gives planners a flexible, state-of-the-art home base for conferences, conventions, sporting events, and large-scale gatherings, all within a walkable entertainment district filled with hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and lake views.
Below are example pairings based on planners’ most frequently requested event needs. The beauty of Tahoe’s ultra-walkable district is that these plans are simply starting points. Hotels, dining, and after-hours experiences can be mixed and matched to create the flow that fits your group best.
Option 1: Closest to the Action
Best for: Tight agendas, limited walking, and schedules that need everything right there.
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe and Bally’s Lake Tahoe Resort Casino put your attendees just steps from Tahoe Blue Event Center, making them especially convenient for expo-heavy programs, general sessions, and packed agendas where every minute matters. When people can get from their room to the venue in just a couple of minutes, the whole day feels easier.
Perfect pairings include:
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe: 500+ rooms, about a 2-minute walk from Tahoe Blue Event Center
Bally’s Lake Tahoe Resort Casino: 430 rooms, about a 2-minute walk and shares a parking lot with the event center
Ciera Steak + Chophouse: A AAA Four Diamond Award-winning steakhouse option for a more elevated group dinner
The Oyster Bar: A choice seafood spot inside Golden Nugget that adds variety without sacrificing convenience
Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger: A casual late-night option that’s open 24/7, perfect for your night-owls and early-risers.
Option 2: Dining, Nightlife, and Built-In Energy
Best for: Multi-track meetings, flexible agendas, and groups that want built-in dining and after-hours options.
Maybe you want walkability, but you also want more built into the experience. More breakout flexibility. More dining options. More ways for the evening to keep going once the badges come off.
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe and Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino make that kind of setup easy. Both are within a short walk of Tahoe Blue Event Center, giving planners room to build an event that feels connected without feeling confined. This is a great approach for meetings with layered agendas, multiple session types, or groups that want after-hours options baked right into the destination.
Perfect pairings include:
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe: 400 suites, about an 8-minute walk from Tahoe Blue Event Center
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe: 742 rooms, about a 7-minute walk from Tahoe Blue Event Center
Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Lake Tahoe: Perfect for a splashy hosted dinner
Wolf by Vanderpump: A stylish choice for VIP dinners or high-energy evenings
Lake Tahoe AleworX and Noel’s Apothecary: Go-to nightlife spots for post-event socializing without adding transportation to the mix
This option gives attendees options while keeping everyone in the same orbit. It lets your event expand naturally without losing that all-together feel.
Option 3: Lake-Centered Experiences
Best for: Executive gatherings, incentive-style programs, and events that want more of Tahoe built into the experience.
If you want attendees to feel Tahoe in a bigger way, consider staying nearby at The Landing Resort & Spa or Edgewood Tahoe Resort. Both keep Tahoe Blue Event Center close, but position the lake front and center in your overall program.
These properties are a natural fit for executive retreats, incentives, and programs with welcome receptions, VIP moments, or built-in scenic downtime. Edgewood delivers a luxury experience with direct lake access and golf course views, while The Landing offers a boutique, lakeside setting with a quieter, more intimate feel. As the furthest walk on this list, The Landing pairs well with Lake Link, Tahoe’s free on-demand shuttle, for easy transfers.
Perfect pairings include:
Edgewood Tahoe Resort: 154 rooms plus villas, about an 11-minute walk from Tahoe Blue Event Center
The Landing Resort & Spa: 82 rooms, approximately a 15-20 minute walk to Tahoe Blue Event Center. Lake Link recommended for some groups
JWB Prime Steak and Seafood: An upscale option for hosted dinners or executive groups
Lakeside Dining: California-inspired cuisine on the waterfront and on property at The Landing Resort.
Brooks’ Bar & Deck: A relaxed lake-and-golf-course atmosphere with unmistakable Tahoe character
This is where business and backdrop start to blur in the best way. A morning session can lead to a lakeside lunch. A productive day can end with sunset views and a dinner your attendees will actually remember.
A Smarter Way to Plan in South Lake Tahoe
Regardless of what you choose, South Lake Tahoe makes it easier to create meetings that feel connected, attendee-friendly, and distinctly elevated. Tahoe Blue Event Center gives you the anchor. The surrounding hotels, restaurants, and after-hours options help everything else fall into place.
Start your RFP with the Visit Lake Tahoe meetings team and plan a walkable agenda around Tahoe Blue Event Center for your next South Shore event.
At around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, an aircraft traveling from the Monterey Regional Airport to the Truckee Tahoe Airport crashed southwest of Olympic Valley in the Five Lakes area between White Wolf and Granite Chief Wilderness.
The pilot, killed in the crash, was the only person on board. The six-seat plane, a 1973 Beechcraft 36 Bonanza single-engine piston aircraft, was registered to James Wholey from Saratoga. Wholey is registered as the co-owner.
According to the Truckee Tahoe Airport, the aircraft was hangered at the airport. The accident occurred outside the Truckee airport’s airspace. The main investigators are the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.
CHP Air Operations out of Auburn and Care Flight performed the initial aerial search,
and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue was deployed to help with the rescue.
What’s with the lack of snow this winter in Truckee/Tahoe, and will it change the business of snow down the line?
These questions typically surface every time there’s a relatively warm winter, and/or one with little snow, and that has certainly been the case for winter 2025/26. Compared the 1991 to 2020 stretch of measurements, on March 22, 2026, the accumulated snowfall taken at UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab was 75 inches shy of the median.
A 25/26 WINTER PREDICTION: The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center issued a forecast for the 2025/26 season in November 2025, anticipating a La Niña year, which yields stronger trade winds pushing warm water toward Asia. The movement of cold water tends to bring drought in the southern U.S. and heavier precipitation in the north and Canada. Courtesy graphic
This winter was anticipated to be a La Niña year — a natural climate pattern known for colder sea temperatures, with wetter conditions in the northern parts of the U.S. and Canada, and warmer, drier conditions in the southern parts of the U.S. The Truckee/North Tahoe area held an equal chance of experiencing either set of conditions.
“The season started slower than expected with relatively dry conditions until the new year, when we saw as much as 10 to 12 feet of snow in a few days,” wrote Ski California President John Rice in an email. “Most resorts went from zero to 100, reminding us that it can take just one storm in the Sierras to get it started. We did not experience much weather between that event and the second major storm cycle that brought another 10 feet of snow, only to be followed up with several inches of rain.
“The season is not over yet,” he added. “We could still see a March Miracle or an April Fools snow event. The East Coast was favored by Mother Nature this winter over the West.”
AN EAST WIND: Jan. 8 at Palisades Tahoe featured a new east wind — seen here blowing snow from Headwall face toward and into Sun Bowl — signaled the onset of the high-pressure ridge that lasted until mid-February. Photo by Jon Grant/Moonshine Ink
Still, many local ski resorts are ending their seasons earlier than usual. Sierra-at-Tahoe closed March 22, its second-earliest closure ever after the 2014/15 winter. It’s impossible to separate low snow from our economies’ reliance on tourism — more than 60% of the Tahoe Basin’s economic output, the Tahoe Prosperity Center reports, relies on it. And in Truckee, tourism supported roughly 1,670 jobs and generated $63.7 million locally in 2024. With a 4.5-degree Fahrenheit increase in average daily minimum (nighttime) temperature since 1911, and increasingly fewer days when it’s even cold enough to snow, as the Tahoe Environmental Research Center reports, the business of winter can’t be static.
“The East Coast was favored by Mother Nature this winter over the West.”
~ John Rice, Ski California president
Various local resorts speak to their realities of the collectively less-than-impressive 25/26 winter, and what their mindsets are for future spring shoulder seasons that bloom earlier and earlier. Moonshine Ink reached out to multiple ski shops for additional comment, but they declined to comment.
“Despite being open only 84 days, it felt like a really great season,” said Molly Casper, the marketing and communications coordinator for Tahoe XC in Tahoe City, which closed on March 11. “We had some really great events … If you have enough packed snow and cold temperatures overnight, skiing is fantastic at Tahoe XC. The groomers were incredible. We stayed open as long as we could.”
Tahoe XC operates year-round, with mountain biking programming, nature camp, and other summertime opportunities. The nonprofit is also in the process of raising funds to open a new lodge near North Tahoe High School, “where we can support a more year-round business model and create longer-term employment for our employees,” Casper said. “I think that’s the real downside of being a seasonal business is not being able to sustain employment for as long as we want. The community really shows up and it’s impossible to say we had a bad winter with all that support but it’s bittersweet to end the season and not see each other every day.”
Even without snow, Tahoe XC is still hosting the Tahoe Nordic Expo on April 4. Casper said it was always known there might not be much snow by then, but events are happening regardless, including biathlon training, a backcountry clinic, a virtual panel, and a ton more.
Such warmer-weather approaches are common among “every resort in business today,” per Rice. “Some [are] more aggressive than others [in opportunities], with investments in mountain biking, sightseeing, hiking, events, weddings, and other activities,” Rice wrote. “Mountain playgrounds are in demand year around and ski resorts, especially those on public land, are ready to provide outdoor recreation without snow. Since ski resorts have the most to lose regarding climate change, we don’t get into the politics of the debate, rather focus on sustainability practices and use our position to educate our guests and employees to do their part to take care of our environment.”
8,260 FEET: With its high base elevation, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe received all snow (no rain) in the late-December storms and was fully open for the Christmas-New Year’s week, when this photo was taken. Photo by Jon Grant/Moonshine Ink
Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe has a different outlook on this winter, literally and figuratively.
“We do have our clear advantages during leaner times,” said Mike Pierce, marketing director for the resort, which has the area’s highest base elevation at 8,260 feet.
He said that his team is “fighting the PR battle” on the general perception that conditions aren’t ideal and it’s been a short winter. With about 240 inches of snow this season, Mt. Rose will likely stay open until April 26.
In general, he noted December was unique, with more competing ski teams from other resorts on the slopes than usual.
“The community really shows up and it’s impossible to say we had a bad winter with all that support but it’s bittersweet to end the season and not see each other every day.”
~ Molly Casper, Tahoe XC Marketing and Communications Coordinator
As for eyeing future warming, Pierce said Mt. Rose will continue its investment in snowmaking: “We have 80 guns on the hill, and we will continue with that.”
Rice echoed this snowmaking sentiment. “Snowmaking has come a long way with new technologies and ways to convert water to a frozen, non-consumptive use. As snow is stored on mountain slopes, it returns to the groundwater and rivers during as the snow melts.
Despite a slow start and few weather events, as well as tragedies like the avalanche at Castle Peak, Rice said the season has shown “a normal pattern of activity” and encouraged ongoing education, like through Ski California’s Mountain Safety Guide.
“Having worked in the ski industry for over 40 years, I have witnessed low snow, normal snow totals, and extreme snow seasons,” Rice wrote. “Weather is always changing, and the ski industry is always adapting. It’s important to remember that one season doesn’t signal a trend.”
As we approach the one-month commemoration of the avalanche at Perry’s Peak on Feb. 17, the Truckee/Tahoe community continues to grieve deeply after what is to date the deadliest avalanche in modern California history.
Nine individuals — six women who were part of a friend group on a backcountry skiing trip, and three mountain guides (two men and one woman) — were killed by an avalanche during whiteout winter conditions. All were described as passionate and skilled backcountry skiers.
Many questions remain, the most significant of which centers on why a group of knowledgeable skiers elected to venture out at all, and to take the path they did during dangerous winter conditions and amid an active avalanche warning. While the event itself remains under investigation on a multitude of fronts, with the possibility of lawsuits, enough core information about what took place exists to create a timeline of events.
Moonshine Ink conducted numerous interviews, reviewed reports, and sorted through volumes of information to better understand what happened on that snowy Tuesday in mid-February.
Sunday, Feb. 15, to Monday, Feb. 16
In the days leading up to Sunday, Sierra Avalanche Center forecasters note weak snowpack structures and flag them as “a concern for future storm-loading events,” adding that such layers in the past have contributed to avalanches.
At 6:49 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15 — a few short hours before four Blackbird Mountain Guides are scheduled to meet the groups they will guide —the Sierra Avalanche Center issues its first backcountry avalanche watch since Dec. 25, 2025.
“A powerful multi-day winter storm arrives this evening,” notes the report. “Snowfall is forecast to begin tonight and continue for several days.”
THREE DAYS LATER: On Friday, Feb. 20, helicopter crews were finally cleared to fly over the site of the Feb. 17 avalanche. By the time of this photo, additional snow had covered up signs of the avalanche (upper middle of this shot) and its debris. Mitigation efforts to curtail additional avalanches had not yet been performed. Photo courtesy Sierra Avalanche Center
Blackbird itself also calls for vigilance. On a social media post the same day, Blackbird guide Jan Czyzewski and founder and guide Zeb Blais post an observation from Mount Rose near Incline Village, saying, “Pay close attention to @savycenter and use extra caution this week!” and referencing a buried, weak, faceted layer in northerly aspects. “This weak layer could lead to some unpredictable avalanches!” reads text on the video. “Typically we’d expect small amounts of faceting between big storms, but with a crust and extended dry period for the month of January into February, faceting has been a driving force in the snowpack.
“The result is a particularly weak layer in many northerly aspects, across various elevation bands. As we move into a large storm cycle this week, pay close attention to places where faceting has been particularly strong — avalanches could behave abnormally, and the hazard could last longer than normal.”
Blackbird’s day-one itinerary for Frog Lake huts trips is to meet at a trailhead off I-80 in the morning, venture to the huts, unpack, and tour the area. “After we’ve had our fill of riding for the day,” the trip-specific website states, “we’ll settle back into the huts and prepare for dinner.”
According to Strava data from Blackbird guide Niki Choo, one of two who guided the group of eight female friends, Choo’s group begins its tour from the Donner Summit SNO-Park. About 4 miles later, after slipping down into the Frog Lake basin via Frog Lake Notch (a steep gully beneath Perry’s Peak), they likely drop gear off at the huts before setting out for another 2.5 mile-loop around Perry’s Peak, back to the notch, and down to the huts.
The following morning, Feb. 16, Choo’s Strava data shows another tour, this one 5 miles long in the Horse Hill area northeast of Frog Lake. While Monday begins the start of a five-day snowstorm that will become the third-snowiest on record, only 2 inches fall on this day, according to OpenSnow.
Horrific conditions, just whiteout conditions. It’s a known area where we have a lot of search and rescue missions — that Castle Peak, Peter Grubb Hut, Frog Lake Hut area — so we train in that area; they knew the terrain. That doesn’t make it easier for them with the snow conditions and wind conditions. What was going through my mind is hopefully they can get there, to the six that were sheltering in place.”
~ Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon
Three modern huts are available for booking at Frog Lake, a circular, subalpine lake northwest of Donner Lake by about 3.5 miles, all owned and managed by Truckee Donner Land Trust. In total, 20 guests can sleep across the huts, each of which provides electrical outlets, flushing toilets, hot and cold water, gas stoves, and other amenities.
Serving as the communal space is the Eschenbach Backcountry House, providing a kitchen, fireplace, sitting areas, and map room for planning out recreation options. The Ginger Hut is a renovated summer cabin from before the land trust purchased the site, and is where “hutmeisters” stay to offer a mixture of hospitality and maintenance for guests.
TDLT staff said the majority of reservations are claimed months in advance, with any remaining spots filling in from there.
“[There are] closed periods in the spring and fall for maintenance, admin, and the general challenges of getting there in between [seasons],” said Greyson Howard, communications director for the land trust. “We’ve typically seen both summer and winter over 80% to over 90% occupancy.”
Various guide service options are available, though not required, to reach Frog Lake, particularly helpful for those with “concerns about safety or navigation in visiting the backcountry huts,” as stated on the land trust website, which also lists the following guide options (completely separate from land trust operations): North American Ski Training & Climbing, Alpenglow Expeditions, Alpine Skills International, Tahoe Mountain School, Blackbird Mountain Guides (which offers gear/food porter services), Backcountry Babes, and Dirt Gypsy Adventures (a trailhead shuttle).
Such guiding companies will make reservations for groups just like any guest would.
THE VIEW FROM THE NOTCH: Skier Miles Barker looks out over Frog Lake in December 2024. Routes into the area via trails from the north and northwest often result in skiers dropping down into what’s called Frog Lake Notch, the top of which is pictured here. Courtesy photo
Tuesday, Feb. 17
The Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC) is one of 14 Forest Service avalanche centers in the U.S.
Forecasting and potentially issuing avalanche watches and warnings starts with daily field work and monitoring the snowpack from the beginning of the winter to late April. SAC observers go out into the forecast area, which comprises 1,500 square miles in the greater Lake Tahoe area, from Yuba Pass on Highway 49 to the north to Ebbetts Pass on Highway 4 in the south. Forecasters observe the weather, the snowpack, and any other signs of instability in the snow.
Next, SAC takes the day’s observations, along with their expertise, and uses a tool called the Conceptional Model of Avalanche Hazard. The CMAH identifies the key components of avalanche hazard and structures them into a systematic, consistent workflow for hazard and risk assessments. There are four sequential questions to answer when assessing avalanche hazard:
What type of avalanche problem(s) exists?
Where are these problems located in the terrain?
How likely is it that an avalanche will occur? and
How big will the avalanche be?
“From that, we can figure out our avalanche problems and move from there to the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale,” SAC lead forecaster Brandon Schwartz said.
The NAPADS is a system that rates avalanche danger and provides general travel advice based on the likelihood, size, and distribution of expected avalanches. It consists of five levels, from least to highest amount of danger: 1 (low), 2 (moderate), 3 (considerable), 4 (high), and 5 (extreme). Danger ratings are typically provided for three distinct elevation bands. Although the danger ratings are assigned numerical levels, the danger increases exponentially from one to the next. In other words, the hazard rises dramatically in the higher levels on the scale.
Also factored into SAC’s forecasting is the snowpack history of the season to date combined with what occurred at weather stations overnight, such as wind. SAC works closely with the National Weather Service in Reno. In the afternoon, avalanche forecasters meet to discuss the information gathered that morning and see what other observations come in over the course of the day.
“And then the following morning, the forecaster who was authoring the [forecast] is looking at what happened overnight on weather stations in terms of temperatures, winds, snowfall, looking at cloud cover,” Schwartz said. “And then looking at the day’s weather forecast from the National Weather Service, getting on the phone with them for any clarifying questions, potentially jumping into an online chat with other forecasters to get consensus about any last-minute variables that may be dependent upon the weather forecast, and then moving forward on authoring the day’s avalanche forecast.”
The forecasts are issued by 7 a.m. every morning.
Avalanche watches are issued first, in advance of anticipated storms. Warnings, meanwhile, are issued the same day as dangerous, extreme conditions are occurring or highly likely. Avalanche warnings are pushed out through the National Weather Service on high (4) and extreme (5) days because of its reach to the media, according to Schwartz. If a storm fizzles out or changes direction or intensity, the watch expires and no warning is issued.
“Then the cycle starts over again and we go back in the field, try and get information to verify the day’s forecast, and gather more information to move forward to the next 24-hour cycle,” Schwartz said.
6:29 a.m.
Early the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 17, SAC rates the avalanche danger a 4 at all three elevation levels (above, near, and below treeline). A critical warning, authored by Schwartz, is issued for the Tahoe/Truckee area:
“Travel in, near, or below avalanche terrain is not recommended today. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected over the next 24 hours. Large avalanches may run through treed areas. If attempting travel today in non-avalanche terrain, be certain that there are no steeper slopes connected to the terrain you are traveling, either above or to the side.”
An additional line in the avy report reads: “Anticipate that any organized rescue efforts may be significantly delayed or may not occur if you experience a mishap in the backcountry under these conditions.”
HUNKERED DOWN: The three huts available for rent opened for visitors in 2022, though the Truckee Donner Land Trust was considering the general concept of hut construction even before the June 2020 land purchase. Twenty guests total can sleep in the trio of buildings. Photo courtesy land trust
During winter, SAC’s daily avalanche report is available to Frog Lake guests. Some told the Ink the report is printed out and posted in the Eschenbach Backcountry House each morning, others said an iPad with internet access is available for guests’ use, and the report is accessible from there.
The Truckee Donner Land Trust lists three winter over-snow routes to reach the Frog Lake huts: from the Castle Peak and Johnson Canyon trailheads, and a Donner Summit Rest Area route. (Based on Choo’s Strava data, the group did not follow any of these trails exactly to reach the huts on day one, though the Donner Summit Rest Area route is closest in alignment.)
No route recommendations are provided to groups by hutmeisters.
At 7:30 a.m., California Highway Patrol – Truckee announces the closure of Interstate 80 to big rigs at Alta eastbound and Nevada stateline westbound. By 11:05 a.m., the freeway is completely closed “due to whiteout conditions and poor visibility.”
Checkout of the huts is by 10 a.m., though based on reporting by the New York Times, the 15 skiers — two touring groups combined into one for the departure — reach the ridge of Perry’s Peak, 500 feet above the huts, around 10 a.m.
“Guests are able to stay at the hut longer in the event of conditions preventing them from leaving,” the land trust shared in an email. “There is emergency food/water available.”
Jim Zellers — a pioneering big-mountain snowboarder and mountaineer who holds first snowboard descents of Mt. McKinley, Mt. Kenya, and New Zealand’s Mt. Cook, among others — has been based in Truckee/Tahoe for most of his adult life.
“I was out [Feb. 17] too,” Zellers said of a backcountry tour he and his wife, Bonnie, went on in Ward Canyon. “It was pretty much a whiteout, so if you were too far from your partner you couldn’t see them.”
He possesses vast backcountry experience in, and knowledge of, the Castle Peak area where the avalanche occurred. He has been to the Frog Lake huts “maybe 40 times,” both stopping in on day trips as well as for multiple-night stays.
“I’ve hiked up exactly where it took place,” he said of the avalanche site. He pointed out its unique and dangerous cross-loaded nature — the snow not exclusively accumulating directly over the ridge and vertically, but from side-to-side as well, adding pressure to the snowpack. “It was a few years ago, we skinned right across it. Bonnie and I got up there and we were like, ‘Whoa, this is a whole cross-loaded slope.’ It’s not super obvious from afar, but when you’re right there in it, you can definitely see it and feel it.”
Perry’s Peak is the 8,320-foot-tall peak overlooking the north-northwest side of Frog Lake. The name, not an official U.S. Department of Agriculture-recognized one, is an honorific to Perry Norris, former longtime executive director of the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
Zellers stated that he knows other skiers and riders who have also experienced what he and Bonnie felt that day on the slope, but that it has remained a relatively widely traveled exit path from the huts.
“I love going out that way,” he said. “It’s truly one of the more peaceful, beautiful ways going out.”
Roughly 11 a.m.
As of press deadline, it remains unknown what triggered the Perry’s Peak Avalanche, since ongoing snowfall after the event covered evidence.
What is known is that while the group is passing downslope of Perry’s Peak, close to the Red Dot Trail, the avalanche breaks loose — ending up the length of a football field and 6.5 feet deep, classified as a D2.5 soft-slab slide (a D3 avalanche is powerful enough to destroy a building).
Thirteen members of the 15-person party are caught in the slide, which descends 400 feet from the peak on a 38-degree slope. With terrain traps on the sides, all the snow is funneled into a very narrow area and condensed considerably into a depression, resulting in a debris field in a small box area of less than 30 by 30 feet.
According to New York Times interviews, one buried individual — Anton Auzans — digs himself out and he, along with the two not caught in the avalanche, including Jim Hamilton, unburies others, among them three alive.
Those under the snow have about a 47% chance of survival upon initial burial, according to the American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education. After 10 minutes completely buried, those odds drop significantly.
11:30:58 a.m.
The Times further reported that Auzans is the one who calls 911 dispatch to report the avalanche and that nine or 10 people remain buried.
From there, incident details obtained by Moonshine Ink show the steps taken to maintain communication with the party, coordinate additional responders, and home in on the exact location of the survivors for rescue.
Within five minutes of the 911 call, requests for assistance start rolling out to Cal Fire, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Forty-six personnel begin to respond immediately.
The Garmin emergency beacon belonging to one party member’s husband is activated and reported to Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
Between 12 and 1 p.m., incident command (IC) is established at the Alder Creek Adventure Center, about 4 miles away from the avalanche site as the crow flies. Boreal Mountain California (about 3 miles away) serves as the staging area.
“We staged at two areas because we deployed ski teams from two areas — both Alder Creek Adventure Center and Boreal,” shared Nevada County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Ashley Quadros in an email. “Reaching the survivors as soon as possible was the goal to prevent further loss of life. IC locations vary by incident and could be at a staging area or at a different location altogether depending on the circumstances at hand. Accessibility and available resources for IC are common factors.”
12:41 p.m.
The party of six survivors stays in contact with dispatch via call, text, and satellite phone. It’s about 20 minutes before 1 p.m. that the surviving guide, who serves as the main point of contact, informs 911 that they’ve moved away from the avalanche debris to a spot among trees.
Snow continues to fall heavily, with low visibility.
Victims are buried beneath between 5 and 8 feet of snow. Per the AIARE, a 6-foot deep burial requires moving at least 10,000 pounds of snow. The survivors also face the threat of another potential avalanche sweeping in from above.
Off the mountain, search and rescue teams are permitted by Caltrans to pass through traffic control on I-80.
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HEADING OUT: On Tuesday, Feb. 17, at about 3 p.m., search and rescue teams deployed from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Alder Creek Adventure Center, each a few miles away from the incident location. Their goal: to extract the six known survivors. A Sno-Cat team also launched from the adventure center. Photos courtesy Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
HEADING OUT: On Tuesday, Feb. 17, at about 3 p.m., search and rescue teams deployed from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Alder Creek Adventure Center, each a few miles away from the incident location. Their goal: to extract the six known survivors. A Sno-Cat team also launched from the adventure center. Photos courtesy Nevada County Sheriff’s Office
3 p.m.
The following is recorded on the incident’s event log by NCSO:
[Search and Rescue] teams are deploying from Boreal as well as from Alder Creek Adventure Center (editor’s note: a Sno-Cat team also launches from Alder Creek). [A unit] is in contact with iPhone emergency services as they are in good satellite text contact with one of the subjects in the field. Advised six subjects are accounted for out of the group. The six are remaining put, one subject advised he was coughing up blood, no other injuries reported.
The subjects advised they cannot pinpoint the location of where subjects are possibly buried due to snowfall.
The six subjects are in the trees at the base of the avalanche and possibly made a makeshift shelter with a yellow tarp.
Also part of this update is the arrival of two Blackbird Mountain Guides members at the incident command center. These two want to deploy into the field but are advised not to. “The guides deployed into the field anyway,” is noted in the log. Blackbird did not respond to Moonshine’s request for comment.
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ANNOTATED TRAGEDY: Photos and illustrations provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center show the likely start zone and debris field of the avalanche. Courtesy photos
ANNOTATED TRAGEDY: Photos and illustrations provided by the Sierra Avalanche Center show the likely start zone and debris field of the avalanche. Courtesy photos
5:36 p.m.
More than six hours after the avalanche, search and rescue makes contact with the survivors. The Sno-Cat team from Alder Creek advances 2 miles, then skis in the remainder of the way.
“Horrific conditions, just whiteout conditions,” Sheriff Moon describes. “It’s a known area where we have a lot of search and rescue missions — that Castle Peak, Peter Grubb Hut, Frog Lake hut area — so we train in that area; they knew the terrain. That doesn’t make it easier for them with the snow conditions and wind conditions. What was going through my mind is hopefully they can get there, to the six that were sheltering in place.”
First aid is administered, eight deceased individuals in total are accounted for, and the group is escorted out back to the Sno-Cat. Two of the six, explains Moon, are not mobile; they cannot walk because of their avalanche injuries. “We were able to safely get them the 2 miles from that location to the Sno-Cat and four others were able to get to the Sno-Cat themselves.”
A little before 11 p.m., Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reports the rescue of six avalanche survivors, and that two of the six have been transported to Tahoe Forest Hospital.
Estimated snowfall calculations for Tuesday at Castle Peak, per OpenSnow: 22 inches.
THE INCIDENT: Locations and routes taken by those involved in the avalanche at Perry’s Peak on Feb. 17. Alleged exit route is based on reporting by The New York Times. Information presented is to the best of our knowledge. Map courtesy Google Earth/illustrated by Lauren Shearer/Moonshine Ink
Wednesday, Feb. 18, to Thursday, Feb. 19
The six survivors have been rescued, but there is still more work to do for responders. They need to safely access the avalanche zone to recover the nine bodies of those killed in the slide — one of whom has not yet been located.
Adding to the complexities, several feet of additional snow have fallen since the avalanche occurred. Thus, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, lead agency on the incident, must evaluate the scene and ensure that the area is safe for searchers before sending them back out again. This includes avalanche mitigation.
“We have to reach people before we can help rescue people,” Moon says. “And those decisions are made on-scene by the folks that are going to be getting deployed and making sure they have the right equipment, the right training, and the confidence that they can reach the folks … Last night, I commend them for knowing that they had six people that had survived and they wanted to get there as soon as they could. They took some risks, clearly.
“Today, looking at it, the risk is still as high with the mission moving to a recovery; we want to really make sure that our first responders are safe.”
As of 6:52 a.m. Wednesday morning, the SAC’s avalanche warning remains in place, stating “increased uncertainty exists with ongoing reactivity of these buried weak layers under this large storm snow load. The potential continues for large to very large avalanches occurring in the backcountry today.”
Weather, too, remains a challenge. Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo says, “Unfortunately we’re kind of at the will of Mother Nature at this point, and going to have to wait for hopefully a decent break in the weather and make sure we get every last soul off that mountain.”
Just after 8:30 a.m., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is notified. When a workplace incident results in a death, or a serious event causes the hospitalization of three or more employees, an immediate, mandatory OSHA investigation is triggered.
At about 11 a.m., Sheriff Moon says Blackbird “has been very cooperative, providing us the individual information from their trip. They also had members arrive at our location when we deployed into the field and they responded with us. They wanted to do everything they could to assist.”
Multiple attempts to deploy helicopters to perform reconnaissance of the incident area, check for travel routes, and search for the remaining individual have failed.
The National Guard and California Highway Patrol are marked as “unable to fly.” Placer County Sheriff’s Office’s Falcon 30 “is unavailable.”
Initially, Care Flight Truckee plans to fly out two observers, but by 3:30 p.m., that reconnaissance is also delayed. Washoe County Sheriff’s Office: unable to fly.
“Due to hazardous weather conditions,” Quadros shares in a press release, “avalanche victims cannot be safely extracted off the mountain today.”
Circa 10 minutes to 4 p.m., the National Air Guard is established as accepting helicopter recon for Friday, Feb. 20.
Thursday morning, the U.S. Forest Service issues a closure on National Forest lands and trails near Castle Peak. The closure is planned through March 15 or until public safety measures are mitigated.
“Due to the current instability of the snowpack and need to prioritize first responder access to the area, members of the public are prohibited from entering the closure area during search and rescue operations,” the announcement says.
OSHA opens its investigation.
In the late afternoon on Thursday, families of six avalanche victims release a statement, which reads in part:
We have many unanswered questions, but here is what we know at this time: Eight close friends planned a professionally guided, two-night backcountry hut trip to Frog Lake huts outside Truckee, California. The trip had been organized well in advance. They were experienced backcountry skiers who deeply respected the mountains. They were trained and prepared for backcountry travel and trusted their professional guides on this trip. They were fully equipped with avalanche safety equipment.
~ From the families of Carrie Atkin, Liz Clabaugh, Danielle Keatley, Kate Morse, Caroline Sekar, Kate Vitt
That evening, Blackbird founder and local Zeb Blais releases a statement that all guides were either trained with American Mountain Guides Association or certified in backcountry skiing, and that each was an instructor with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education.
“In addition,” the release stated, “guides in the field are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions. There is still a lot that we’re learning about what happened. It’s too soon to draw conclusions, but investigations are underway.”
Friday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 21
The UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab reports that from Feb. 16 to the morning of Friday, Feb. 20, a total of 111 inches of snow have fallen, making it the third-snowiest five-day period on record.
To ensure the safety of search and rescue teams recovering the remaining bodies, the sheriff’s office considers several methods for performing avalanche control leading up to Friday, including use of explosives, according to Quadros. The agency that answers the call in the required timeline is none other than California’s largest utility company.
“Ultimately, PG&E ended up being the quickest viable option,” Quadros wrote in an email.
DANGER ZONE: Avalanche mitigation operations on Feb. 20 were conducted in partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric, using two helicopters with Bambi Bucktes. Crews relied exclusively on water dumps to improve snow stability. Courtesy photo
Friday brings clear skies, meaning flights are a go. First, CHP and Care Flight conduct reconnaissance missions of the Castle Peak area above Frog Lake. On board the Care Flight helicopter are two ski patrollers: Chad Weiland, a Care Flight paramedic and Sugar Bowl patroller, and Ivan McGurk, a Palisades Tahoe patroller and volunteer with Nevada County Sheriff Search and Rescue. McGurk is also a member of the Care Flight Crew Card program, which authorizes specially trained personnel to be transported by Care Flight to incidents such as the Castle Peak avalanche.
The flight lasts about 20 minutes, from 11:19 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.
“We flew to the scene and assessed the slope for avalanche hazards,” Weiland said at the Feb. 20 NCSO press conference. “We circled Perry’s Peak several times and flew into the valley to survey the full avalanche path. The purpose of the flight was to provide aerial visibility of the terrain features and recommendations for appropriate avalanche mitigation.”
Weiland told Moonshine Ink that he and McGurk observed that the slide path was heavily wind loaded.
“We saw the primary avalanche path on that slope, it was north-northwest facing,” he said, explaining that the face gets a lot of wind scouring. “The wind loading was definitely more pronounced than I expected it to be on that slope.”
The Care Flight crew could not see the debris from the avalanche since it was in the trees and it had snowed more since the incident, nor could they see the crown at the top. But Weiland said he was surprised that the avalanche path appeared smaller than he expected it to be.
“It’s a well-known avalanche path, but it’s relatively small,” he said. “It connects to other potential avalanche paths, sort of skiers’ right of that path. The size of the path … almost was undersized for the incident, is how it felt to me.”
Close to 3 p.m., NCSO alerts the public that avalanche mitigation is beginning.
After the recon information is relayed to PG&E, the company flies two of its helicopters — a UH60 Black Hawk and a Bell 407 — from its base at the Red Bluff Airport 36 miles south of Redding to Truckee. The helicopters conduct an overview of the scene before starting PG&E’s unique form of avalanche control — rather than explosives, using buckets of water.
The Black Hawk helicopter is equipped with a 150-foot-long line attached to a Bambi Bucket, which is used to pick up 660 gallons of water from a small, nearby lake that isn’t frozen for a series of seven water drops, resulting in a total of 4,600 gallons of water.
A Bambi Bucket is a lightweight, collapsible, helicopter-slung device used for aerial firefighting, capable of carrying anywhere from 72 to over 2,600 gallons of water.
While these water drops are routinely implemented to fight fires, since 2023 PG&E has also used them for avalanche control at its Helms Pumped Storage Facility located at 8,100 feet in the Sierra National Forest above Fresno.
“Our goal was making the area safe for the search and rescue teams to go in and recover the victims,” said Pete Anderson, PG&E senior manager of helicopter operations, in a press release.
Anderson, who has been with PG&E for 29 years, described this as his proudest moment at the company.
“We played a small part in helping these people get back with their families,” he said.
Using water drops for avalanche mitigation is rare.
“This was the first I’d ever heard of it being used,” said Weiland, a seven-year ski patroller. “It’s really creative, but it’s sort of an unstudied mitigation technique.”
SAC reports that no additional avalanches are triggered by the water drops, making it safe for rescuers to enter the area and retrieve the bodies.
Five of the nine deceased individuals are recovered, and the last body is located.
Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announces its launch of an investigation into whether there is criminal negligence involved with the event.
The following day, Saturday, Feb. 21, the National Guard and CHP recover the last four bodies through a combination of aerial operations and snowcats driven to Frog Lake. The multi-day search-and-rescue effort concludes at 10:58 a.m.
The nine deceased individuals are identified and their information is released to the public:
Andrew Alissandratos (34) of Verdi, Nev.
Carrie Atkin (46) of Soda Springs
Nicole (Niki) Choo (42) of South Lake Tahoe
Lizabeth (Liz) Clabaugh (52) of Boise, Idaho
Michael Henry (30) of Soda Springs
Danielle Keatley (44) of Soda Springs and Larkspur, Calif.
Kate Morse (45) of Soda Springs and Tiburon, Calif.
Caroline Sekar (45) of Soda Springs and San Francisco
Katherine Vitt (43) of Greenbrae, Calif.
Alissandratos, Choo, and Henry were Blackbird Mountain Guides.
The agencies involved with response, rescue, and avalanche mitigation were: Nevada County Sheriff’s Office; Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue; Placer County Sheriff’s Office; Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue; Washoe County Sheriff’s Office; Washoe County Search and Rescue; California’s Governor’s Office of Emergency Services; California Highway Patrol Air Operations; Care Flight Truckee, a service of REMSA Health; Pacific Gas & Electric; United States Forest Service; California State Parks; Truckee Fire; OpenSnow; Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center; Boreal Mountain Ski Resort; Truckee Tahoe Airport; Town of Truckee; Truckee Police Department; Truckee Donner Land Trust; and California National Guard.
IN REMEMBRANCE: Roughly 500 people showed up the evening of Sunday, Feb. 22, to a vigil in downtown Truckee to commemorate the avalanche victims. Photo by Ted Coakley III/Moonshine Ink
Sunday, Feb. 22
A vigil, hosted by the Town of Truckee, is held Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at the eagle statue in Downtown Truckee to commemorate those lost in the avalanche. An estimated 500 people attend.
Monday, Feb. 23
The U.S. Forest Service lifts its closure on all Tahoe National Forest lands and trails in the Castle Peak area.
Friday, Feb. 27
SAC forecasters and search and rescue teams return to the avalanche site. SAR members dig out the victims’ remaining equipment — mostly skis and poles — while the forecasters gather additional data on the terrain.
Ongoing (as of press deadline)
SAC continues to work on the incident report, which will document the details of what the forecasters have named as the Perry’s Peak Avalanche, including contributing factors to the event.
Blackbird Mountain Guides issue a sorrowful statement on the loss of its three guides, and stated it is not accepting new reservations at this time.
The incident remains under investigation through the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, as well as by OSHA — limiting many individuals in speaking with Moonshine Ink.
“We are looking to determine if there were any factors that would be considered criminal negligence,” Quadros wrote. “It is too early to know if criminal charges will be applicable, as the investigation is preliminary and remains active and ongoing.”
This winter was a wake-up call for me. The unseasonably warm temperatures that became ubiquitous with every weather report, the fall weather that dragged into the end of December, and rain instead of snow all led me to an uncomfortable realization — climate change is here. Now I find myself grappling with the reality of our changing climate as both a ski industry professional and an environmental journalist. I am beginning to find these markedly separate careers colliding in ways I hoped they never would.
In 2023, when I first began my foray into journalism and transitioned from full-time ski patroller to full-time student and part-time patroller, I wrote an article for a science reporting class at UNR on a study published in the scientific journal Climate Dynamics. My article was titled Must Go Higher: New Study Predicts Warmer Winters and Higher Snowlines for the Tahoe Basin. I thought the portrait of a Tahoe that was impacted by climate change was still in a very far-off future. I was wrong.
When I found more dirt than snow this past December and opted for hiking and biking in place of skiing, I couldn’t help but think back to the lines I wrote just a few seasons ago:
“A study tracked the snowpack in the Sierra over the past 70 years and found a stark rise in snowlines … Under unabated climate change conditions, the Sierrawill lose approximately 57 percent of their snowpack in the second half of the 21st century.
“Most of this snow loss is predicted to happen during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring, and at mid-elevations. Not only would the ski season window shrink, but so will the area of skiable terrain as snow becomes relegated to the highest and coldest of elevations and the chilliest of months.”
This fall, I kept waiting for that feeling of a cold breeze on my face or a frosty morning with the delicious crunch of frozen earth underfoot to tell me winter was on the horizon. When halfway through December the mountains were still mostly bare and instead of snow I had fresh strawberries in my garden in Carson City and confused irises sprouting out of the earth, I began to officially freak out.
A small bit of solace came from scientist Benjamin Hatchett of Colorado State University. He reminded me that recency and confirmation biases can play a large part in our perception and that unless I had specific long-term data surrounding said strawberry harvest, it could have some aspects of natural variability entwined in it, alongside climate change.
One piece of relief came when I asked him about the long dry spells we had earlier this season. He had run the numbers.
“So, I just took the longest dry spell period of each winter and then you see if there’s a long-term trend there. And, so, we don’t see a signal for the dry spells getting longer with time, which is good. There is a lot of variability, which is not surprising,” Hatchett said.
GOT DIRT? Dirt patches dot the southeast-side face of a peak in the Tahoe National Forest this winter.
Although that high pressure system may have turned out to just be a dry spell, it did also serve as a potential dry run for what we may see under a warmer, less snowy future.
“We should learn from what happened in these low snow years because that’s what we expect to see more of,” said Hatchett. “So, how do we manage that in different ways? How do we try to ski what you can? And use the water more wisely?”
Whether a dry spell is a dry run for the future or not, this winter’s warm start gave many of us a run for our money, literally. Seasonal workers can relate to the anxiety of a shoulder season that drags on. As a seasonal employee, you rely on stacking cash in the peak summer months to squeak through the lean season into winter where the promise of work awaits come November.
But halfway through December this year, most mountains were only operating at a fraction of their footprint, if at all. The high season was around the corner, but we were missing a very important element — snow. For many, it was either get another job, dig into savings — if there are any — or fill out unemployment paperwork.
This loss of revenue is costing the economy millions: around $252 million annually to be exact, according to the 2024 article How Climate Change Is Damaging the US Ski Industry. The piece, published in the peer-reviewed journal Current Issues in Tourism, found that by the 2050s, ski seasons are projected to shorten between 27 to 62 days under unabated climate change, resulting in a loss of over a billion dollars annually. This is for the industry as a whole, but I fear what the local implications will be.
A FINE LINE: Much of the area’s terrain is at mid-elevations.
I return to my words from seasons ago:
“Much of the Tahoe Basin’s skiable terrain is at mid elevations, but it is these precise elevations that are now hanging in a delicate balance, dancing a fine line between above and below freezing temperatures.
“The Central Sierra snow line currently sits at an average between 7,380 – 8,200 feet above sea level during the peak snow season. In the second half of the century, that number is projected to rise to between 8,690 and 9,020 feet.
“This spells trouble for the Basin, as the majority of Lake Tahoe’s skiable terrain is between lake level at 6,225 feet and around 9,000 feet.”
Put simply, we are going to run out of mountain.
Andrew Schwartz, director of the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Laboratory and Protect Our Winters science alliance member, already sees the writing in the snowpack.
“We are starting to see our winter precipitation switch to more rain than snow,” Schwartz said. “We see the shoulder season — months like October, November, May, April — those are transitioning really quickly. Even December is moving very quickly towards a rain-dominated month. And those signals are from the 1970s forward. They’re also accelerating.”
It’s not just scientists who are witnessing this but many other ski and snow professionals. Brennan Lagasse, a professional ski guide with decades of experience in the Sierra and a sustainability professor at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe, said: “You’re losing quite a bit of skiing from lake-level up right now. In Lake Tahoe, a great but sad example is Homewood … Homewood skis right down to lake level. Over the past few years… we’re getting much more rain on snow events than we have in the past.”
The probable future of snow in the region is laid out in stark detail in the 2021 scientific paper A Low-To-No Snow Future and Its Impacts on Water Resources in the Western United States, published in Nature. And for someone who loves and relies on snow for enjoyment and employment, the future is pretty damn bleak.
The paper stated that the onset of low-to-no-snow seasons will occur in the 2060s for most basins in the American West, but in California this will appear in the late 2040s. And under unabated climate change, or business as usual conditions, we have between 35 and 60 years before low-to-no snow becomes persistent across the West. In addition, the article found that in the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada, around 45% of losses are expected by 2050.
In other words, unless drastic reduction in emissions happens, and fast, our snowpack is f*cked.
The authors did caution that the exact time frame of the emergence of these low-to-no-snow conditions is highly variable based on the models used. Regardless, the question is no longer if but when.
“Realistically speaking in the West, we’re kind of at a tipping point. We’ve seen climate change impact our winters. We’ve seen that start to accelerate,” Schwartz said. “Around 2025 to 2035 is when this is going to really shift how our winters look in California and the Western U.S.”
He added that although there is not necessarily an average year, especially with the boom-and-bust nature of the Sierra Nevada snow patterns, that as climate change progresses there will be even larger variability.
“It’s not to say that we won’t get snow, but it’s going to be kind of punctuated by bigger periods of rain and warmer temperatures,” Schwartz explained. “I think this year’s a really good analog for what we’re going to see more of in the future before we transition to being rain-dominated towards the end of the century.”
Having the understanding I do of snow and how resorts function through my experience as a patroller both within the Tahoe Basin and internationally, to say I am concerned is an understatement. I don’t think people realize how quickly this is barreling toward us. I know I didn’t.
“I always tell people, if you want to know what is to be expected for the future of winter, look at what all the ski resorts are doing, and they’re all installing mountain bike trails,” Schwartz said.
The Tahoe Basin is changing. Our snowpack is changing.
EARLY SPRING: Thin snow cover is seen above Donner Lake and along highway 80 in early February. Photo courtesy Kat Fulwider
Perhaps it is apropos that when I wrote that initial article, it too marked a transition in my career from the ski world to journalism. Just a couple of seasons ago, the impacts of climate change seemed far away. Somehow it feels closer now. I knew I would always worry for the next generation’s future, but it’s happening before our eyes. And this season it hit me, and now I worry about not only my future, but that of my friends and my colleagues, and for our careers.
Now as I revisit this original article again, likely with many more climactic and personal transformations looming on the horizon, I am discovering yet another newfound perspective. Among all this worry and fear, there also lives an inextinguishable spark of hope, of joy for the sport in whatever form it takes. And even as the future warms, this spark is stoking a fire in me to get after it, and to ski ’em while I got ’em.
A stacked astrological deck greets us March 12 in the ephemeral, dreamy, mutable waters of Pisces — as Mars, the north node, Mercury retrograde, and the sun are all now moving through it. Aries, Pisces’ neighboring and fiercely initiating cardinal fire sign, holds a lineup of Neptune, Saturn, Venus, and Chiron. With most planets in their two territories, these powerful and fundamentally different archetypes will shape the astral tides of this season. You may feel pulled to meditate, dream, and commune with universal truths one day while sensing an urgent desire to act, to initiate, and to take charge the next day.
March 18 brings a sweet, creative new moon in Pisces. Mercury remains retrograde in Pisces until March 20, the very day the sun enters Aries to mark the spring equinox. The following day, the sun joins with Neptune — amplifying imagination, vision, and the collective consciousness. Inspiration will run high, but clarity will require discernment, both personally and in the world at large.
On March 24 the sun meets Saturn, the planet of responsibility and structure. This might feel like a “testing energy,” with extra effort being required to both keep your cool and maintain forward progress. A beautiful full moon in the Venus-ruled sign of Libra invites balance, beauty, and harmony on April. 1.
NATURAL MAGIC
The ancient Celtic name for the spring equinox is Ostara, and it is a beautiful time to plant seeds while naming intentions for the coming cycles of your life. On the morning of March 20, gather seeds, soil, containers, a small bowl of water along with paper (divided into small pieces), and a pen.
Write out at least four qualities that you wish to cultivate, such as peace, love, connection, and/or prosperity. Place the pieces of paper in the bottom of your container and gently layer soil on top of them. Hold one seed at your heart for each intention and, as you plant them one by one, name the energy you are planting. Press the seeds into the soil, and water them in. As you pour the water, recite aloud, “As these plants grow from soil, so do my intentions manifest in my life.”
Under the Libra full moon on April 1, light a white or pink candle. Write one relationship pattern you are ready to release and one pattern within yourself you wish to strengthen. Offer gratitude for the opportunity to grow and to be of greater service to those you love — and then burn the paper.
