SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s (TRPA) hearing on Thursday showed that the property owners are willing to work with the public and retain their access to the “Pie Shop Boulders” through their site. However, the hearing officer determined that the site would not receive a special zoning.
The Pie Shop Boulders are accessible through the property on 1663 Sawmill Road, which has been privately owned since at least 1963. However, because it has been vacant and undeveloped, the public has accessed the site to climb the boulders since the 1970s, if not earlier.
During the hearing, the officer noted that over 70 comments were received from the public. TRPA attorney Jack Mensik said the legal team determined that they do not have the legal authority to require the applicant to provide public access to the 20% of boulders that would be on the private land.
Stephanie Davis and Glen Majszak shared their sentiments about the site during the hearing. “When we sold our small place on Kingsbury Grade back in 2016, we remained on the lookout for the perfect place, because we knew that Tahoe is where we always wanted to be,” said Davis. “We bought the land in good faith. We deeply respect the natural beauty that’s around… and we have no intention of preventing climbers from passing through our property.”
Andy Edwards, treasurer and representative of the Tahoe Climbing Coalition, asked about if the TRPA would consult with the community given the special use designation for the site. TRPA’s code did not require the single-family home to get an environmental review, and the parcel did not trigger anything under their environmental checklist for restricting access to public lands.
Edwards expressed that the TRPA process was lacking pieces that could have allowed better public input.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The Trump administration announced Tuesday it will relocate the U.S. Forest Service headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Salt Lake City, marking a sweeping reorganization of one of the nation’s federal land management agencies.
The move is part of a broader overhaul by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that includes closing research facilities in 31 states and restructuring the agency under a new “state-based model.” Instead of its current regional system, the Forest Service would be led by 15 directors overseeing one or more states.
Officials framed the decision as a “common sense” shift aimed at aligning leadership more closely with the lands they manage. The U.S. Forest Service oversees nearly 200 million acres of land, about 90% of which is located in western states.
“Effective stewardship and active management are achieved on the ground, where forests and communities are found — not just behind a desk in the capital,” Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said.
The change mirrors a similar effort during Trump’s first term, when the Bureau of Land Management was moved from Washington, D.C., to Colorado in 2019. That transition led to significant staff losses, with nearly 90% of Washington-based employees declining to relocate, according to reporting by The Washington Post. The agency’s headquarters was later returned to Washington under the Biden administration.
Conservation groups argue the plan could weaken the agency’s capacity at a time of increasing environmental challenges.
“Simply put, this reorganization will wreak havoc on Forest Service management and organization,” said Josh Hicks, conservation campaigns director at The Wilderness Society.
The Forest Service already has a largely decentralized workforce — roughly 90% of employees are based outside the capital, according to Mountain Journal.
“This administration’s plan to dismantle a 120-year-old agency will mean less access to the public forests people rely on, less capacity to reduce intensifying wildfire risk and more threats to clean air, clean water and wildlife habitat,” said Hicks in a statement.
Although Utah will serve as the agency’s new headquarters, it ranks 11th nationally in national forest coverage, with about 14,300 square miles.
CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA IMPACT
The Forest Service manages vast tracts of public land across the country, including significant holdings in California and Nevada. For example, Tahoe National Forest encompasses more than 850,000 acres of federally managed land. With the reorganization, the two states will see significant changes.
In California, Placerville will serve as the California–Hawaii State Office and will also host an operational service center, while a national training center is planned for Vallejo. However, the reorganization will shutter the state’s Research and Development facilities in Anderson, Fresno, Chico, Fort Bragg, Mt. Shasta and Hat Creek.
Nearby, Reno’s Research and Development facility will also close, with its state operations relocating to Salt Lake City, which will serve as the new Utah–Nevada State Office.
An asterisk (*) indicates a location that will serve more than one facility function (for example, a State Office combined with an Operations Service Center or technical center).Provided / U.S Department of Agriculture
The administration has described the restructuring as a “commonsense approach,” but opponents view it as part of a broader effort to reduce the influence and effectiveness of federal land agencies — raising concerns about long-term impacts on public lands, wildfire management and conservation efforts nationwide.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins added that the relocation is expected to be completed by summer 2027.
Missing teeth are a big problem for a lot of adults. In fact, statistics show that almost 70% of adults between the age of 35 to 44 years in the United States have at least one missing tooth. So if you are missing a tooth you are not alone. A large portion of the middle-aged U.S. population is suffering from the effects of missing teeth such as loss of enjoyment of food, avoiding social situations, and loss of self-esteem. Dentures, or false teeth, were the main tooth replacement choice for years, we now have implants available to give people back missing teeth. As the only board certified oral surgery group in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center with Drs. Rachel Appelblatt and Mori Naftulin are your local experts for tooth replacement.
Implants:
Implants can be used to replace individual teeth or multiple teeth. An implant is most frequently a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone into the location of a tooth root. Drs. Appelblatt and Naftulin frequently place implants to replace a single missing tooth. Sometimes we are even able to place the implant the day the tooth comes out (an “immediate implant”) but oftentimes the site requires grafting to have adequate bone for implant placement after healing. Of note – in most cases the top part of the tooth isn’t secured until the implant has fully healed – which does take a few months. Patients usually wear a temporary tooth during that healing period. It is important to have an oral surgeon evaluate the area prior to having a tooth out if you are thinking about an implant.
What do I do if I am losing all my teeth?
First – know that you do not have to be without teeth while going through this process. We generally will have your general dentist make a set of immediate or temporary dentures that you wear during the early healing phases.
There are several different options for patients who are faced with the loss of all of their teeth.
Traditional dentures – are an acrylic teeth replacement that is kept in the mouth by suction or adhesive. These generally do look esthetically pleasing and are the least expensive way of replacing teeth.
The downside is that they are not firmly affixed to the jaw and can be dislodged during eating, and many people dislike that they cover the whole palate.
After traditional dentures we can offer two types of “full arch replacements” that involve implants; overdentures and an implant supported bridge (which is also known as an “all-on-X”).
Overdentures replace missing teeth, like traditional dentures, but aren’t secured with adhesive. Instead, overdentures are secured to implants which have specific fasteners to prevent movement of the denture. This means that dentures no longer fall out and with an upper denture the palate doesn’t need to be covered. Depending on the situation, 2 to 4 implants are placed in the jaw and after healing, attachments are secured to the implants and to the denture for a precise, snap-in fit. This works very well for many patients and is a cost effective way of significantly improving function over traditional dentures.
Implant supported bridges (“All-on-Xs”) are an option for individuals missing many or all of their teeth. Unlike dentures or overdentures, the replacement teeth are fully fixed to the jaw giving the closest replacement for natural teeth. Four or more implants are typically placed in the upper and lower jaw. In the right cases, teeth can be extracted, implants placed, and a temporary implant supported bridge can be installed in the same day. This is often called “Teeth in a Day” or an “All-on-X” and has the immediate satisfaction of having fixed replacement teeth in a single day. Drs. Rachel Appelblatt and Mori Naftulin are experts at performing these procedures and are happy to consult patients on all of their options.
Each person is unique and has distinct requirements for their tooth replacement needs. However, just because someone may be missing one, many, or all of their teeth doesn’t mean they must use dentures and forego the enjoyments of what a full set of teeth can offer. With the advancements of dental implant technology, replacing one, several, or all teeth can help improve overall quality of life. If you are interested in a consultation to see what tooth replacement option may best fit your needs, contact Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center to schedule your consultation with Drs. Appelblatt and Naftulin.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – A $298 million financing package may soon change the state of the Cal Neva. The historic venue is one of a handful of major properties at North Tahoe’s state line that once welcomed visitors, but are now boarded and fenced, creating somewhat of a hospitality desert there.
Colorado-based real estate investment and development firm, Realberry, along with hospitality management company, Proper Hospitality, announced the recent closure of the large financial deal on April 2.
100 years after it first opened, the financial package marks a new chapter for the Cal Neva, set to open under a new name in 2027 as the Lake Tahoe Proper Resort and Casino.
The name is on brand with other Proper Hospitality brand hotels in Santa Monica, Downtown Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin.
The resort and casino will include 197 guest rooms, suites and private villas, two pools, a spa, recreational facilities, meeting and event spaces. The owners are incorporating the Cal Neva’s iconic circle bar as an anchor for the resort’s other bars and multiple restaurants.
At its peak in the 1960s, the Cal Neva drew many Hollywood names, including Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., as well as political figures like John F. Kennedy. Rumors still swirl in local gossip mills about what happened at the location where private tunnels add to the mystery.
The Cal Neva, which closed in 2013 for renovations, was also known for its showroom, designed for performers to see every face in the crowd. It was the largest non-amplified theater of its time. Plans include restoring the 225-seat theater.
Since its closure in 2013, the once lively place has had a rocky ride, passing through hands via bankruptcy court and other transactions.
It came into the current ownership’s hands in 2023.
“Cal Neva is one of the most storied hospitality properties in the West, and we feel a deep responsibility to get the execution right with Lake Tahoe Proper,” said Chad McWhinney, CEO of Realberry.
Realberry and Proper Hospitality envision a full-scale restoration to preserve the property’s architectural character and cultural significance, while transforming it into a design-driven destination. Los Angeles-based designer, Kelly Wearstler, is taking the lead on that design, a global name who has taken point on other Proper brand hotels and a Four Seasons.
A significant portion of the funds ($223 million) comes in C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing, a low-cost financing mechanism for projects tied to energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable energy projects.
“It’s exciting to see the Lake Tahoe Proper team take advantage of C-PACE financing to improve the resort’s energy efficiency,” said Brian Beffort, Washoe County Sustainability Manager. “These investments will help reduce energy use and lower their energy bills. More importantly, these investments will reduce dangerous emissions, which in turn will keep air quality healthier and views more beautiful in the Tahoe basin.”
This is the first transaction of this type in Washoe County and the largest in Nevada.
The remaining $75 million in the financing packages is a construction loan from Banc of California.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Republican candidate Christine Bish announced her plan to run for the House seat in the new congressional district CA-03. Bish previously ran against incumbent Democrat Ami Bera in CA-06, and her connections to Tahoe, Pollock Pines and Sacramento are what she says makes her a perfect fit for the race.
Bish works as a real estate agent in Sacramento, though she has longstanding connections with Lake Tahoe, where she used to work at her mother’s restaurant. “It’s great to come home,” she said—something she doesn’t take lightly. Bish says she experienced homelessness as a child, living in a car until they eventually settled in Del Paso Heights.
“My mother was the first woman in my family who was born with the right to vote. And now, me—a homeless little girl from Del Paso Heights is running for Congress,” said Bish, “That’s amazing, isn’t it?”
Her experience as a real estate agent and skip tracer is what she believes makes her a great “boots on the ground” candidate who is embedded and connected with her community. It’s also what has embroiled her in an investigation on Senator Adam Schiff regarding mortgage fraud. Bish says that fraud could have also led to election, wire and tax fraud.
Bish’s entrance into the political sphere came from frustration with her then-representative Doris Matsui, who she said never responded to her requests to investigate a groundwater and well contamination issue that directly impacted her neighborhood.
“We all want to be heard,” said Bish. “That’s the job of a representative. And when I saw Matsui on television, I realized, ‘You don’t want this job. So, I want that job.'” Her involvement in politics came from an environmental and public health perspective, which she feels are issues that often push people into politics, especially after COVID-19 impacted people’s lives so drastically.
While Bish is running as a Republican, she says she is tired of both sides. “They think the voters are their servants. But we can’t continue with chaos, and we need people who can do the job.”
Bish had critiques for Kevin Kiley, who she felt was throwing a “temper tantrum” after attempting to switch districts, run against a Republican and filing as no party preference. “In CA-06, we didn’t like being his last choice.” She also felt he often ignored the mountain regions, citing a storm incident where she felt Kiley could have done more to close roads and prevent traffic from overwhelming Pollock Pines.
The new redistricting from Proposition 50 gave Bish a chance to represent the many areas that she feels passionate about. “This is one of the most important refuges for the environment,” said Bish, stating that she would establish an office in the region if she won. “Now, people are going to see how important the mountains are.”
Bish believes Bera also lacks the context for running in the district, while Heidi Hall lacks the care for other agencies, critiquing that Hall had not even sent a representative to a large annual Area 4 Agency on Aging meeting. According to Bish, she was the only Congressional candidate to attend their meeting in the last 14 years.
Bish’s major platforms include environmental conservation, social security and veteran protections, parent rights in education, a pro-life stance and barring illegal immigration. She says, “Everything in my platform is about life and passions.”
While Bish says she is a major supporter of legal immigration, she said, “I will not accept the excuse for what’s happening at our borders.” Bish’s daughter died from a fentanyl overdose, and she says illegal immigration and the open border policy provide a cover for dangerous drug trafficking.
Her experience as a parent is also why she is passionate about education in California, where she says teaching diversity and equity (or DEI) policies is creating division in schools. She advocates for parent rights in education to produce a less adversarial relationship between teachers and parents, along with a reduction of technology and strict programming. “Education should be a place to foster the unique gifts of children, not putting them in boxes.”
Unusually, Bish was previously endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans, an LGBT Republican group. Though she says that transgender ideologies are “teaching people to hate themselves,” and believes marriage is between a man and a woman, she also expressed support for gay people living their lives normally.
She was also endorsed by the American Independent Party, Moms for America Action, Peter Kuo (who served as vice chair for the California Republican Party) and Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost.
Bish’s strong stance about protecting the environment and ensuring clean water, along with her personal connection to both Pollock Pines and Tahoe is what she feels will make her a strong candidate here. Even prior to running in CA-03, Bish actually visited the local chapter of the Republican Women of California.
“The campaign is an interview process, and I have to be transparent if I’m applying for a job that requires you to be truthful,” said Bish. “If there’s a group that wants me to come up here, invite me up and let’s talk. And ask the hard questions—if I can’t answer them now, then you probably don’t want me as your candidate.”
Bish’s total receipts for her campaign are $58,592, with $17,718 in total contributions. The ending cash on hand is $38,723 with $38,645 in debts/loans owed by her committee. “Always be aware, you’re spending other people’s money,” said Bish.
“Everything a politician does affects our lives,” said Bish. “This is a real opportunity and I’m excited to run in Lake Tahoe, which I’m so passionate about and connected to. What happens here in this district affects the rest of California.”
You can read more about Bish’s platform and information at bishforcongress.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – After a flurry of snow in February melted away for a mostly warm March, Tahoe’s snowpack is lower than usual this year, though it’s at relatively normal precipitation levels for the year. Despite a small cold front passing through in early April, it’s shaping up to be a potentially drier summer with higher fire risks.
Having a long-lasting snowpack is key for ensuring consistent water access throughout the year. As it melts, it provides water through some of the driest months of the year. The Sierra Nevada’s snowpack supplies roughly 30% of water throughout California, and while rainfall to date is currently at 104% of the average precipitation, earlier melting snowpacks can lead to different issues.
Regional scientist at the Sierra Nevada Conservancy Sarah Campe said, “Researchers are still learning the nuances around low precipitation years and snowpack, but we know precipitation may run off if the snow doesn’t stick.”
Campe went on, “When the snow melts too soon, sometimes it can lead to potential flooding, especially if there is a high snowpack. However, this year, there are more concerns around dryness and potential drought, as well as higher fire risk.”
These more variable years of snow and precipitation are primarily driven by climate change, says Tom Krabacher, professor of geography and climate at Sacramento State. “What happened this year was very exceptional,” he said.
“The rainy season started earlier than usual, but there was not a lot of precipitation since January—followed by an unprecedented warm spell in February and March that was well above anything we’ve really seen at this time of year,” continued Krabacher.
While reservoirs are still at capacity through the rest of the state, the weather variations may certainly impact wildlife, who rely on light and temperature patterns to regulate their lives. But throughout the West, Krabacher says there’s been dryness and drought, in part due to these major weather shifts.
Precipitation across the West is typically coming from a western direction, from the Gulf of Alaska, off of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. But it’s been disrupted by ridges—characterized by dry weather, clear skies and high pressure. This persistent ridge has been termed the “Ridiculously Resilient Ridge”, when similar weather patterns were observed in 2012 to 2015.
Right now, warm oceanic temperatures and higher rainfall earlier in the jet stream are strengthening the ridge. While a small trough is expected to travel through this week, bringing some snow and a cooler stretch of weather, Krabacher said it’s unlikely to last.
Warmer patches of weather also cause precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow. And like in February, if ground temperatures are fairly warm, the snow may not even stick around, melting before much else happens.
Up in the mountains, land restoration is a big part of trying to conserve hydrologic patterns. For example, recent research in the Cascades shows that tree treatments may both increase fire resilience and help snowpack stick around longer.
Meadows also serve as “hydrologic lynchpins” according to Campe, as they help control the flow of water through an area, slowing release into the environment for the warmer months, when less rainfall occurs.
Without snow sticking around, forests are likely to become drier, increasing the vulnerability to pests, drought stress and fires. “The bottom line is it’s worrisome to have low snowpack and a warm winter,” said Campe.
However, Campe and Krabacher agree that the work on the ground is key to addressing these concerns. While humans can’t alter major weather patterns, the way we respond to them can produce more resiliency for our environment.
“There is a concern around unpredictability among climatologists. Although we may not be able to predict far into the future, we still feel the effects,” said Krabacher. “There is a likely effect of drought that the Department of Water Resources is looking at scenarios for. What is becoming important is the response on the ground and preparations for increasingly dry conditions.”
For example, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy is helping to fund landscape conservation across multiple organizations, along with investing in work for avoiding catastrophes. “Our best bet is to create healthy ecosystems to withstand stressors,” said Campe. “This type of work to protect communities is necessary in both unusual and ‘normal’ years as we see the impacts of climate change unfold.”
“What goes on in the mountains is important down here, especially as areas of California get a greater and greater percentage of water from the snowpack,” said Krabacher. “We’ve got a vested interest in what is happening up there because it affects us.”
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The white and green-trimmed clock greets an average of 50,000 visitors each year as they enter the front doors of Travel North Tahoe Nevada’s Welcome Center. The interior that greets guests on the other side of those doors will soon look different once the current remodel is complete.
The Welcome Center is currently undergoing a remodel.TNTNV President and CEO Andy Chapman
“Knowing that the building is going to be seen by a lot of tourists,” remodel architect Dale E. Smith, at Smith Design Group, explained, “I wanted it to be an excellent representation of North Tahoe.”
Travel North Tahoe Nevada (TNTNV) felt the best way to do that was to hire local companies that are not only familiar with North Tahoe, but can also keep dollars circulating in the local economy.
“Visitor-generation funds should directly benefit our community whenever possible,” said Andy Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada, “and what better way to do that than with companies who understand this region, employ local workers, and are working with local subcontractors to bring this vision to life.”
After moving to Incline Village on June 19, 1978, a date he can recall offhand, Smith’s work is now scattered across Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe, and Northern Nevada as he approaches 50 years as an architect in the region.
Smith was selected for the project, along with locals Rob Laurie and John Albrecht, partners at Fortress Construction, who grew up in Incline Village and have operated their business here since 2003.
Smith, Laurie, and Albrecht all remember when the building was built in 1989.
“To now be part of a project that will enhance this community asset for generations to come is truly special,” Laurie said.
The remodel includes opening up the space, along with other design updates, and functionality improvements to enhance services offered to guests and residents as a community hub.
“I think when people walk in,” Smith said, “they’re going to smile.”
The renovated space is planned to reopen in May.
Welcome Center and administrative offices have temporarily relocated to 937 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 150.Provided / TNTNV President and CEO Andy Chapman
Until then, TNTNV’s Welcome Center and administrative offices have temporarily relocated to 937 Tahoe Boulevard, Suite 150. The temporary Welcome Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Signage directs guests to the new location.
Gil was born on November 26, 1936. He lived in Incline Village, NV with Linda, the love of his life, for 25 years until they moved in 2024 to Folsom, CA where he died very peacefully, surrounded by his family on March 2.2026.
It will come as no surprise that a heart as big as Gil Larish’s finally took him away from us. Few hearts have ever worked harder than his did. This man had a smile and a kind word for everyone he met. He was a true mentor and source of inspiration, consistently seeking to help and support others. He lightened the burdens of those around him on a daily basis. This is precisely what he did for each of us—family, friends, and even those he barely knew—always offering assistance and support.
Gil’s love was boundless, for his family, his dogs, and anyone else who crossed his path. He is survived by his wife and best friend of sixty years, Linda, his two children, Michael Larish and Karen Torres, his daughter-in-law, Stephanie Larish, and his grandchildren, Joey and Christina Torres. Both his children feel incredibly blessed to have had Gil as their father. As he travels this final journey, our hearts surround him, ensuring he is never alone.
Patty, 72, of South Lake Tahoe, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving friends and family.
Patty was born to Hall and Eileen Montague and raised in Newport Beach, CA, where a spirit of adventure and resilience was instilled within her.
Upon turning 18, she struck out on her own to live in Big Sur, CA, and cultivated her strong sense of independence and the confidence to navigate any challenge that life threw her way. After seven years in Big Sur, Patty’s love of adventure and the outdoors drew her to South Lake Tahoe. Working nightly as a waitress at a local favorite, the Top of the Wheel restaurant, she filled her days skiing, biking, hiking, and swimming, creating unforgettable memories of fun and laughter with friends.
Becoming a wife and mother by age 36, she moved to a day job at the post office, where she served the community for 16 years. Eventually feeling the itch for a new challenge, she and her husband created their own small business, opening the tropical-themed liquor store, Aloha Discount Wine & Liquors. Assuming the role of operations manager, Patty was the backbone of the business and ensured its continuing success. Selling the store after ten years, she and her husband retired to become snowbirds, enjoying their winters in sunny Los Barriles, where she built a new community of dear friends to share in her joy and adventures for nine years.
Patty was knocked down many times by life’s trials and tribulations, but she found that with a little bit of courage and sometimes humility, she could get back up and overcome. She battled Parkinson’s disease for 15 years with bravery and tenacity, leaving her friends and family the lessons for how to find happiness and light even in the darkest of times.
Patty is survived by her husband Greg, her son Kyle, and her two brothers, Carrick and Steve. Preceded in death by her parents Hall and Eileen Montague. A gathering to celebrate Patty’s life will be announced by the family once details are finalized.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Keep Tahoe Blue had their south shore volunteer kickoff, with plenty of opportunities upcoming in the spring and summer—including expansions to volunteers on the north shore who want to protect and preserve the lake.
Volunteer and intern experience coordinator Julie Lytle, who started her position last spring, has had a successful calendar year. She reported that in 2025, Keep Tahoe Blue saw nearly 1,500 participating volunteers. “People felt like the volunteer work we had was just cleanup, but we actually offer a ton of opportunities,” Lytle told the Tribune. “The goal of my position is to expand those programs to all our departments—things like aquatic invasive species monitoring, restoration and even conducting surveys with people.”
Volunteers attend the kickoff event at Keep Tahoe Blue’s building.Eli Ramos / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Lytle credits the communications team for helping to get the word out about expanded programs and hoped to have more events to bring volunteers in. One of those events is taking place on the north shore, where Tahoe City will have its first Earth Day cleanup on April 22—the same day as the 11th annual Earth Day cleanup at Heavenly Village in Stateline.
Cleanups like those are what sustainable recreation manager Marilee Movius calls Keep Tahoe Blue’s signature events. But she also spoke about the Tahoe Blue Crew, where volunteers can get trained and “adopt” a spot for cleaning up. By using the Citizen Science app, the data they collect can also help Keep Tahoe Blue accurately track sources of trash and work with applicable land managers to maintain those spots.
“We’re hoping to get every spot adopted,” said Movius, who noted there is a training at the end of the month. “It’s great because you can do it anywhere around the lake, and volunteers are directly contributing to the data we look at for science to solutions.”
Other direct contributions to solutions include their policy volunteers. Last year, they collected information from people riding the Emerald Bay Pilot Shuttle program, which directly contributed to both continuing and improving the program. A new opportunity to volunteer also includes training to help volunteers speak with beachgoers about the Clean, Drain and Dry practice—even for non-motorized things like kayaks, paddleboards or even floaties that have been in another lake.
Volunteers chat at the Keep Tahoe Blue event.Eli Ramos / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Volunteers have also helped with educating at the Evers/Spurlock Center on Lake Tahoe Boulevard, teaching hundreds of students about the work being done at the lake. Education manager Rosie Hackett even says she hopes they can expand to virtual lessons to help educate students across the state.
“Our volunteers are integral to what we do,” said Hackett. “I could not have had so many middle schoolers come through this center without them. We want this to be a community hub.”
Though Keep Tahoe Blue is located in South Lake Tahoe, they want to continue outreach and building their volunteer base in the north shore as well. Movius said that she sees the positive impacts of participating in citizen science and the connections that volunteers make with nature, themselves and their community.
Volunteers chat at the Keep Tahoe Blue event.Eli Ramos / Tahoe Daily Tribune
Core volunteer Jonathan Lemus has volunteered for over 200 hours with Keep Tahoe Blue, along with other community organizations preserving the lake. “I was born in South Lake Tahoe and it’s really important to me to keep the environment clean,” said Lemus. “I care a lot about our lake, especially with plastic and the impacts of tourism.”
Lemus went on, “It’s really awesome to help out the community. And picking up garbage is one of my favorite things to do,” he said with a smile.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) is proud to celebrate Chris Proctor, Director of Community Benefit and Business Development at Barton Health, who was named Outstanding Community Member by the El Dorado County School Board Association at its annual awards dinner held March 23, 2026, at the Placerville Gathering Place in Placerville, California.
Proctor has been a valued partner to LTUSD for several years, demonstrating exceptional leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student and family well-being. During the COVID pandemic, he played a critical role in supporting the district through an unprecedented time, working closely with school and health leaders to ensure access to accurate information, essential resources, and coordinated care for the community.
Chris Proctor, Director of Community Benefit and Business Development at Barton Health was named Outstanding Community Member by the El Dorado County School Board Association.Provided
Beyond the pandemic, Proctor continues to make a lasting impact. He was instrumental in establishing the Community Leadership Council, bringing together local organizations to address community needs, share insights, and support student success. His ongoing service also includes participation on the LTUSD Hall of Distinction Committee and the Superintendent Student Bike and E-Bike Safety Committee, where he contributes to recognizing community contributions and promoting student safety and wellness.
“Chris consistently shows up ready to serve and lead,” said LTUSD Superintendent Todd Cutler. “His ability to build strong partnerships and his genuine commitment to our students and community make him incredibly deserving of this recognition.”
Arty the Party at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, 15 Highway 50. 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday Nights. You can Party with Arty the Party at Harrah’s. It’s the best disco, dance, R&B, and soul party in Lake Tahoe! “Arty the Party” as he’s affectionately called has been playing in Lake Tahoe for several years and now calls Casino Center Stage at Harrah’s his home. Arthur’s incredible music career began as a lead singer for San Francisco’s 13-piece Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra. He then went on to star in the city’s famous stage musical production “Beach Blanket Babylon.” It didn’t take long before the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A’s, and the 49er’s invited Arthur to come and sing the national anthem to open their games. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/arty-the-party-at-harrahs-lake-tahoe/2026-04-03/ or call (800) 427-7247.
Dueling Pianos at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe – 8:30-10:30 p.m., Harveys Lake Tahoe, 18 Highway 50. Join us at the Mountain Bar located on Caesars Republic casino floor for a free show you don’t want to miss. Put your favorite song request in, grab a drink at the Mountain Bar and enjoy the fun! Playing Friday and Saturday at 8:30 PM. They play your favorite sing-alongs and are very appealing to the happy crowd. Van is a Guinness World Record Holder for the longest piano marathon: 39 hours, 976 songs. Proceeds went to VH-1 Save the Music Foundation. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/dueling-pianos-at-caesars-republic-lake-tahoe/2026-04-03/ or call (775) 588-6611.
Ski with a Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort – 1-2 p.m., Heavenly Mountain, 4080 Lake Tahoe Blvd. The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is pleased to announce the return of Ski With A Ranger at Heavenly Mountain Resort. Skiers and snowboarders are invited to Ski With A Ranger beginning Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Tours will depart from the top of the Heavenly Gondola every Friday at 1:00 p.m. The tours last approximately one-hour and will continue through April 3, conditions and weather permitting. For more information, contact Kelso Carapia at kelsey.carapia@usda.gov, call 530-725-9905, or visit the Ski With A Ranger webpage. For more information, visit https://visitlaketahoe.com/event/ski-with-a-ranger-at-heavenly-mountain-resort/2026-04-03/ or call (775) 586-7000.
Wine Tasting Santa Cruz Mountains Wines – 5:30-7:30 p.m., 1032 Al Tahoe Blvd. Join us to taste and learn about wines from Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. we will have appetizers that pair with the wines. Call us to reserve your spot at 530-544-5253. $40+tax per person/ $35+tax for wine club members. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1248875333544233/.
Saturday, April 4
Earth Day Celebration – 12-5 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Kick off Earth Month at South Lake Brewing Company! We’ll be taking over our front parking lot for an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 4, from 12-5 PM. This free community event will feature live music by Karrie O’Neill, interactive activities, educational booths, food trucks, craft vendors, face painting, and sustainability talks. Entry is free, and the event will take place at South Lake Brewing Company located at 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. For more information, visit https://www.southlakebeer.com/brewery-events or call (530) 578-0087.
Justin Hayward – 7:30 p.m., South Shore Room, 15 U.S. 50.
Meat & Greet: The Anniversary Edition (Makers Popup) – 12-4 p.m., Five years in, and we’re celebrating with a few of our favorite things, and the people who make those things. A makers pop-up, Tahoe Gifting Co style. Join us for our 5-Year Anniversary Edition of Meat & Greet, featuring pasture-raised, frozen meats from Horney Toad Meats and an incredible assortment of fresh bread and pastries from Blackwall Bakery. We’ll also be hosting a spirits tasting with Old Trestle Distillery and turning up the heat with a hot sauce tasting from Truckee Hot Sauce Co. Want to plan ahead? Preorder your meat with us and we’ll have it ready for easy pickup the day of the event, perfect for stocking your freezer with something you’ll actually be excited to cook. More details on preordering coming soon. Sip, browse, snack, catch up, and celebrate five years of Tahoe Gifting Co with the makers, flavors, and the community we love most. Still meaty after all these years. For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/meat-greet-the-anniversary-edition-makers-popup-1666974?sourceTypeId=Hub.
St Brewing Earth Day celebration – 12-5 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Stop by our booth, play Sugar Pine trivia and sign up for our upcoming tree planting events. For more information, visit https://sugarpinefoundation.org/.
Tahoe Club Crawl Spring/Summer 2026 – 8-11 p.m., 31 US, 1243 Carson Avenue. Tahoe Club Crawl is an organized VIP nightlife tour of the Tahoe South. With the purchase of your ticket, you will receive a welcome shot at 3 out of 4 stops, appetizers, free indoor games at Tipsy Putt and VIP entrance into Peek Nightclub, Lake Tahoe’s hottest Club! You will meet amazing people and have the night of your lives. We meet every Saturday at 8:00 PM Aleworx Stateline, unless told otherwise. Be Sure To Check Out our Ice Cream Shop, Aloha Ice Cream Tahoe “Winner of Best Ice Cream in Tahoe 7 Years In A Row” (Opened Seasonally) Venues Subject to Change At Anytime, No Refunds For more information, visit https://tahoeclubcrawl.ticketsauce.com/e/tahoe-club-crawl-spring-summer-2045?aff=cityspark.
The War and Treaty – 8 p.m., 14 State Route 28. Devildog Productions and the Crystal Bay Casino are very excited to welcome The War and Treaty to the Crown Room on Sat. Apr. 4th! $35 ADV/$40 DOS I Tickets: https://tixr.com/e/172594 The War and Treaty are an American husband and wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter Based in Albion, Michigan. In 2018, Rolling Stone reported The War and Treaty’s debut album Healing Tide is due for release on August 10, 2018, describing the lead single as a ‘joyfully relentless title track, reminiscent of classic Ike and Tina Turner rock-infused soul’. On September 25, 2020, The War and Treaty released their sophomore studio album, Hearts Town, on Rounder Records. On April 18, 2021 they joined Dierks Bentley for a performance of U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love)” for the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1446376680400935/.
Wilderness First Aid with NOLS Wilderness Medicine – 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m., Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 128 Market St. Additional dates: 4/4, 4/5. For more information, visit https://tahoerimtrail.org/event/wfa-april-26/.
Sunday, April 5
Eggy – 7 p.m., South Shore Room, 15 U.S. 50.
Monday, April 6
Community Litter Cleanup – 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Join Sierra Nevada Alliance’s Tahoe Blue Crew for a community litter‑cleanup at the corner of Emerald Bay Rd and Fallen Leaf Lake Rd, a popular winter recreation site. Your participation helps protect Lake Tahoe’s pristine environment and supports a healthier ecosystem for local wildlife and future generations. If you have any questions, please reach out to shannonflynn@sierranevadaalliance.org. We’re excited to welcome you to this cleanup event and appreciate your commitment to protecting and restoring Lake Tahoe! For more information, visit https://sierranevadaalliance.org/events.
Tahoe Series: Dr. Christopher Jeffrey presents Nature’s Innovation – 6-9 p.m., Description UNR at Lake Tahoe About this event Join us for a lecture by Dr. Christopher Jeffrey as he presents “Nature&’s Innovation”. Dr. Jeffrey is the Director of Hitchock Center for Chemical Ecology, the Harold Walter Siebens Endowed Chair in Entrepeneurship, and Professor of Chemistry. Event website Additional information Attendance type: In person Cost: Free Event type: Lectures & Seminars Register Save to My EventsShareAdd to calendar Location Prim Library Building (LTPL) 999 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, Incline Village, Nevada 89451 For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/tahoe-series-dr-christopher-jeffrey-presents-nature-s-innovation-1643141?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Tuesday, April 7
North Shore Volunteer Kickoff Open House – 4 p.m., Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House, 931 Tahoe Blvd. we kickoff the 2026 volunteer season on the North Shore! Our 2026 Volunteer Kickoff is a free, open-house-style event designed to welcome new and returning volunteers into the Keep Tahoe Blue volunteer community and share the many ways you can get involved this year. Over the past year, our volunteer program has grown well beyond our signature cleanups and Tahoe Blue Crew program. Today, volunteers contribute to Lake-saving work in many meaningful ways, from citizen science and advocacy toyouth education, retail and office support, visitor outreach, and more. At the event, you’ll have the chance to: Learn about the many volunteer roles available Meet Keep Tahoe Blue staff Sign up for upcoming volunteer opportunities Complete waivers and get connected to our volunteer system Participate in a raffle for Keep Tahoe Blue prizes Enjoy refreshments, including pizza and sodas Register : Registration is required to attend. When you sign up, please select your preferred location (North Shore or South Shore) and one-hour time slot, share any dietary restrictions, and include the names of folks coming with you. Location: Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House | 931 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89451 Time: 4-7 pm. Stick around for Keep Tahoe Blue-themed trivia after the open house. Parking: Parking is limited. Please carpool if possible. Partners: Alibi Ale Works – Incline Public House We will provide: Food and drinks prior to trivia Cool giveaways For questions or more information, please email julie@keeptahoeblue.org . For more information, visit https://www.keeptahoeblue.org/events-activities-lessons/north-shore-volunteer-kickoff-event/.
Wednesday, April 8
Candle Making Workshop – Sierra Soapbox Candle Co – 6-8 p.m., Description Join us for a cozy, hands-on evening of candle making, perfect for the heart of winter. Led by Sierra Soapbox Candle Co., this intimate workshop invites you to slow down, get creative, and warm things up through the art of scent blending. You’ll learn how to thoughtfully combine fragrances and hand-pour your own custom 7.2 oz candle to take home. Whether you’re flying solo, coming with a friend, or treating yourself to a little February self care, this is an ideal Tahoe night out that is creative, social, and rooted in community. Sip a drink, enjoy light snacks, and settle in for a relaxed evening of making something beautiful while the snow does its thing outside. For more information, visit https://business.ivcba.org/event-calendar/Details/candle-making-workshop-sierra-soapbox-candle-co-1643113?sourceTypeId=Hub.
Trail Talk: The Art of Trailbuilding – 6:30-8:30 p.m., South Lake Brewing Company, 1920 Lake Tahoe Blvd. For more information, visit https://tahoerimtrail.org/event/trail-talk-the-art-of-trailbuilding/.
Thursday, April 9
Chart House – Orin Swift Wine Dinner – 7-10 p.m., Chart House, 392 Kingsbury Grade. Experience a chef-crafted five-course menu, perfectly complemented by five exquisite Orin Swift selections. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chart-house-orin-swift-wine-dinner-stateline-tickets-1980107981275.
Learning from Resilience: Nature’s Innovation & Multidisciplinary Discovery – 6-7 p.m., Sierra Nevada University, 999 Tahoe Blvd. UNR Professor Dr. Chris Jeffrey discusses how nature’s strategies fuel scientific innovation in research and shape solutions beyond the lab. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learning-from-resilience-natures-innovation-multidisciplinary-discovery-tickets-1976645558074 or call (775) 831-1314.
STATELINE, Nev. –Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe welcomes Lauren Daigle as the latest performer in its 2026 Summer Concerts season. The two-time GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum artist is the latest addition to Summer Concerts at The Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Lauren Daigle
Known for her powerhouse vocals and uplifting, soulful sound, Lauren Daigle has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary music. Her emotionally resonant performances connect deeply with audiences worldwide. Fans can expect an inspiring and unforgettable evening featuring chart topping hits and fan favorites delivered with Daigle’s signature authenticity and passion.
Tickets go on sale Friday, April 10, at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or APEconcerts.com. Stay up to date with our full lineup and future announcements at Caesars.com
About Lauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle is a multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and two-time GRAMMY Award winner whose distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics have earned her worldwide acclaim. Best known for hits such as “You Say,” “Trust in You,” and “Rescue,” Daigle has broken barriers across genres, topping multiple Billboard charts and selling out venues across the globe. Her music delivers messages of hope, resilience, and authenticity, making her one of the most impactful artists of her generation. For more information, visit www.laurendaigle.com.
Today is National Burrito Day. If you’re in the mood to celebrate with one of these deliciously wrapped torpedoes of tastiness, here are a few options that we have featured over the years.
To try and decide each week where and what to eat in and around the basin can be a challenge – there are so many amazing choices. In this feature we’ll dive into dishes that will surely satisfy those hunger pangs and leave you wondering where to go next.
When it comes to fish – rainbow trout specifically – there might not be a better purveyor than the North Central Valley in Idaho, which is exactly where this week’s feature is coming from. Combine that with the treatment it’s getting from Paxton’s and you have a match made in heaven.
Paxton’s Rainbow TroutRob Galloway / Sierra Sun
To begin the process, a whole trout is stuffed with butter, lemon and fresh herbs. It’s then cooked on each side giving you a perfect crispy skin while keeping the meat insanely moist. It’s topped with a mixture of brown butter, walnut and pickled pear and served alongside a confit of carrots and broccoli.
Now if you’re one of those people who are more team mild and delicate than team strong and fishy, then this dish is right up your alley. The meat is tender and flaky and seasoned perfectly. The brown butter provides depth of flavor and the hint of sweet and tart you get from the pear makes for a great juxtaposition. This dish is also not lacking in the texture department – whether that’s from the crispiness from the skin or the creamy crunch from the walnut, it’s balanced to a tee.
If I were to make as bold a statement as this may very well be my favorite preparation of trout that I’ve ever had, I wouldn’t be lying. Granted, I have other fish that I gravitate to more, but that doesn’t mean I can’t tell a well-cooked dish when I see one – which is exactly what this is.
Paxton’s Settlement is located at 120 Country Club Dr #24 in Incline Village. For menu and more information visit them online at paxtonssettlement.com or reach them by phone at 775-298-7900.
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – Tahoe knows how to celebrate a beloved holiday, and this Easter is no exception. Throughout the basin, Easter weekend is brimming with Easter egg hunts, spring skiing, mimosa brunches and much more. So grab your Easter baskets because we’ve gathered a list of events to help you celebrate Easter – the Sierra Nevada way.
Easter celebrations are happening all around the lake this weekendProvided/Palisades Tahoe
As they do every year, Kahle Community Center is once again providing some amazing Easter fun for the whole family on Friday, April 3.
Starting with their Easter egg hunt at 10:30 a.m., kids ages two and younger, and ages three to six can hone those scavenging skills by searching for eggs in Kahle Park, weather permitting. Easter baskets are required.
Partnering with Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Kahle Community Center’s Easter celebration will host a fire truck while firemen and firewomen provide tours to show children all the cool gear, gadgets and gizmos used by our first responders.
Face painting, an Easter-themed craft station and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny will leave your little ones filled with life-long memories to cherish.
“I think it’s really fun to see all the community members come out and be a part of this event,” said Cody Logan, Recreation Supervisor at Kahle Community Center. “Last year, it was a huge event, we had great weather and so we had a great turnout – lots of families, lots of fun for the kiddos. It’s a really good community event for us.”
The event lasts until 12 p.m. and is free of charge to attendees. Donations are accepted.
Kahle Community Center is located at 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd in Stateline, Nev.
Beautiful Camp Richardson Resort is hosting their Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, allowing kids ages 10 and under a chance to find eggs on one of Lake Tahoe’s stunning shores in front of The Grove Restaurant.
“We’re very excited for the upcoming weekend at Camp Richardson Resort! Celebrating our second annual Easter Egg Hunt, this fun and free community event welcomes both guests and locals,” said Natalie Lauinger, Guest Experience Manager at Camp Richardson. The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 11 a.m.
With a great opportunity for children to meet the Easter Bunny, Camp Richardson will also be featuring Easter crafts. Smooth tunes by South Lake Tahoe local Kyle Kirch will be playing from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, April 5, a Sunday special Easter brunch menu will be available until 2 p.m. alongside their regular menu items.
“We look forward to celebrating with everyone!” said Lauinger.
Camp Richardson Resort is located at 1900 Jameson Beach Rd in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Hosting one of the largest celebrations in the basin, Heavenly Village isn’t missing a beat this weekend.
An exciting venture takes shape in the form of their new carnival experience happening all weekend long starting April 3 at 3 p.m. The village will be buzzing with excitement and energy while folks enjoy carnival rides such as a full-scale ferris wheel along with carnival games, face painting, live music, and even a build-a-bunny station.
Outside between Fire + Ice and Gunbarrel Tavern on Sunday, April 5, Heavenly Village’s annual Easter egg hunt takes place at 10 a.m. and offers up to $1000 in cash prizes. There will be three designated age groups: five and under, ages six through eight, and nine through ten. Tickets for all age groups are $5 each. Folks can purchase the “Stuff-a-Bunny” package which includes egg hunt tickets and access to the stuff-a-bunny station for $25. Both options are available at https://events.humanitix.com/2026-heavenly-village-easter-egg-hunt/tickets.
“This event has become one of the most anticipated family traditions in the Tahoe Basin,” said event organizer, Dreu Murin.
Easter brunch at Fire+Ice will offer $14.99 bottomless mimosas and some mouth-watering food items to scarf down for $25.
“Guests can enjoy eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and pancakes, all prepared fresh and delivered hot right from our grill. Our chefs will be cooking everything live, creating a fun and engaging experience while serving up a traditional breakfast with the Fire+Ice energy. We’ll also have festive cocktails available, including Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys,” said Kacee Colter, Co-owner of Fire+Ice. “It’s a great option for families before going to the infamous Heavenly Village Easter Egg Hunt.”
Heavenly Village is located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
One of Ski Run Marina’s gems, Riva Grill, is offering an extensive Easter brunch buffet with exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
Their buffet includes a chilled seafood bar, an omelet action station, a prime rib and honey-glazed salmon carving station, and so much more. Dessert options will feature sweet treats like an ice cream bar, fresh brownies and chocolate-dipped strawberries.
“It is more than just a meal; it is an experience for the whole family. The Easter Bunny visits every table and is available for photos throughout brunch, all while guests enjoy our stunning lake views,” said Thatyana Allen, Group Sales and Marketing Manager at Riva Grill. “We are also hoping for favorable weather so that we can open the deck for our guests.”
Prices vary with their champagne brunch package starting at $109, adult brunch for $89 and kids brunch for $35. With only a few seats left, Allen highly encourages reservations.
It will be a lively Easter Sunday at the Ritz-Carlton this year as the luxury hotel gears up for several noteworthy events on April 5.
The Manzanita will be offering delectable dishes made by Chef de Cuisine Edgar Palau and Executive Chef Christopher Bean. Enjoy a savory, slow-cooked lamb loin entrée with a pistachio crust, mint-infused Bordeaux sauce, parsnip purée, crispy artichoke, and charred onion for $75. For $22 more, guests can add a garden muse dessert featuring an orange blossom, blood orange, vanilla, almond financier, honey and lemon.
Their Easter Artistry Experience starting from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Foxtail includes three Easter-themed activities: Easter egg painting, a plushy-stuffing Easter bunny activity, and the chance to participate in cookie decorating using a variety of colorful frostings.
The Ritz-Carlton will also be hosting their Grand Easter Egg Hunt which takes place at 12:30 in their lobby. Families will have an opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs, among them, three special hidden eggs containing prizes.
“We are excited to welcome guests to experience our special Easter programming, curated for all ages,” said Benjamin Biaesch, Hotel Manager. “From seasonal dining experiences at Manzanita to a festive Easter egg hunt, each moment is crafted to create a memorable holiday for the entire family.”
It’s the ultimate Easter egg hunt at Tahoe Donner’s outdoor Lodge Pavillion on April 5 as they host their annual Easter Eggstravaganza with hundreds of eggs just waiting to be found. The hunts will be split into age groups and begin at 11:30 am. Make sure to bring your Easter basket!
Starting at 10:30 and prior to the egg hunt, there will be opportunities to participate in Easter crafts, meet the Easter Bunny, get your face painted along with more fun activities to enjoy with your little ones.
“The Easter Eggstravaganza is a fun day for the kids, with egg hunts segmented by age groups, and of course photos with the Easter Bunny, crafting and a beautiful forecast for weather,” said Lindsay Hogan, Director of Communications and Member Relations at Tahoe Donner.
Over at The Lodge Restaurant & Pub, Tahoe Donner is offering an all-you-can-eat Easter brunch at 10 a.m. equipped with made-to-order Benedicts, a carving station and a dessert station. Adults can top it all off with a complimentary glass of champagne or a thirst-quenching mimosa.
The Easter Eggstravaganza is free of charge. However, the Easter brunch does require reservations and costs $78 for adults while kids ages 12 and under can eat for $25.
To reserve, call (530) 587-9455 and have your credit card ready.
Tahoe Donner is located at 12850 Northwoods Blvd in Truckee, Calif.
It’s a true Sierra Nevada Easter at Palisades Tahoe, and the weekend is teeming with spring activities.
To kick things off on April 4 is Easter Service at the Olympic Valley Chapel to celebrate the Easter holiday starting at 5:30 p.m. The service will be led by their summer pastor, Rev. Timothy Boeve. Tuck Wilson and Colleen Akiko will provide music, and refreshments will be available after the service.
April 5 has some thrilling things in store at Palisades Tahoe as the Easter Bunny makes his rounds, participating with families in photo opportunities and meet-and-greets.
If you’re looking for some spring skiing, their Golden Egg Hunt is sure to satisfy your craving for adrenaline. Taking place on the mountain is a quest to find the Golden Egg. Inside the egg is a 2026-27 Palisades Tahoe season pass. Clues will be given throughout the day on Palisades Tahoe’s X (Twitter) and Instagram accounts.
“Spring is one of the most exciting times to be at Palisades Tahoe, and our Easter weekend events capture that energy perfectly—bringing together live entertainment, on-mountain adventures, and family-friendly traditions like the Golden Egg Hunt,” said Patrick Lacey, Public Relations Manager at Palisades Tahoe. “It’s a fun, uniquely Tahoe way to celebrate the season with friends and family in the mountains.”
On Sunday afternoon, an interdenominational worship experience on the mountain will be hosted at the top of Big Blue Express. The services are sponsored by First Baptist Church of Tahoe City and last about 20 minutes.
Palisades Tahoe is located 1960 Olympic Valley Rd in Olympic Valley, Calif.
Palisades Tahoe is hosting their annual Golden Egg Hunt and many other fun activities this Easter weekendProvided/Palisades Tahoe
It’s the best of both worlds at Granlibakken Tahoe as they will be hosting an Easter brunch buffet inside their main lodge’s Granhall on April 5, along with an Easter egg hunt with the Easter bunny. It’s the perfect blend of rustic elegance, making it a great setting to spend your Sunday in the mountains with your family.
The buffet will include a variety of options from protein such as a poached salmon platter, spiced pineapple-glazed ham and leg of lamb together with a build-your-own-omelet station, golden malted waffle station, quiche with crab, avocado toasts, chicken, apricot and toasted walnut salad, roasted spring vegetables and more.
Prices for the Easter brunch buffet are $63, and $30 for children ages 8-12. There is no charge for kids seven and younger. Their “free-flow” mimosas are $20 for adults who have purchased a brunch ticket.
“A few reservations are still open and we welcome our community or visitors to come gather with us for this delicious and fun event,” said Connie Anderson, Marketing Director of Granlibakken.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Thousands of customers are waking to no power Thursday morning in South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, and neighborhoods near Rubicon Bay.
The outages are reported to have occurred between 11 p.m. last night and 6 a.m. this morning, according to Liberty Utilities’ outage map.
The map places the cause as unknown; however, the region has been under a Winter Weather Advisory with the strongest winds expected between 8 p.m. last night and 5 a.m. this morning.
The Tribune has reached out to Liberty Utilities for more information and will release details as they become available.
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – Nine months after a fireworks barge capsized in Lake Tahoe near Incline Village, the debris has finally been removed from the lake.
The barge, along with the fireworks on board, sank after a windstorm on July 4, 2025, capsized the boat.
While a lot of the work to remove the debris was done behind the scenes, filling insurance claims, finding contractors, etc., crews made a big push from March 13-30 to remove the biggest items. Ski Beach was closed during the removal operation.
Barge pieces were removed Saturday, March 28. Laney Griffo / Tahoe Daily Tribune
The crews started by pulling out firework debris and smaller debris items. The barge was broken into three pieces, then divers attached airbags to the pieces to bring them closer to the surface.
According to Kevin Moore of Kevin Moore Associates, the company contracted to lead the barge removal, the operation was a technical one.
Parts of the barge sank to 160 feet. The depth, combined with cold water and high altitude, meant divers were only able to dive for 20 minutes at a time.
“Parker Diving Service and Big Valley Divers have been tenacious in what they’ve been doing,” said Moore. “It’s been very difficult and challenging.”
An airbag used to raise the heavy barge pieces.Laney Griffo / Tahoe Daily Tribune
A portable decompression tank was set up at the beach for the health and safety of the divers.
After the barge pieces were raised closer to the surface, crews began pumping water out of the barges and equipment dragged the barge pieces closer to shore.
Finally, on Saturday, March 28, the barge pieces were removed from the lake using heavy-duty cranes operated by Auto Care Towing.
While many locals have been disappointed in the early arrival of Spring, the calm weather was essential in the success of the operation.
“We got lucky the last two weeks. There were several days where we had the wind pick up and the divers couldn’t go down, so yes, we lucked out big time [with the sunny weather],” said Moore.
Moore acknowledged the community lost access to the beach on some of the warmest and sunniest days and said he appreciated the community’s sacrifice.
The barge pieces were moved to a storage yard near Alpine Meadows.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Lake Tahoe Documentary Film Fest (LTDFF) is entering its second year, after its inauguration in 2024. Executive director of the festival Michelle Ficara spoke with the Tribune on why she was inspired to start a festival, what’s in store this year and what she hopes it will become.
Ficara was a filmmaker for 15 years—her interest in the medium started when she was in the Peace Corps. “I was recognizing a disconnect between where I was with the Peace Corps community and my family back home, so I turned to filmmaking to help people understand,” she said. She decided to pursue a master’s degree in film to help share stories through that art.
“Film, and especially documentary, is such a strong medium. It allows you to delve into a story and follow it as it goes through that arc—it cultivates empathy in a unique way,” said Ficara. While she says she had always thought about film festivals and their importance, she surprised even herself by deciding to launch LTDFF at this point in her career.
“I wanted to do something community-focused, especially for my kids,” said Ficara. “Tahoe needs a cultural gathering space, and this festival and film can bring people together and give them access to diverse perspectives.”
The festival, which is scheduled for April 17–19, 2026, was curated by Ficara and a screening committee of nine other locals from Tahoe to Reno. “I wanted these curated stories to be for my community, where I live and raise my children,” said Ficara. Now officially a nonprofit, LTDFF is supported by partners PBS Reno, the Tahoe Chamber, Lake Tahoe Community College and Margaritaville, where the festival will be hosted. After the closure of Heavenly Village Cinemas, the last remaining movie theater in town, Ficara says the ability to host these films is more important than ever.
“We’re aspiring towards these long-standing festivals like Mountain Film Festival in Telluride or Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Nevada County,” said Ficara. “I wanted this festival to take place in the shoulder season to show we have cultural and arts programming to offer as well.” Still, it can be challenging for regional film festivals to get off the ground—which is why these first five years are some of the most critical.
Curated from 450 submissions, the festival offers access to 74 films, with 15 local filmmakers featured throughout the weekend. Matt Kauffmann of Treefort Design (who’s painted several murals around town) will be doing a live art display, inspired by the films, at the hub of the festival—where people are encouraged to meet and chat about what they’ve just seen. Ficara said, “We were looking for films that light up the soul and keep the conversation going beyond the credits.”
There will be two free community screenings. One highlights local filmmakers, such as the creators of “In the Tracks of Snowshoe Thompson”, a modern retracing of the skiing postman’s route. The other one highlights “The Paradise Paradox,” a film addressing suicide and mental health in mountain communities, which will be followed by a mental health mixer to keep conversations going.
LTDFF is also bringing the films and filmmakers to South Tahoe High School and Mt. Tallac prior to the festival. “Having filmmakers here gives them an opportunity to share their stories with their audiences in a more tangible way, to connect with the people who connect with their films,” said Ficara. Over 20 filmmakers will be present in-person for the festival for post-screening Q&As. One exciting guest will be Gloria Clayborne, wife of renowned jazz pianist Junior Mance, whose love story is told in “Sunset and the Mockingbird.”
“These films have the potential to change someone—to affect someone at their core,” said Ficara. “You can’t measure that.”
Ficara hopes that each year can be unique, adapting the programming based on community needs. She also hopes to expand the festival, making this a flagship while expanding programming throughout the year and making it more accessible throughout town. In the future, she also believes they could start an artist residency and mentorship—where filmmakers could come to be inspired by nature, have time and space to work on their films, share works-in-progress with the community and offer mentorship opportunities while in Tahoe.
“This is what I’m excited about right now,” said Ficara. “We’re figuring out sustainability because I’m committed to making this grow.”
You can learn more about the LTDFF (and purchase passes or individual tickets) at ltdff.org.
Want to hear more from Ficara? You can listen to our episode of Tahoe TAP here.
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.
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.
