Highway 89 around Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe remains closed as Caltrans digs out 30 feet of snow
Submitted by editor on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 11:24pm
The four-mile section of California Highway 89 around the iconic Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe remains closed after recent storms dumped snow on Lake Tahoe. Caltrans maintenance staff have begun the process of clearing the roadway which has up to 30 feet of snow in some locations as well as debris from last week's storm.
Motorists should expect to take other roads for at least the near future as another series of storms is scheduled to hit the Lake Tahoe Basin starting Wednesday. The state highway won't be ready to open until a stretch of dry weather comes to Lake Tahoe, allowing workers to safely clear the area. Extended forecasts do show a high pressure system building up next week in the Pacific which could bring that dry weather.
Motorists needing to travel from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe to the North or West Shore or vice versa will need to use U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 28.
The National Weather Service is forecasting several new feet of snow over the Echo (Highway 50) and Donner (Interstate 80) mountain passes from three upcoming storms, with the first to hit on Wednesday and the last to arrive Sunday into Monday. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead by following the winter driving tips listed here.
Tools for keeping track of roads open as well as closures:
— Check out Caltrans' “QuickMap” for current road conditions and chain requirements at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov. A mobile version is also available.
— Motorists also can use the California Highway Information Network automated phone service by calling 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
— Motorists can see real-time conditions before they hit the road by using our map of traffic cameras available for District 3 and statewide.
— Follow Caltrans District 3 on Twitter and Facebook to receive the latest information about current roadway conditions.
Go to SouthTahoeNow.com for updates to this and other stories.
