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"content": "\u003cp>Six women among those \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073933/treacherous-sierra-nevada-storm-delays-recovery-of-9-presumed-avalanche-victims\">killed in an avalanche\u003c/a> in Tahoe’s backcountry this week were a group of “mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors,” their families said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to a statement from their families released Thursday evening, the victims were:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Danielle Keatley of Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Kate Morse of Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Kate Vitt of Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Caroline Sekar of San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Carrie Atkin, a Truckee-Tahoe area resident\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Liz Clabaugh of Boise, Idaho\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Two of the women, Clabaugh and Sekar, were sisters, according to reporting from \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/us/tahoe-avalanche-victims-sisters.html\">\u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, which also reported that Vitt was a mother of students who attend elementary school in the Kentfield School District in Marin County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters at a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFeGnIbhhPE\">public transportation event\u003c/a> on Thursday that some of those from Marin County who were involved in the avalanche were family friends, calling the incident tragic. Newsom said he had previously spent time at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073933/treacherous-sierra-nevada-storm-delays-recovery-of-9-presumed-avalanche-victims\">the Frog Lake huts\u003c/a> where the victims had stayed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, Larkspur Mayor Stephanie Andre expressed her condolences for the loss of Keatley, who founded Keatley Wines with her husband.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073871\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073871\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow comes down on pine trees during a storm on Feb. 18, 2026, in Placer County, California. \u003ccite>(Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The pair were frequently seen supporting local organizations and sharing their namesake wines at community events,” Andre wrote. “Danielle Keatley was a radiant, beautiful soul. She was warm, kind and exuded a special quality that drew people to her.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The families’ statement called the six women “passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains” and said they were experienced, trained and fully equipped to be on the trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted,” the families’ statement reads.[aside postID=science_2000137 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/10/GettyImages-1482972333-1020x678.jpg']For the community of Truckee, which sits at the base of Donner Summit near where the avalanche occurred, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073690/8-skiers-confirmed-dead-1-still-missing-after-tahoe-avalanche-heres-what-we-know\">news of the deadly avalanche\u003c/a> has been traumatizing, Mayor Anna Klovstad said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With just over 17,000 residents, the small mountain town is full of outdoor enthusiasts and recreators, many of whom regularly go into the Castle Peak wilderness, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can see Castle Peak from most of Truckee,” Klovstad said. “That’s also where many of us play.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tremendous efforts from local search-and-rescue crews and the community support she’s seen so far have been heartening, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A community vigil is planned for 6 p.m. Sunday in downtown Truckee, and a community grief support listening session is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sierra College.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An interfaith service is also set to take place at the Church of the Mountains on Monday at 5:30 p.m., and will be followed by drop-in support hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Almost immediately, members of the community reached out offering their support and wanted to know how they could help,” Klovstad said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Six women among those \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073933/treacherous-sierra-nevada-storm-delays-recovery-of-9-presumed-avalanche-victims\">killed in an avalanche\u003c/a> in Tahoe’s backcountry this week were a group of “mothers, wives and friends, all of whom connected through the love of the outdoors,” their families said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to a statement from their families released Thursday evening, the victims were:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Danielle Keatley of Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Kate Morse of Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Kate Vitt of Marin County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Caroline Sekar of San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Carrie Atkin, a Truckee-Tahoe area resident\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Liz Clabaugh of Boise, Idaho\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Two of the women, Clabaugh and Sekar, were sisters, according to reporting from \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/us/tahoe-avalanche-victims-sisters.html\">\u003cem>The New York Times\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, which also reported that Vitt was a mother of students who attend elementary school in the Kentfield School District in Marin County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters at a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFeGnIbhhPE\">public transportation event\u003c/a> on Thursday that some of those from Marin County who were involved in the avalanche were family friends, calling the incident tragic. Newsom said he had previously spent time at \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073933/treacherous-sierra-nevada-storm-delays-recovery-of-9-presumed-avalanche-victims\">the Frog Lake huts\u003c/a> where the victims had stayed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, Larkspur Mayor Stephanie Andre expressed her condolences for the loss of Keatley, who founded Keatley Wines with her husband.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073871\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073871\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaSnowAP1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow comes down on pine trees during a storm on Feb. 18, 2026, in Placer County, California. \u003ccite>(Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The pair were frequently seen supporting local organizations and sharing their namesake wines at community events,” Andre wrote. “Danielle Keatley was a radiant, beautiful soul. She was warm, kind and exuded a special quality that drew people to her.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The families’ statement called the six women “passionate, skilled skiers who cherished time together in the mountains” and said they were experienced, trained and fully equipped to be on the trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are heartbroken and are doing our best to care for one another and our families in the way we know these women would have wanted,” the families’ statement reads.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>For the community of Truckee, which sits at the base of Donner Summit near where the avalanche occurred, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073690/8-skiers-confirmed-dead-1-still-missing-after-tahoe-avalanche-heres-what-we-know\">news of the deadly avalanche\u003c/a> has been traumatizing, Mayor Anna Klovstad said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With just over 17,000 residents, the small mountain town is full of outdoor enthusiasts and recreators, many of whom regularly go into the Castle Peak wilderness, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You can see Castle Peak from most of Truckee,” Klovstad said. “That’s also where many of us play.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The tremendous efforts from local search-and-rescue crews and the community support she’s seen so far have been heartening, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A community vigil is planned for 6 p.m. Sunday in downtown Truckee, and a community grief support listening session is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sierra College.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An interfaith service is also set to take place at the Church of the Mountains on Monday at 5:30 p.m., and will be followed by drop-in support hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Almost immediately, members of the community reached out offering their support and wanted to know how they could help,” Klovstad said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>Eight people were killed, and one is still missing, after an avalanche buried a group of 15 backcountry skiers in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tahoe\">Tahoe\u003c/a>’s Donner Summit region on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It is now the deadliest avalanche in California’s modern history, surpassing the 1982 avalanche in Alpine Meadows that killed seven people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Following a 911 call from the survivors around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, about 50 people from surrounding search-and-rescue teams responded, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said at a press conference Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Six of the skiers, who were part of a three-day backcountry skiing group staying at the Frog Lake huts near Castle Peak, were rescued amid extreme weather conditions Tuesday night, Moon said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First responders used snowcats to get 2 miles from the site of the avalanche before skiing in to rescue survivors, who were trying to shelter amid the storm with the equipment they had on hand. Two were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and one has been released.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#Whattodoifyourecaughtinanavalanche\">What to do if you’re caught in an avalanche\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“Due to extreme weather conditions, it took several hours for rescue personnel to safely reach the skiers and transport them to safety, where they were medically evaluated by Truckee Fire,” a sheriff’s spokesperson wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Three people were immediately identified as dead on the scene.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The search for the remaining missing person and recovery for the eight deceased are ongoing Wednesday, pending weather conditions, Moon said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073788\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12073788 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon updates media on rescue efforts following an avalanche at a news conference in Nevada City, California, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tran Nguyen via AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s not a resource issue as we speak,” Moon said. “It is a weather condition and safety condition for our response teams.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Initial reports said 16 people went on the trip, but a statement from \u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdguides.com/pages/live-incident-updates\">Blackbird Mountain Guides\u003c/a>, the guiding company involved in the incident, confirmed the group was actually 15 — comprising 11 clients and four guides. Among the survivors, one is a guide and five are clients. All had emergency beacons, and rescuers were communicating with some survivors via text message, according to first responders.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nine women and six men were on the trip, with five women and one man among the survivors. Their identities have not been released, but Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo said one of those who died is the spouse of a member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a volunteer team that responded to the incident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This has not only been challenging for our community, it’s been a challenging rescue,” Woo said. “It’s also been challenging emotionally for our team and our organization.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11940130\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11940130\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589.jpg\" alt=\"A creek running through a forest where trees are covered in snow.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-800x578.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-1020x737.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-1536x1110.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fresh Winter Snow near where the Donner Party saga unfolded. \u003ccite>(Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073593/heavy-rain-and-snow-shut-down-roads-across-bay-area-and-sierra-nevada\">A major storm hit the Lake Tahoe region this week\u003c/a>, producing high avalanche danger. While crews continue their search, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/forecasts/avalanche#/all\">Sierra Avalanche Center\u003c/a> issued an avalanche warning starting Tuesday morning that expires on Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The warning notes high avalanche danger — the fourth level on a five-point scale — and says travel in or around backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Rapidly accumulating snowfall, weak layers in the existing snowpack, and gale-force winds that blow and drift snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains,” the warning reads. “Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches large enough to bury or injure people are very likely.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wendy Antibus, education manager at the Sierra Avalanche Center, said the dry conditions all January allowed weak layers to form at the surface of existing snow, creating a slippery surface that’s prime for avalanches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then this week’s sheer volume of snowfall, with more than an inch falling per hour for the past two days, piled on top, said Brian Brong, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Reno office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As the slope gets steeper and steeper, that snow doesn’t tend to want to stick — it wants to kind of slide down the hill, so that’s where we get the avalanche threat,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with temperatures in the single digits on the mountaintops, that produces light, fluffy snow that can get blown around easily — even a 30 mph wind can create whiteout conditions, he said. The lighter snow leads to more snow drifts, piling up on one side of a mountain and creating a steeper-than-normal slope, prime for avalanche risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073703\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12073703 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A vehicle is buried in snow during a storm on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Truckee, California. \u003ccite>(Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This slide was around a football field in length, said Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor of the Tahoe National Forest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It resulted when a persistent weak layer had a large load of snow over the top of it,” he said at the press conference. “That persistent weak layer is still there and has reloaded with another three feet of snow. So the hazard remains high.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The slide occurred just one mile away from \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/avalanche-kills-snowmobiler-near-lake-tahoe-21279131.php\">another in January\u003c/a>, which killed a person snowmobiling in the backcountry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Richard Bothwell, chief avalanche educator for the Bay Area-based Outdoor Adventure Club, warned that people often have trouble assessing risk in the backcountry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We just have to be really, really meticulous about the terrain that we choose to travel on,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Wednesday’s press conference, Woo warned that travel in the Sierra Nevada is not safe right now. “Please avoid the Sierras during this current storm and in the upcoming days,” he said. “Avoid mountain travel — it’s treacherous. Avoid the backcountry.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Whattodoifyourecaughtinanavalanche\">\u003c/a>What to do if you’re caught in an avalanche\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on heading up to the mountains this winter, keep reading for what to know about avalanches — why they happen, how to prepare for the worst, and what to do if you’re caught in an avalanche yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How to be prepared for avalanches\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re venturing into the backcountry — which means beyond the boundaries of a ski resort — then you need to take \u003ca href=\"https://avalanche.org/avalanche-courses/\">an avalanche safety course\u003c/a>. This will give you far more detail in understanding avalanche conditions and rescue protocols.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to stay primarily in a resort or mountain park, then you should still know the basics — many of which you can learn through the National Avalanche Center’s \u003ca href=\"https://avalanche.org/avalanche-education/\">free course videos and educational materials on avalanches\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12073713 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow covers a street sign on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Truckee, California. \u003ccite>(Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The most important rule is not to venture into closed areas of the resort and not to “duck” under out-of-bounds ropes. Pay attention to any alerts or warnings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/sac-daily-flow-user-guide\">The Sierra Avalanche Center has also created a daily flow guide\u003c/a> for a simple way to understand the best practices when skiing and snowboarding in the Sierra. This includes:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Skiing with other people and knowing their abilities in advance\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Knowing the conditions and avalanche risk before you go\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Having a safety and rescue plan and bringing avalanche equipment\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How do I know what the avalanche conditions are?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Check, check, check the forecasts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Sierra Avalanche Center, along with a number of avalanche experts and offices around the West, puts out \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/forecasts/#/central-sierra-nevada\">daily forecasts with predicted avalanche dangers\u003c/a> and conditions to watch out for. They also put out \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/state-of-the-snowpack/current\">weekly overall updates on the state of the snowpack\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/how-to-read-avalanche-advisory\">reading an avalanche advisory\u003c/a> in detail does require some background knowledge. If you plan to stay within the resorts, then the “bottom line” information (which is listed at the top) supplied in the advisory forecasts should give you the main takeaways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A good rule is to pay attention to the warning signs that an avalanche could happen when you’re out in the snow. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/sac-daily-flow-user-guide\">the Sierra Avalanche Center’s daily flow guide\u003c/a>, these include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Recent avalanche activity in the area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Signs of instability in the snowpack\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Recent “loading” (i.e., storms)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Rapid warming or weather changes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Terrain with a slope greater than 30 degrees\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Terrain or hillsides that match the advisory warnings\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How do avalanches happen?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-problems\">different kinds of avalanches\u003c/a> that come with different kinds of warning signs and frequency. The two main kinds are dry-loose or sluff avalanches — which are made up of soft snow that collects as it moves — and slab avalanches, which occur when a cohesive layer of snow breaks and moves as a slab downhill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/quest/19193/the-science-of-snow\">The science of how snow layers form and break\u003c/a> is complicated, but in essence, avalanches occur when there’s a surface bed of snow at the bottom, with a weaker layer of snow on top — and then new snow on top of that weaker layer.[aside postID=news_12073593 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/DonnerPassGetty.jpg']This creates \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/anticipate-conditions\">conditions\u003c/a> where the weaker layer can collapse, and the mass of snow on top can fracture and slide. While this can happen naturally, human activity almost always triggers avalanches, causing the weaker layer to collapse.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Things that can affect the likelihood of an avalanche occurring are, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5444915.pdf\">according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (PDF):\u003c/a> The instability of the snowpack, the recent weather and snowfall, and the terrain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Avalanches are most likely to occur immediately after a large storm when there has been significant snowfall. Heavy wind that quickly blows in large amounts of snow on top of an existing layer can also cause dangerous conditions. Slight melting and refreezing each night can stabilize the snowpack — but extended periods of out-of-the-ordinary weather changes can cause instability. Whether or not a slope faces the sun, and the steepness of that slope, can affect the probability of an avalanche.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Within resorts, ski patrols monitor these conditions and conduct avalanche controls — deliberately setting off small avalanches to keep the potential for larger ones from building up. In the backcountry, it’s important to be aware of all these changing variables since you won’t have ski patrols around to do it for you.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What is avalanche equipment?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In the backcountry, avalanche equipment includes:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>An avalanche beacon and receiver\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A probe to stick in the ground to locate someone trapped\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A shovel to dig someone out\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Many jackets and ski pants also now come with \u003ca href=\"https://recco.com/technology/\">a RECCO reflector\u003c/a> built in. This small transmitter looks like a label or tag on your coat, pants, helmet or backpack, which transmits to receivers operated by patrols or rescue crews. This is not considered a replacement for an avalanche beacon, but it can augment rescue efforts and is an easy add-on to have inbounds at a resort.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I do if I get caught in an avalanche?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First and foremost, try to get off the slab or out of the oncoming avalanche track. This is, of course, not always easy to accomplish since avalanches can travel between 60 mph and 80 mph.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Sierra Avalanche Center \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/FAQ\">recommends two techniques for escaping the path of an avalanche\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you’re skiing or snowboarding, try to head straight downhill to build up some speed, and then angle off to the side to get off the slab.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you’re snowmobiling, use the momentum and power to your advantage and continue in the direction you’re going to try to get out of dangerous snow.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073709\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1998px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073709\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1998\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2.jpg 1998w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1998px) 100vw, 1998px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Trucks are lined up along Interstate 80 during a storm on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Truckee, California. \u003ccite>(Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The reason people die in avalanches is that carbon dioxide in the area around their mouth, where they are buried, builds up. If they’re rescued within the first 15 minutes, there is a nearly 93% survival rate, according to stats published by \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-victim-resuscitation\">the American Avalanche Association\u003c/a> — but it drops drastically with every additional minute. This is why it’s crucial to take steps to increase the likelihood that you can be found and rescued quickly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you get caught in an avalanche and can’t escape, you can try to grab onto a tree. But you’ll have to do this very quickly because avalanches pick up speed within seconds — and getting carried at speed into a tree or boulder is a common source of fatal trauma in an avalanche.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you can’t escape or grab onto a tree, then you need to “swim.” Because people are likely to sink in the avalanche debris, it’s important to swim hard to try and keep yourself near the surface.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Clear a space for air in front of your mouth as the avalanche slows down just before it comes to rest. This will give you slightly longer before the carbon dioxide builds up.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Push a hand up (or your best guess of what “up” is) because any clues will help people find you faster.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Remember: All of these things must be done while the debris and snow are still moving — because once the snow stops, it will instantly be too thick and heavy for you to move.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you see someone caught in an avalanche, do not try to ski or snowmobile over to them while it is occurring — no matter how strong your instinct is to reach them to help out. Instead, you are likely to get caught in the avalanche yourself. You should try to note their starting position and where they end up, and then immediately start searching for them after the avalanche stops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/mbolanos\">\u003cem>Madi Bolaños\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Six survivors have been rescued after an avalanche in the backcountry near Donner Summit, while search and recovery operations continue amid dangerous conditions.",
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"title": "8 Skiers Confirmed Dead, 1 Still Missing After Tahoe Avalanche. Here’s What We Know | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Eight people were killed, and one is still missing, after an avalanche buried a group of 15 backcountry skiers in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tahoe\">Tahoe\u003c/a>’s Donner Summit region on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It is now the deadliest avalanche in California’s modern history, surpassing the 1982 avalanche in Alpine Meadows that killed seven people.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Following a 911 call from the survivors around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, about 50 people from surrounding search-and-rescue teams responded, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said at a press conference Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Six of the skiers, who were part of a three-day backcountry skiing group staying at the Frog Lake huts near Castle Peak, were rescued amid extreme weather conditions Tuesday night, Moon said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>First responders used snowcats to get 2 miles from the site of the avalanche before skiing in to rescue survivors, who were trying to shelter amid the storm with the equipment they had on hand. Two were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and one has been released.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#Whattodoifyourecaughtinanavalanche\">What to do if you’re caught in an avalanche\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>“Due to extreme weather conditions, it took several hours for rescue personnel to safely reach the skiers and transport them to safety, where they were medically evaluated by Truckee Fire,” a sheriff’s spokesperson wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Three people were immediately identified as dead on the scene.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The search for the remaining missing person and recovery for the eight deceased are ongoing Wednesday, pending weather conditions, Moon said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073788\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1980px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12073788 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1980\" height=\"1485\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/AP26049704726526-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon updates media on rescue efforts following an avalanche at a news conference in Nevada City, California, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. \u003ccite>(Tran Nguyen via AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s not a resource issue as we speak,” Moon said. “It is a weather condition and safety condition for our response teams.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Initial reports said 16 people went on the trip, but a statement from \u003ca href=\"https://blackbirdguides.com/pages/live-incident-updates\">Blackbird Mountain Guides\u003c/a>, the guiding company involved in the incident, confirmed the group was actually 15 — comprising 11 clients and four guides. Among the survivors, one is a guide and five are clients. All had emergency beacons, and rescuers were communicating with some survivors via text message, according to first responders.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nine women and six men were on the trip, with five women and one man among the survivors. Their identities have not been released, but Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo said one of those who died is the spouse of a member of the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team, a volunteer team that responded to the incident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This has not only been challenging for our community, it’s been a challenging rescue,” Woo said. “It’s also been challenging emotionally for our team and our organization.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11940130\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11940130\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589.jpg\" alt=\"A creek running through a forest where trees are covered in snow.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1388\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-800x578.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-1020x737.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-160x116.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/02/GettyImages-157677589-1536x1110.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fresh Winter Snow near where the Donner Party saga unfolded. \u003ccite>(Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12073593/heavy-rain-and-snow-shut-down-roads-across-bay-area-and-sierra-nevada\">A major storm hit the Lake Tahoe region this week\u003c/a>, producing high avalanche danger. While crews continue their search, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/forecasts/avalanche#/all\">Sierra Avalanche Center\u003c/a> issued an avalanche warning starting Tuesday morning that expires on Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The warning notes high avalanche danger — the fourth level on a five-point scale — and says travel in or around backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Rapidly accumulating snowfall, weak layers in the existing snowpack, and gale-force winds that blow and drift snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains,” the warning reads. “Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches large enough to bury or injure people are very likely.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wendy Antibus, education manager at the Sierra Avalanche Center, said the dry conditions all January allowed weak layers to form at the surface of existing snow, creating a slippery surface that’s prime for avalanches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then this week’s sheer volume of snowfall, with more than an inch falling per hour for the past two days, piled on top, said Brian Brong, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Reno office.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“As the slope gets steeper and steeper, that snow doesn’t tend to want to stick — it wants to kind of slide down the hill, so that’s where we get the avalanche threat,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And with temperatures in the single digits on the mountaintops, that produces light, fluffy snow that can get blown around easily — even a 30 mph wind can create whiteout conditions, he said. The lighter snow leads to more snow drifts, piling up on one side of a mountain and creating a steeper-than-normal slope, prime for avalanche risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073703\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12073703 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/SnowStormSierraNevadaAP1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A vehicle is buried in snow during a storm on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Truckee, California. \u003ccite>(Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This slide was around a football field in length, said Chris Feutrier, forest supervisor of the Tahoe National Forest.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It resulted when a persistent weak layer had a large load of snow over the top of it,” he said at the press conference. “That persistent weak layer is still there and has reloaded with another three feet of snow. So the hazard remains high.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The slide occurred just one mile away from \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfgate.com/renotahoe/article/avalanche-kills-snowmobiler-near-lake-tahoe-21279131.php\">another in January\u003c/a>, which killed a person snowmobiling in the backcountry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Richard Bothwell, chief avalanche educator for the Bay Area-based Outdoor Adventure Club, warned that people often have trouble assessing risk in the backcountry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We just have to be really, really meticulous about the terrain that we choose to travel on,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Wednesday’s press conference, Woo warned that travel in the Sierra Nevada is not safe right now. “Please avoid the Sierras during this current storm and in the upcoming days,” he said. “Avoid mountain travel — it’s treacherous. Avoid the backcountry.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Whattodoifyourecaughtinanavalanche\">\u003c/a>What to do if you’re caught in an avalanche\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on heading up to the mountains this winter, keep reading for what to know about avalanches — why they happen, how to prepare for the worst, and what to do if you’re caught in an avalanche yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>How to be prepared for avalanches\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re venturing into the backcountry — which means beyond the boundaries of a ski resort — then you need to take \u003ca href=\"https://avalanche.org/avalanche-courses/\">an avalanche safety course\u003c/a>. This will give you far more detail in understanding avalanche conditions and rescue protocols.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning to stay primarily in a resort or mountain park, then you should still know the basics — many of which you can learn through the National Avalanche Center’s \u003ca href=\"https://avalanche.org/avalanche-education/\">free course videos and educational materials on avalanches\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12073713 size-full\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow covers a street sign on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, in Truckee, California. \u003ccite>(Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The most important rule is not to venture into closed areas of the resort and not to “duck” under out-of-bounds ropes. Pay attention to any alerts or warnings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/sac-daily-flow-user-guide\">The Sierra Avalanche Center has also created a daily flow guide\u003c/a> for a simple way to understand the best practices when skiing and snowboarding in the Sierra. This includes:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Skiing with other people and knowing their abilities in advance\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Knowing the conditions and avalanche risk before you go\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Having a safety and rescue plan and bringing avalanche equipment\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How do I know what the avalanche conditions are?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Check, check, check the forecasts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Sierra Avalanche Center, along with a number of avalanche experts and offices around the West, puts out \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/forecasts/#/central-sierra-nevada\">daily forecasts with predicted avalanche dangers\u003c/a> and conditions to watch out for. They also put out \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/state-of-the-snowpack/current\">weekly overall updates on the state of the snowpack\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/how-to-read-avalanche-advisory\">reading an avalanche advisory\u003c/a> in detail does require some background knowledge. If you plan to stay within the resorts, then the “bottom line” information (which is listed at the top) supplied in the advisory forecasts should give you the main takeaways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A good rule is to pay attention to the warning signs that an avalanche could happen when you’re out in the snow. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/sac-daily-flow-user-guide\">the Sierra Avalanche Center’s daily flow guide\u003c/a>, these include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Recent avalanche activity in the area\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Signs of instability in the snowpack\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Recent “loading” (i.e., storms)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Rapid warming or weather changes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Terrain with a slope greater than 30 degrees\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Terrain or hillsides that match the advisory warnings\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How do avalanches happen?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-problems\">different kinds of avalanches\u003c/a> that come with different kinds of warning signs and frequency. The two main kinds are dry-loose or sluff avalanches — which are made up of soft snow that collects as it moves — and slab avalanches, which occur when a cohesive layer of snow breaks and moves as a slab downhill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/quest/19193/the-science-of-snow\">The science of how snow layers form and break\u003c/a> is complicated, but in essence, avalanches occur when there’s a surface bed of snow at the bottom, with a weaker layer of snow on top — and then new snow on top of that weaker layer.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This creates \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/anticipate-conditions\">conditions\u003c/a> where the weaker layer can collapse, and the mass of snow on top can fracture and slide. While this can happen naturally, human activity almost always triggers avalanches, causing the weaker layer to collapse.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Things that can affect the likelihood of an avalanche occurring are, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5444915.pdf\">according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (PDF):\u003c/a> The instability of the snowpack, the recent weather and snowfall, and the terrain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Avalanches are most likely to occur immediately after a large storm when there has been significant snowfall. Heavy wind that quickly blows in large amounts of snow on top of an existing layer can also cause dangerous conditions. Slight melting and refreezing each night can stabilize the snowpack — but extended periods of out-of-the-ordinary weather changes can cause instability. Whether or not a slope faces the sun, and the steepness of that slope, can affect the probability of an avalanche.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Within resorts, ski patrols monitor these conditions and conduct avalanche controls — deliberately setting off small avalanches to keep the potential for larger ones from building up. In the backcountry, it’s important to be aware of all these changing variables since you won’t have ski patrols around to do it for you.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What is avalanche equipment?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>In the backcountry, avalanche equipment includes:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>An avalanche beacon and receiver\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A probe to stick in the ground to locate someone trapped\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A shovel to dig someone out\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Many jackets and ski pants also now come with \u003ca href=\"https://recco.com/technology/\">a RECCO reflector\u003c/a> built in. This small transmitter looks like a label or tag on your coat, pants, helmet or backpack, which transmits to receivers operated by patrols or rescue crews. This is not considered a replacement for an avalanche beacon, but it can augment rescue efforts and is an easy add-on to have inbounds at a resort.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What should I do if I get caught in an avalanche?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>First and foremost, try to get off the slab or out of the oncoming avalanche track. This is, of course, not always easy to accomplish since avalanches can travel between 60 mph and 80 mph.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Sierra Avalanche Center \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/FAQ\">recommends two techniques for escaping the path of an avalanche\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you’re skiing or snowboarding, try to head straight downhill to build up some speed, and then angle off to the side to get off the slab.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you’re snowmobiling, use the momentum and power to your advantage and continue in the direction you’re going to try to get out of dangerous snow.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073709\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1998px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073709\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1998\" height=\"1332\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2.jpg 1998w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/CaliforniaAvalancheAP2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1998px) 100vw, 1998px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Trucks are lined up along Interstate 80 during a storm on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Truckee, California. \u003ccite>(Brooke Hess-Homeier/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The reason people die in avalanches is that carbon dioxide in the area around their mouth, where they are buried, builds up. If they’re rescued within the first 15 minutes, there is a nearly 93% survival rate, according to stats published by \u003ca href=\"https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/avalanche-victim-resuscitation\">the American Avalanche Association\u003c/a> — but it drops drastically with every additional minute. This is why it’s crucial to take steps to increase the likelihood that you can be found and rescued quickly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>If you get caught in an avalanche and can’t escape, you can try to grab onto a tree. But you’ll have to do this very quickly because avalanches pick up speed within seconds — and getting carried at speed into a tree or boulder is a common source of fatal trauma in an avalanche.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If you can’t escape or grab onto a tree, then you need to “swim.” Because people are likely to sink in the avalanche debris, it’s important to swim hard to try and keep yourself near the surface.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Clear a space for air in front of your mouth as the avalanche slows down just before it comes to rest. This will give you slightly longer before the carbon dioxide builds up.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Push a hand up (or your best guess of what “up” is) because any clues will help people find you faster.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Remember: All of these things must be done while the debris and snow are still moving — because once the snow stops, it will instantly be too thick and heavy for you to move.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>If you see someone caught in an avalanche, do not try to ski or snowmobile over to them while it is occurring — no matter how strong your instinct is to reach them to help out. Instead, you are likely to get caught in the avalanche yourself. You should try to note their starting position and where they end up, and then immediately start searching for them after the avalanche stops.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/mbolanos\">\u003cem>Madi Bolaños\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "heavy-rain-and-snow-shut-down-roads-across-bay-area-and-sierra-nevada",
"title": "Heavy Rain and Snow Shut Down Roads Across Bay Area and Sierra Nevada",
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"headTitle": "Heavy Rain and Snow Shut Down Roads Across Bay Area and Sierra Nevada | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000043/winter-is-coming-storms-soak-bay-area-next-week-drop-2-feet-of-fresh-snow-on-tahoe\">major storm system\u003c/a> passing through Northern California after weeks of dry weather shut down roads across the Bay Area and in the Sierra Nevada on Tuesday morning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As the area braces for more steady rainfall throughout the day, highways in the East Bay and North Bay were flooded in parts, and access to Lake Tahoe was cut off due to inches of rain and snow collected since Monday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The weather \u003ca href=\"https://511.org/alerts/critical\">suspended Golden Gate Ferry\u003c/a> operations to Angel Island, and travel to Tiburon has been rerouted via bus. Trips from San Francisco to Sausalito were suspended until 12:10 p.m. After that, early afternoon travel will be via bus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Oakland, Interstate 880 northbound was backed up as the offramp on Broadway flooded, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s \u003ca href=\"https://511.org/\">511 website\u003c/a>. Interstate 580 was also affected by flooding: in the eastbound direction, the right lane and shoulder were closed due to flooding near Grand Avenue, and westbound, the right lane was closed east of 35th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Tips\">Jump straight to: Tips for safe driving in the rain and snow\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The city has gotten more than an inch and a half of rain in the last 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farther northeast in Solano County, where there’s also been more than an inch of rainfall since midday Sunday, flooding affected lanes of Highway 38 headed east in Vallejo and Interstate 80 westbound in Fairfield.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10366486\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10366486\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2014/12/459889850-e1771364269475.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1360\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A motorist drives through a flooded intersection on Dec. 3, 2014, in Mill Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Sonoma County, where back-to-back storms in December and early January brought \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12068281/bay-area-braces-for-storm-that-could-become-a-rare-bomb-cyclone-ahead-of-holiday-travel\">significant flooding\u003c/a>, Green Valley Road in Sebastopol was shut down on Tuesday due to flood conditions. In a livestream operated by the county to \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcQJUHnWAVA\">show flooding conditions\u003c/a>, water was streaming over the roadway near Sullivan Road and pooling heavily on Tuesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The section between Thomas Road and Sullivan Road is currently closed due to flooding from the recent storm,” county spokesperson Diana Callaway said via email. She said the roadway would reopen when water levels receded, but did not give a time estimate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and avoid driving through flooded areas due to potential debris and water-related hazards,” she said.[aside postID=news_12068981 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/Hwy116Getty.jpg']Parts of the county have collected more than 2 inches of rain since Sunday, the NWS reported, and county officials urged residents to limit unnecessary travel and turn around if they come across flooded roadways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Monterey County, a nearly 7-mile stretch of Highway 1 was closed as crews cleared mud and debris from the roadway after a slide late Monday evening. The Regent’s Slide area in Big Sur — where there were major mudslides in 2023 and 2024 — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">just reopened in January\u003c/a> after three years of damage repairs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Crews continue to clear mud from the roadway at Regent’s Slide,” Caltrans said in a post on the social media platform X.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for the mountains, UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab said it best: “It. Is. Dumping,” the lab \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/UCB_CSSL\">posted on X on Tuesday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reaching the Sierra won’t be easy — or advised — after Interstate 80 shut down from Colfax in Placer County to the Nevada state line due to snowfall. The Sierra Snow Lab, which is located near Donner Summit, about 50 miles east of Colfax along I-80, reported 28 inches of snow overnight Monday, and predicted another 2-3 feet by Wednesday night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Anecdotally, the combination of low visibility, intense snowfall, and high winds have created the worst conditions since Feb 2023,” the Berkeley lab said via social media.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11980519\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11980519\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow blanketed South Lake Tahoe in California on Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe was also closed in El Dorado County, from Pointview Drive in Placerville to Meyers, due to multiple spinouts, and Highway 89 in El Dorado County was closed at Emerald Bay State Park in South Lake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service said that travel throughout the Sierra is “highly discouraged” throughout the day and into the night, as periods of whiteout conditions are likely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Across Northern California, more rain and snow are expected throughout the day, and scattered showers could continue into the rest of the week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Sierra, the National Weather Service is forecasting up to 8 feet of snow on peaks above 3,500 feet, while 1-2 feet could accumulate at lower elevations. Some snowfall is predicted at elevations as low as 1,000 feet in the Sierra and Shasta County.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"Tips\">\u003c/a>Driving safely in rain and strong winds\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>During storms like this, officials typically urge residents to limit unnecessary travel and stay home if at all possible during weather events like these, citing the potential dangers presented by downed trees and power lines in addition to flooding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How should I change my driving style during rain and winds?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you must drive, do it much more slowly and cautiously than usual, while:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Using your headlights\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Turning off cruise control\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Leaving twice as much space between your vehicle and the one in front of it (wet roads might mean it takes longer to stop)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Staying alert for debris on the road.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What do I do if my car begins to hydroplane on a wet road?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>First off, remain calm — and don’t slam on the brakes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Ease off the gas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Steer in the direction you want to go …\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>… and very lightly pump the brakes until you regain traction.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I approach a flooded road?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Always turn around rather than driving through a flooded area — as little as 6 inches of water is enough to disable or stall a small car, while 12 inches can sweep away a vehicle. Don’t assume you know the depth of a pool of water or the conditions of the road underneath it, especially at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If floodwaters begin to rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground on foot. According to the California Department of Water Resources, more people become trapped and die in their vehicles than anywhere else during a flood.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Driving safely in snowy conditions\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Be sure to take weather warnings for the Sierra Nevada seriously, as winter storms can sometimes make travel virtually impossible — and genuinely dangerous. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains#snowroadclosures\">Read more on how to check the weather forecast and travel warnings.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937339\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11937339\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A snowplow clears debris from the road to Stateline, Nevada on Nov. 8, 2022. A winter Storm warning in is effect for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you must drive in these conditions:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carry chains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to making sure your vehicle’s in good working order (including brakes, wipers and heater), you’ll need to carry chains, which are fitted onto the tires of a vehicle’s drive wheels to offer more traction on snowy and icy roads. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains#chaincontroltahoe\">Read more about when chain control is declared in the Tahoe region and how to fit chains onto your car.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fuel up\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you also have as much fuel as possible at all times, as you could be delayed or even held on the road, which will burn up the fuel in your tank. Gaining elevation as you ascend into the mountains will also use more gas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use Caltrans’ QuickMap \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm\">QuickMap app (available on the App Store and Google Play)\u003c/a>, and also in \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">web form,\u003c/a> will show you the latest road conditions and travel information, including chain controls, snowplows on the roads and closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pack for getting stuck\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure your vehicles contains emergency items including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Food and water\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Warm blankets\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Extra clothing\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A shovel, in case you need to dig your vehicle out of snow\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>An ice scraper.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take it slow\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll see the words “Ice and snow, take it slow” on road signs in Tahoe, and you should heed the advice — especially in areas with chain control, which is in effect for a reason.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave far more braking distance between you and the car ahead than you normally would. If cars behind you are clearly trying to go much faster than you, pull over when it’s safe to do so, and let them pass. Read \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips\">Caltrans’ list of winter driving tips\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know how to correct a skid\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+get+out+of+skid\">many video tutorials online demonstrating how to control and correct a skid\u003c/a>. It’s a good idea to watch a few of them so you can see what the advice for correcting a skid — \u003ca href=\"https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/the-car-skids-what-you-should-do/\">take your feet off the pedals and turn into the direction you want to go\u003c/a> — looks like in action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be aware of the ice risk especially posed by roads that are shaded by the sun — and also on \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2017/12/19/the-science-of-why-bridges-ice-before-roads/?sh=194a49857cd0\">bridges, which freeze faster than the road before and after them\u003c/a> owing to the air underneath.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ccabreralomeli\">\u003cem>Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/esilvers\">\u003cem>Emma Silvers\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A major storm system passing through Northern California is bringing significant disruptions to travel, including what officials called the worst conditions over Donner Pass in years.",
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"title": "Heavy Rain and Snow Shut Down Roads Across Bay Area and Sierra Nevada | KQED",
"description": "A major storm system passing through Northern California is bringing significant disruptions to travel, including what officials called the worst conditions over Donner Pass in years.",
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"headline": "Heavy Rain and Snow Shut Down Roads Across Bay Area and Sierra Nevada",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/2000043/winter-is-coming-storms-soak-bay-area-next-week-drop-2-feet-of-fresh-snow-on-tahoe\">major storm system\u003c/a> passing through Northern California after weeks of dry weather shut down roads across the Bay Area and in the Sierra Nevada on Tuesday morning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As the area braces for more steady rainfall throughout the day, highways in the East Bay and North Bay were flooded in parts, and access to Lake Tahoe was cut off due to inches of rain and snow collected since Monday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The weather \u003ca href=\"https://511.org/alerts/critical\">suspended Golden Gate Ferry\u003c/a> operations to Angel Island, and travel to Tiburon has been rerouted via bus. Trips from San Francisco to Sausalito were suspended until 12:10 p.m. After that, early afternoon travel will be via bus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Oakland, Interstate 880 northbound was backed up as the offramp on Broadway flooded, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s \u003ca href=\"https://511.org/\">511 website\u003c/a>. Interstate 580 was also affected by flooding: in the eastbound direction, the right lane and shoulder were closed due to flooding near Grand Avenue, and westbound, the right lane was closed east of 35th Avenue.\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Tips\">Jump straight to: Tips for safe driving in the rain and snow\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>The city has gotten more than an inch and a half of rain in the last 48 hours, according to the National Weather Service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farther northeast in Solano County, where there’s also been more than an inch of rainfall since midday Sunday, flooding affected lanes of Highway 38 headed east in Vallejo and Interstate 80 westbound in Fairfield.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_10366486\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10366486\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2014/12/459889850-e1771364269475.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1360\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A motorist drives through a flooded intersection on Dec. 3, 2014, in Mill Valley, California. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In Sonoma County, where back-to-back storms in December and early January brought \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12068281/bay-area-braces-for-storm-that-could-become-a-rare-bomb-cyclone-ahead-of-holiday-travel\">significant flooding\u003c/a>, Green Valley Road in Sebastopol was shut down on Tuesday due to flood conditions. In a livestream operated by the county to \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcQJUHnWAVA\">show flooding conditions\u003c/a>, water was streaming over the roadway near Sullivan Road and pooling heavily on Tuesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The section between Thomas Road and Sullivan Road is currently closed due to flooding from the recent storm,” county spokesperson Diana Callaway said via email. She said the roadway would reopen when water levels receded, but did not give a time estimate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and avoid driving through flooded areas due to potential debris and water-related hazards,” she said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Parts of the county have collected more than 2 inches of rain since Sunday, the NWS reported, and county officials urged residents to limit unnecessary travel and turn around if they come across flooded roadways.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Monterey County, a nearly 7-mile stretch of Highway 1 was closed as crews cleared mud and debris from the roadway after a slide late Monday evening. The Regent’s Slide area in Big Sur — where there were major mudslides in 2023 and 2024 — \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">just reopened in January\u003c/a> after three years of damage repairs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Crews continue to clear mud from the roadway at Regent’s Slide,” Caltrans said in a post on the social media platform X.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for the mountains, UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab said it best: “It. Is. Dumping,” the lab \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/UCB_CSSL\">posted on X on Tuesday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reaching the Sierra won’t be easy — or advised — after Interstate 80 shut down from Colfax in Placer County to the Nevada state line due to snowfall. The Sierra Snow Lab, which is located near Donner Summit, about 50 miles east of Colfax along I-80, reported 28 inches of snow overnight Monday, and predicted another 2-3 feet by Wednesday night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Anecdotally, the combination of low visibility, intense snowfall, and high winds have created the worst conditions since Feb 2023,” the Berkeley lab said via social media.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11980519\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11980519\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-1244621245_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow blanketed South Lake Tahoe in California on Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe was also closed in El Dorado County, from Pointview Drive in Placerville to Meyers, due to multiple spinouts, and Highway 89 in El Dorado County was closed at Emerald Bay State Park in South Lake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service said that travel throughout the Sierra is “highly discouraged” throughout the day and into the night, as periods of whiteout conditions are likely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Across Northern California, more rain and snow are expected throughout the day, and scattered showers could continue into the rest of the week.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Sierra, the National Weather Service is forecasting up to 8 feet of snow on peaks above 3,500 feet, while 1-2 feet could accumulate at lower elevations. Some snowfall is predicted at elevations as low as 1,000 feet in the Sierra and Shasta County.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>\u003ca id=\"Tips\">\u003c/a>Driving safely in rain and strong winds\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>During storms like this, officials typically urge residents to limit unnecessary travel and stay home if at all possible during weather events like these, citing the potential dangers presented by downed trees and power lines in addition to flooding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How should I change my driving style during rain and winds?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you must drive, do it much more slowly and cautiously than usual, while:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Using your headlights\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Turning off cruise control\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Leaving twice as much space between your vehicle and the one in front of it (wet roads might mean it takes longer to stop)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Staying alert for debris on the road.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What do I do if my car begins to hydroplane on a wet road?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>First off, remain calm — and don’t slam on the brakes\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Ease off the gas\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Steer in the direction you want to go …\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>… and very lightly pump the brakes until you regain traction.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>What if I approach a flooded road?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Always turn around rather than driving through a flooded area — as little as 6 inches of water is enough to disable or stall a small car, while 12 inches can sweep away a vehicle. Don’t assume you know the depth of a pool of water or the conditions of the road underneath it, especially at night.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If floodwaters begin to rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground on foot. According to the California Department of Water Resources, more people become trapped and die in their vehicles than anywhere else during a flood.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Driving safely in snowy conditions\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Be sure to take weather warnings for the Sierra Nevada seriously, as winter storms can sometimes make travel virtually impossible — and genuinely dangerous. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains#snowroadclosures\">Read more on how to check the weather forecast and travel warnings.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937339\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11937339\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A snowplow clears debris from the road to Stateline, Nevada on Nov. 8, 2022. A winter Storm warning in is effect for Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you must drive in these conditions:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Carry chains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to making sure your vehicle’s in good working order (including brakes, wipers and heater), you’ll need to carry chains, which are fitted onto the tires of a vehicle’s drive wheels to offer more traction on snowy and icy roads. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains#chaincontroltahoe\">Read more about when chain control is declared in the Tahoe region and how to fit chains onto your car.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Fuel up\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you also have as much fuel as possible at all times, as you could be delayed or even held on the road, which will burn up the fuel in your tank. Gaining elevation as you ascend into the mountains will also use more gas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use Caltrans’ QuickMap \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm\">QuickMap app (available on the App Store and Google Play)\u003c/a>, and also in \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">web form,\u003c/a> will show you the latest road conditions and travel information, including chain controls, snowplows on the roads and closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Pack for getting stuck\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure your vehicles contains emergency items including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Food and water\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Warm blankets\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Extra clothing\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A shovel, in case you need to dig your vehicle out of snow\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>An ice scraper.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take it slow\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll see the words “Ice and snow, take it slow” on road signs in Tahoe, and you should heed the advice — especially in areas with chain control, which is in effect for a reason.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave far more braking distance between you and the car ahead than you normally would. If cars behind you are clearly trying to go much faster than you, pull over when it’s safe to do so, and let them pass. Read \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips\">Caltrans’ list of winter driving tips\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know how to correct a skid\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+get+out+of+skid\">many video tutorials online demonstrating how to control and correct a skid\u003c/a>. It’s a good idea to watch a few of them so you can see what the advice for correcting a skid — \u003ca href=\"https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/the-car-skids-what-you-should-do/\">take your feet off the pedals and turn into the direction you want to go\u003c/a> — looks like in action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be aware of the ice risk especially posed by roads that are shaded by the sun — and also on \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2017/12/19/the-science-of-why-bridges-ice-before-roads/?sh=194a49857cd0\">bridges, which freeze faster than the road before and after them\u003c/a> owing to the air underneath.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story contains reporting by KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ccabreralomeli\">\u003cem>Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/esilvers\">\u003cem>Emma Silvers\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"title": "How to Do a Cozy Winter Cabin Getaway Near the Bay Area — on a Budget",
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"headTitle": "How to Do a Cozy Winter Cabin Getaway Near the Bay Area — on a Budget | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>At this time of year, when the holidays have passed, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069084/bay-area-faces-first-ever-extreme-cold-warning-as-temperatures-plunge-overnight\">cold weather still endures\u003c/a>, you may be craving a cozy cabin getaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, one look at Airbnb and VRBO prices often reveals that your average “winter wonderland cabin” \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064955/is-it-possible-to-ski-tahoe-without-spending-a-fortune\">might not be in your budget\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But here’s the deal: If you’re willing to embrace adventure and rough it in a more primitive-style lodging, you’ll find some pretty unique, scenic \u003cem>and \u003c/em>affordable options when it comes to winter cabins. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and willingness to go off the beaten path.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re seeking an adventurous outing to the Sierra Nevada backcountry or an unplugged retreat in Wine Country, we did the research on lower-cost winter cabins so you don’t have to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be aware: Most of these cabins have no electricity and few amenities — including cell service — which is, of course, part of the point. So roll up with your most intrepid friends and any luxuries you might want with you, and embrace the quiet of a cozy weekend away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Agetawayintheredwoods\">A getaway in the redwoods\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#AsummitstayinTahoe\">A summit stay in Tahoe\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Anoceansidehostel\">An oceanside hostel\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Soak in Sonoma County with a lakeside retreat\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a still-accessible, slightly off-the-grid experience, \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Lake Regional Park\u003c/a> in Sonoma County might be the spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located along Spring Lake in Santa Rosa, the park has \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/camping/cabins\">three cabins\u003c/a> — one of which is fully wheelchair accessible — for a winter escape that’ll get you out of your house and in nature without \u003cem>too \u003c/em>much adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sarah Campbell, spokesperson for Sonoma County Regional Parks, said its proximity to the city of Santa Rosa makes it easy to visit without much advanced planning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073401\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A cabin for rent at Sonoma’s Spring Lake. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s a great overnight because you get your groceries on the way, it doesn’t take long to get there, and you’ve got all that time to spend in the park enjoying, relaxing, or doing whatever activity that you’re choosing to do,” she said. “Just because it is so centrally located.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cabins are “minimal” on the inside, Campbell said, with bunk beds and basic mattresses, a porch, barbecue, fire pit and picnic table so you can feel like you’re camping — don’t forget a sleeping bag and pillow — but still have a roof over your head. Plus, campground showers and potable water are accessible nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While it can rain quite a bit in the winter here, temperatures are mild – helpful in these unheated cabins. Plus, there’s plenty to keep you occupied nearby, from the \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/environmental-discovery-center\">Environmental Discovery Center\u003c/a> open on weekends to ample fishing and birdwatching along the lake, lagoon and \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Creek Trail\u003c/a>, which is paved and circumnavigates the lake for a mostly flat 2.3 miles. For kids, the Howard Park playground is a short walk away from the cabins, Campbell noted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for even more adventure, the park also abuts \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480\">Trione-Annadel State Park\u003c/a>, where you can get lost in 45 miles of trails — but be aware, it can get muddy in the winter and spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals are typically $82 per night in the winter, accommodating up to 8 people and two vehicles per site. \u003ca href=\"https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/spring-lake/cabins/\">Reservations can be made here\u003c/a>. Discounts are available for Sonoma County residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Agetawayintheredwoods\">\u003c/a>Relax in the redwoods — inside a state park\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Several nearby state parks, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438\">Hendy Woods\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a>, have idyllic cabins nestled in the redwoods. The catch? They get booked up quickly, so it may be hard to snag a weekend reservation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you can take a day off during the week itself — or even just go out for a quick overnight stay — these spots are worth it for the cozy atmosphere alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Mendocino County’s Hendy Woods State Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur#B\">the four cabins \u003c/a>are located inside the two main campgrounds between the two groves of old-growth redwood trees, where you can meander among ancient giants, some as big as 300 feet tall. [aside postID=news_12044161 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/inntown-3-2000x1333.jpg']There are five miles of trails throughout the park, including the accessible \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hendy-woods-discovery-trail\">1.4-mile Discovery Trail\u003c/a>, which is an easy stroll that tours you through the main grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Closer to San Francisco, Marin County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28538\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a> State Park boasts four cabins, each accommodating five people. This park’s location makes it the perfect quick overnight to get away from the city, especially if you’re planning to explore nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm\">Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a> for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the cabins at both state parks have electricity, covered porches and even small heaters – but every spot is different, so be sure to check your reservation ahead of time. At both state parks, potable water, showers and bathrooms are available in the campgrounds. Bring sleeping bags \u003cem>and \u003c/em>sleeping pads (as no mattresses are provided), and any kitchen supplies you might want for cooking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals at Hendy Woods and Samuel P. Taylor range from $35 to $100 per night and can be made at \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>. Be aware that most cabin sites are booked up on weekends, so consider a midweek reservation if you can swing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"AsummitstayinTahoe\">\u003c/a>Explore the snow at Tahoe’s front and backcountry cabins\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If your cabin adventure is incomplete without the lure of snow, look no further than the Sierra Club lodges around Tahoe’s Donner Summit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The most accessible option here is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/rustic-accommodations/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge\u003c/a>, located in Norden just off Highway 80 near Boreal Resort, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl Resorts. This bunk-style lodge, which dates from the 1930s, offers communal dining and a rustic feel, plus options for bagged lunches if you’re heading to the slopes for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you don’t have to be a resort skier to get the most out of the stay — the lodge rents snowshoes, cross-country skis and sleds for any snowy outing. What’s more, there’s a quiet library to unwind after a long day in the cold, said Andrew Parkhill, the lodge’s general manager.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073403\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073403\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Peter Grubb hut, one of the Sierra Club’s primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Hipcamp/Sierra Club)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s really a great option for people that are looking to do something different and be in the mountains, sharing the camaraderie of what the mountains bring,” Parkhill said. “Whether that’s a beautiful view, or watching the snow fall or having a great day on the hill — be it snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing — and just coming back and talking about it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeking even more adventure? The Sierra Club also has primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry that are accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Perhaps the easiest to get to is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/peter-grubb-hut/\">Peter Grubb Hut\u003c/a>, which is around a 3-mile hike from I-80. But before you book, make sure you’re seriously prepared: not only are these huts unstaffed, with not much in the way of amenities, but they also require expertise in traveling on snow to get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re ready for the challenge, the juice may be worth the squeeze. Akin to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">winter backpacking\u003c/a> — just with an added roof over your head — the reward for your trek is a remote ski lodge with a wood-burning stove, an outhouse and all the new adventure friends you’ll meet once you get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>The huts and lodge can be booked on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge website\u003c/a> or, starting this week, on \u003ca href=\"https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/collections/camping/sierra-club\">Hipcamp.com\u003c/a>. Spots are $82 per person per night in the lodge and $55 in the Peter Grubb or any other backcountry hut.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Anoceansidehostel\">\u003c/a>Overlook the ocean from a unique hostel\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Looking for a getaway with ocean vibes and views? While the Bay Area’s two lighthouse hostels aren’t your \u003cem>typical \u003c/em>cabin experiences, they’re utterly unique and charming in their own way — and will surely get you out of your midwinter funk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Run by the same hostel company, \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">HI Point Montara Lighthouse\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> not only have their own grounds to explore, but are close to some of the Bay Area’s wildest stretches of coastline.[aside postID=news_12066608 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/12/251209-SNOWY-TAHOE-CS-KQED.jpg']The \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">Montara location\u003c/a> is less than a half an hour south of the city, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Across Highway 1 is \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/montara-mountain-north-peak-loop-trail\">Montara Mountain\u003c/a>, a steep but superb local hike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beaches flank the entire area, and just to the south is \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/seal-cove-cypress-tree-tunnel-moss-beach\">the famed cypress tree tunnel\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/fitzgerald-marine-reserve\">Fitzgerald Marine Reserve\u003c/a>, the ideal winter tidepooling spot. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/news/be-know-you-go-tide-pooling\">Just be sure to read the rules before you go\u003c/a> to keep yourself — and all the local wildlife — safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farther south, near the rural coastal town of Pescadero, is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> location. Be aware: Construction at the lighthouse is currently underway, making this location a bit less serene at the moment during the daytime hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it has its own allure, the highlight of which is a cliffside hot tub and daily guided hikes of the state park. You’re also close by to the elephant seal overlook at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> and Pescadero’s quaint downtown, where a stop at \u003ca href=\"https://www.normsmarket.com/\">Arcangeli’s\u003c/a> for artichoke bread and \u003ca href=\"https://www.harleyfarms.com/\">Harley Farms\u003c/a> to see the dairy goats are must-dos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Book a private or shared room \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/\">online\u003c/a> for $50 per person in shared dorms. In general, private rooms do not include kitchen access. Shared rooms grant access to common kitchen and living areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>At this time of year, when the holidays have passed, but \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069084/bay-area-faces-first-ever-extreme-cold-warning-as-temperatures-plunge-overnight\">cold weather still endures\u003c/a>, you may be craving a cozy cabin getaway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>However, one look at Airbnb and VRBO prices often reveals that your average “winter wonderland cabin” \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064955/is-it-possible-to-ski-tahoe-without-spending-a-fortune\">might not be in your budget\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But here’s the deal: If you’re willing to embrace adventure and rough it in a more primitive-style lodging, you’ll find some pretty unique, scenic \u003cem>and \u003c/em>affordable options when it comes to winter cabins. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and willingness to go off the beaten path.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re seeking an adventurous outing to the Sierra Nevada backcountry or an unplugged retreat in Wine Country, we did the research on lower-cost winter cabins so you don’t have to.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just be aware: Most of these cabins have no electricity and few amenities — including cell service — which is, of course, part of the point. So roll up with your most intrepid friends and any luxuries you might want with you, and embrace the quiet of a cozy weekend away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Agetawayintheredwoods\">A getaway in the redwoods\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#AsummitstayinTahoe\">A summit stay in Tahoe\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Anoceansidehostel\">An oceanside hostel\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Soak in Sonoma County with a lakeside retreat\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for a still-accessible, slightly off-the-grid experience, \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Lake Regional Park\u003c/a> in Sonoma County might be the spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located along Spring Lake in Santa Rosa, the park has \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/camping/cabins\">three cabins\u003c/a> — one of which is fully wheelchair accessible — for a winter escape that’ll get you out of your house and in nature without \u003cem>too \u003c/em>much adventure.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sarah Campbell, spokesperson for Sonoma County Regional Parks, said its proximity to the city of Santa Rosa makes it easy to visit without much advanced planning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073401\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073401\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/Spring-Lake-cabin-with-campfire_resized-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A cabin for rent at Sonoma’s Spring Lake. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sonoma County Regional Parks)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s a great overnight because you get your groceries on the way, it doesn’t take long to get there, and you’ve got all that time to spend in the park enjoying, relaxing, or doing whatever activity that you’re choosing to do,” she said. “Just because it is so centrally located.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The cabins are “minimal” on the inside, Campbell said, with bunk beds and basic mattresses, a porch, barbecue, fire pit and picnic table so you can feel like you’re camping — don’t forget a sleeping bag and pillow — but still have a roof over your head. Plus, campground showers and potable water are accessible nearby.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While it can rain quite a bit in the winter here, temperatures are mild – helpful in these unheated cabins. Plus, there’s plenty to keep you occupied nearby, from the \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/environmental-discovery-center\">Environmental Discovery Center\u003c/a> open on weekends to ample fishing and birdwatching along the lake, lagoon and \u003ca href=\"https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-park\">Spring Creek Trail\u003c/a>, which is paved and circumnavigates the lake for a mostly flat 2.3 miles. For kids, the Howard Park playground is a short walk away from the cabins, Campbell noted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re looking for even more adventure, the park also abuts \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480\">Trione-Annadel State Park\u003c/a>, where you can get lost in 45 miles of trails — but be aware, it can get muddy in the winter and spring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals are typically $82 per night in the winter, accommodating up to 8 people and two vehicles per site. \u003ca href=\"https://secure.sonomacountyparks.org/spring-lake/cabins/\">Reservations can be made here\u003c/a>. Discounts are available for Sonoma County residents.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Agetawayintheredwoods\">\u003c/a>Relax in the redwoods — inside a state park\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Several nearby state parks, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=438\">Hendy Woods\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a>, have idyllic cabins nestled in the redwoods. The catch? They get booked up quickly, so it may be hard to snag a weekend reservation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you can take a day off during the week itself — or even just go out for a quick overnight stay — these spots are worth it for the cozy atmosphere alone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Mendocino County’s Hendy Woods State Park, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur#B\">the four cabins \u003c/a>are located inside the two main campgrounds between the two groves of old-growth redwood trees, where you can meander among ancient giants, some as big as 300 feet tall. \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>There are five miles of trails throughout the park, including the accessible \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hendy-woods-discovery-trail\">1.4-mile Discovery Trail\u003c/a>, which is an easy stroll that tours you through the main grove.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Closer to San Francisco, Marin County’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28538\">Samuel P. Taylor\u003c/a> State Park boasts four cabins, each accommodating five people. This park’s location makes it the perfect quick overnight to get away from the city, especially if you’re planning to explore nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/pore/index.htm\">Point Reyes National Seashore\u003c/a> for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some of the cabins at both state parks have electricity, covered porches and even small heaters – but every spot is different, so be sure to check your reservation ahead of time. At both state parks, potable water, showers and bathrooms are available in the campgrounds. Bring sleeping bags \u003cem>and \u003c/em>sleeping pads (as no mattresses are provided), and any kitchen supplies you might want for cooking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Cabin rentals at Hendy Woods and Samuel P. Taylor range from $35 to $100 per night and can be made at \u003ca href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>. Be aware that most cabin sites are booked up on weekends, so consider a midweek reservation if you can swing it.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"AsummitstayinTahoe\">\u003c/a>Explore the snow at Tahoe’s front and backcountry cabins\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If your cabin adventure is incomplete without the lure of snow, look no further than the Sierra Club lodges around Tahoe’s Donner Summit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The most accessible option here is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/rustic-accommodations/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge\u003c/a>, located in Norden just off Highway 80 near Boreal Resort, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl Resorts. This bunk-style lodge, which dates from the 1930s, offers communal dining and a rustic feel, plus options for bagged lunches if you’re heading to the slopes for the day.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But you don’t have to be a resort skier to get the most out of the stay — the lodge rents snowshoes, cross-country skis and sleds for any snowy outing. What’s more, there’s a quiet library to unwind after a long day in the cold, said Andrew Parkhill, the lodge’s general manager.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12073403\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12073403\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/A-Peter-Grubb-Hut_resized-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Peter Grubb hut, one of the Sierra Club’s primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Hipcamp/Sierra Club)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s really a great option for people that are looking to do something different and be in the mountains, sharing the camaraderie of what the mountains bring,” Parkhill said. “Whether that’s a beautiful view, or watching the snow fall or having a great day on the hill — be it snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or downhill skiing — and just coming back and talking about it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeking even more adventure? The Sierra Club also has primitive huts in Tahoe’s backcountry that are accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Perhaps the easiest to get to is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/peter-grubb-hut/\">Peter Grubb Hut\u003c/a>, which is around a 3-mile hike from I-80. But before you book, make sure you’re seriously prepared: not only are these huts unstaffed, with not much in the way of amenities, but they also require expertise in traveling on snow to get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you’re ready for the challenge, the juice may be worth the squeeze. Akin to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064291/winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area\">winter backpacking\u003c/a> — just with an added roof over your head — the reward for your trek is a remote ski lodge with a wood-burning stove, an outhouse and all the new adventure friends you’ll meet once you get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>The huts and lodge can be booked on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.clairtappaanlodge.com/\">Clair Tappaan Lodge website\u003c/a> or, starting this week, on \u003ca href=\"https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/collections/camping/sierra-club\">Hipcamp.com\u003c/a>. Spots are $82 per person per night in the lodge and $55 in the Peter Grubb or any other backcountry hut.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Anoceansidehostel\">\u003c/a>Overlook the ocean from a unique hostel\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Looking for a getaway with ocean vibes and views? While the Bay Area’s two lighthouse hostels aren’t your \u003cem>typical \u003c/em>cabin experiences, they’re utterly unique and charming in their own way — and will surely get you out of your midwinter funk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Run by the same hostel company, \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">HI Point Montara Lighthouse\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> not only have their own grounds to explore, but are close to some of the Bay Area’s wildest stretches of coastline.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/montara-8800-cabrillo-highway?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7gIEvHEEAjVxrZR7Sbp-aWB2A2dZhh1SHje2b8sZP7tzsO1WXe_m7QaAm2BEALw_wcB\">Montara location\u003c/a> is less than a half an hour south of the city, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Across Highway 1 is \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/montara-mountain-north-peak-loop-trail\">Montara Mountain\u003c/a>, a steep but superb local hike.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beaches flank the entire area, and just to the south is \u003ca href=\"https://www.yelp.com/biz/seal-cove-cypress-tree-tunnel-moss-beach\">the famed cypress tree tunnel\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/fitzgerald-marine-reserve\">Fitzgerald Marine Reserve\u003c/a>, the ideal winter tidepooling spot. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/news/be-know-you-go-tide-pooling\">Just be sure to read the rules before you go\u003c/a> to keep yourself — and all the local wildlife — safe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Farther south, near the rural coastal town of Pescadero, is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/california/pescadero-210-pigeonpoint-road?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22190084370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_KR8q7YVstFKkpxfqmGLgokowzr&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7iRwKyt79cmrwHQm_0935emLrvvb7eO3_NzoGkEvl9tAbOzHFZrCrUaAgSfEALw_wcB\">Pigeon Point Lighthouse\u003c/a> location. Be aware: Construction at the lighthouse is currently underway, making this location a bit less serene at the moment during the daytime hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But it has its own allure, the highlight of which is a cliffside hot tub and daily guided hikes of the state park. You’re also close by to the elephant seal overlook at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> and Pescadero’s quaint downtown, where a stop at \u003ca href=\"https://www.normsmarket.com/\">Arcangeli’s\u003c/a> for artichoke bread and \u003ca href=\"https://www.harleyfarms.com/\">Harley Farms\u003c/a> to see the dairy goats are must-dos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Reservations: \u003c/strong>Book a private or shared room \u003ca href=\"https://www.hiusa.org/\">online\u003c/a> for $50 per person in shared dorms. In general, private rooms do not include kitchen access. Shared rooms grant access to common kitchen and living areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains",
"title": "Lake Tahoe Travel: Weather, Road Conditions & Snow Chain Rules",
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"headTitle": "Lake Tahoe Travel: Weather, Road Conditions & Snow Chain Rules | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/lake-tahoe\">Lake Tahoe\u003c/a> region is one of the most beautiful places on earth, especially in winter. It’s no wonder that so many of us in the Bay Area want to drive up there at this time of year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you are planning on heading up to Tahoe this week or next to enjoy the snow, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the weather, as the National Weather Service issued a \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ072&warncounty=CAC017&firewxzone=CAZ272&local_place1=South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20CA&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&lat=38.9481&lon=-119.968\">winter storm watch\u003c/a> expected to last through Friday morning that could affect your travel plans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office says that areas at and above 8,000 feet — including at Donner Summit near the Donner Pass area of I-80 — up to 10 inches of snow could accumulate on Monday alone. The NWS is also forecasting gusts of ridgetop wind up to 100 miles per hour and 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulation at lake level and 2 to 4 feet at high elevations by Friday morning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most importantly, the NWS is warning that now through Tuesday afternoon is the best window for safe travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://x.com/NWSSacramento/status/2003169874047275083\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This type of weather can increase the chances of slick and snow-covered roads, \u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">chain control \u003c/a>and downed tree branches. Conditions like these in the Sierra have not only frequently caused travel delays and road closures in the past but also impacted operations at Tahoe ski resorts (for example, high winds causing lift closures.) After heavy snowfall, it may also take many hours for roads to be plowed and for \u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">chain control to be lifted\u003c/a>, making travel potentially slow and difficult even after an active storm window has passed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to \u003ca href=\"#snowroadclosures\">where to find the up-to-date snow forecasts and road closures\u003c/a> in Tahoe, \u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">details on chain control\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"#canceltahoe\">advice for canceling or rescheduling a Tahoe trip.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937340\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11937340\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Snow blanked road with a Hazardous Conditions Ahead sign.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow blankets South Lake Tahoe on Nov. 8, 2022, with a winter storm warning in effect for Lake Tahoe and the Nevada mountains. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Even without weather events like this in the forecast, traveling in the mountains of Tahoe in winter is a serious business at the best of times — especially if you’ve never lived somewhere with frequent snowfall and don’t have a ton of experience with winter driving just yet. And nobody wants their trip marked by delays, car trouble, road closures or even a serious accident on these winter roads.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re hoping to drive to the Lake Tahoe region this winter — \u003cem>after\u003c/em> this latest storm, that is — and want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for a safe journey, keep reading for our guide on what to know about traveling to Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#snowroadclosures\">Most accurate ways to monitor snow forecasts and road closures\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#canceltahoe\">When should I cancel my Tahoe trip?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">Does chain control apply to me?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#rentalcarchains\">What to know about rental cars and chains in Tahoe\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#safetodrivetahoe\">How to be a safer driver on winter mountain roads\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Why it’s so important to know how to drive safely to Tahoe\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips\">Caltrans’ own winter driving guidance\u003c/a> articulates just how variable winter mountain driving can be, noting that it can be “a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous.” This is not an exaggeration, and driving to and around Tahoe during the winter should always be something you truly come prepared for, rather than hoping for the best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most folks in the Tahoe region completely understand why people from out of town want to visit this beautiful part of California in winter, says Steve Nelson, public information officer for Caltrans District 3, which covers the region. But “the No. 1 problem by far,” he says, “is that motorists head out the door without being prepared for the conditions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937339\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11937339 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A mostly white photo, of a two-lane road covered in white and gray snow, penned in by snowy embankments on both sides with conifers, and an orange truck with bright yellow headlights clearing the road on the left side, facing the camera.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A snowplow is seen as snow blankets Route 237 in Stateline, Nevada, on Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And a storm in the Tahoe area is no joke, especially on roads at such high elevation — well over 7,000 feet on both the Donner Pass on Interstate 80 and Echo Summit on Highway 50. “And when you’re talking about 4 to 6 feet of snow, and people that have never driven in it before, it can get pretty, pretty gnarly,” says Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"snowroadclosures\">\u003c/a>How to check the weather and road conditions\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Weather predictions can evolve and change on a dime, and a storm can suddenly switch gears and arrive sooner (or later) than first forecast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is why it’s important not just to \u003cem>keep\u003c/em> checking the weather forecast for the area of Tahoe you’re visiting, but to make sure you’re getting information that’s as reliable as possible. During periods of extreme weather, officials will urge you not to travel for any nonessential reasons, and stay off the roads whenever possible. You should always heed these advisories.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Trust the experts (not a quick Google search)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service’s Reno office offers \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ072\">an online Lake Tahoe weather report\u003c/a> you can consult. The National Weather Service’s presences on X, formerly known as Twitter, are also frequently updated sources of information about Tahoe weather, and you don’t have to have an X account to see their tweets. Check:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento\">@NWSSacramento on X \u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/NWSReno\">@NWSReno on X\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ X accounts also provide frequent forecasts, warnings and updates specifically geared to road travel. Check:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CaltransDist3\">@CaltransDist3 on X \u003c/a>(serving Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CaltransDist10\">@CaltransDist10 on X\u003c/a> (serving Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Nelson says that while these X accounts are very frequently updated and get a lot of inquiries from the public, drivers need to remember that they’re “not a 24/7 resource” and should be realistic about using these accounts as a source of real-time help. (“A lot of times we’ll get messages in the middle of the night saying, ‘Hey, can I get up to Tahoe?,’ and we’re not monitoring [X] at three in the morning,” says Nelson.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/CaltransDist3/status/1611459599516991488\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California Highway Patrol Truckee provides updates on road travel around the I-80 corridor \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CHP_Truckee\">on X (@CHP_Truckee\u003c/a>) and\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/chp_truckee/?hl=en\"> on Instagram (@chp_truckee)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Department of Transportation also makes their network of road cameras available for you to monitor road conditions in real time. \u003ca href=\"https://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/vm/iframemap.htm\">Use the map to find the area you want, and click/tap on the camera icons to open the live road cam.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find subscription-only weather forecasting services as well, like \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/\">Open Snow\u003c/a> (which offers a free seven-day trial). These paid services often promise to give a greater degree of granularity around forecasts and longer-range predictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re heading up to Tahoe for winter sports, consider also checking the website and social media of any resort you’re hoping to visit, as they will almost certainly be featuring weather reports and predictions. For example, Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe has an X account (\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hvconditions?lang=en\">@HVconditions\u003c/a>), which gives status reports on mountain operations and weather forecasts — with a focus on when there’s a risk of wind holds for chairlifts and terrain closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember: A resort warning you that weather might affect their operations is a good sign it’s the kind of weather you should take seriously when it comes to travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use Caltrans’ QuickMap \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nelson says that the best way to stay on top of current road conditions in the Tahoe area is to use \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’ own QuickMap site\u003c/a>, or \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm\">the QuickMap app (available on the App Store and Google Play)\u003c/a>. If you prefer not to download the app, you can view a \u003ca href=\"http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/mindex.html\">mobile-friendly version of the QuickMap website\u003c/a> (and even add a shortcut to your mobile home screen).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This map uses Caltrans’ own data to show you the latest road conditions and travel information, so you can be prepared ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937375\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11937375 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap.jpg\" alt='A screenshot of a graphical interface, with light green indicated earth, some blue indicating waterways, and a yellow line across it clustered with icons, as well as a blue-and-red award-shaped sign saying \"80\" to indicate the highway number.' width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caltrans’ QuickMap app, showing chain controls, snowplows and more. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When first using QuickMap, be sure to hit “Options” on either the website or the app, and select all the options you want to see on the map, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Full closures\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>CHP incidents\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Highway information\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Chain controls\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Snowplows\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to either select the location “Tahoe” under “Locations,” or swipe and zoom over to your desired area on the map, just as you would using Google Maps. You can then tap on the icons you see on the map, to learn more about what they mean. This is especially important when it comes to chain controls, which often apply to different kinds of vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use QuickMap before setting off on your travels and — if it’s safe to do so — during your journey, as conditions and chain requirements can develop fast in the Tahoe area. Don’t let warm, sunny and dry conditions in the Bay Area lull you into a false sense of security about the weather you’ll encounter up in the mountains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca id=\"canceltahoe\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Know when it’s safe to travel — and be prepared to delay a trip\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s always frustrating when plans change. But delaying, postponing or even canceling a trip to Tahoe is often the safest thing to do when weather means you’ll be battling hazardous conditions to get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nelson says that during the fierce storms over the New Year of 2023, “it was nonstop” for Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, rescuing stranded motorists on Interstate 80 and Highway 50. He notes that often, it’s the fact that people have travel plans they don’t want to cancel or lose money on that convinces folks to attempt the drive to Tahoe despite bad weather, with little to no winter driving experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They desperately want to get up to Tahoe and they don’t really care what’s going on outside,” he says. “So that’s when we run into problems.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, even if you’re secure in your own mountain driving abilities, not everyone on the road is — and bad weather can mean accidents between vehicles that can cause traffic jams, delays and even road closures. This is just another reason to consider delaying or canceling a planned Tahoe trip because of weather: Do you \u003cem>really\u003c/em> want to be stuck on I-80 for seven hours? At the least, you might consider delaying your travel until weather passes to have a better chance of a smoother journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937335\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11937335\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of a road taken from inside a car, with banks of snow on either side, one car up ahead and a bright blue sky and pine trees.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Driving to Tahoe in winter is serious business, with weather and road conditions that can change quickly. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Gabe Farthing)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re traveling to Tahoe for winter sports, remember, too, that just because it’s snowing, or has recently snowed, a ski resort is not necessarily operational and does not necessarily have all their terrain open. High winds frequently mean that resort chairlifts can be placed on wind hold or closed for the day, especially on the upper mountain. Sometimes, strong storms mean loss of power to the resorts, and equipment like chairlifts can get iced over and become nonoperational. In short: You could battle the worst weather and road conditions to make it to the resort of your choice, only to find that the resort isn’t even \u003cem>able\u003c/em> to open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the worst happens, and you realize you need to change your trip, don’t assume you’ll lose all your money from postponing. While hotels and ski resorts often won’t let you outright \u003cem>cancel\u003c/em> your prepaid purchases due to weather, you might find you can change the date itself free of charge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Consider calling the hotel or resort directly, being prepared to be patient and courteous (and mindful that you might be one of many folks making the same call) and ask them what’s possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"chaincontroltahoe\">\u003c/a>Chain control: Do I have the right vehicle for Tahoe?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know exactly what ‘chain control’ means\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chain control is a reality of traveling to and around the Tahoe region, and you shouldn’t travel to Tahoe without knowing about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Chains” is a catchall term for a traction device that’s fitted onto the tires of a vehicle’s drive wheels and gives that vehicle more traction on snowy and icy roads. These can look like link-type chains, or what’s called alternative traction devices (ATD), which can include cable chains, textile snow chains, wheel-hub-attached chains and automatic tire chains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Different kinds of chains are best for different types of vehicles, and you can purchase your own chains for your vehicle or rent them for your trip. \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/documents/chainrequire-a11y.pdf\">Read more about the kinds of chains you can use on your vehicle (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">California has three levels of chain requirements (“R”)\u003c/a>. R1 applies to the heaviest vehicles, like trucks. R2 is the chain requirement that applies most to drivers of passenger cars headed up to Tahoe. (R3 chain control requires chains on \u003cem>all\u003c/em> vehicles, even those with AWD and snow tires, although it’s more likely a road would be closed outright before R3 chain controls were implemented.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How do I know if I need chains?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>R2 chain control means that unless your vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD, also known as four-wheel drive) and snow-tread tires on all four wheels, you need to use chains on your vehicle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that if you have AWD but no snow-tread tires, you need to install chains on your car in a chain control area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less commonly, if you have snow-tread tires but no AWD, you also need to use chains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans says that you’ll usually have “about a mile” between “Chains Required” signs and any chain control checkpoint to install your chains. You can be cited and fined by the California Highway Patrol for not observing chain controls in Tahoe. \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">Read more from Caltrans about chain control requirements.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t assume your AWD vehicle has the right tires\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All-wheel drive is useless if you don’t have the right tires,” says Nelson. So how do you know whether your vehicle has snow-tread tires?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’ll say “mud and snow” on the tires themselves, usually marked as “M + S.” You might also see a snowflake symbol on the sidewall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937287\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11937287\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires.jpg\" alt=\"A closeup photo of a car tire, with markings on it.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wondering if your car has snow-tread tires? Look for ‘M + S’ and the snowflake icon on your tire’s sidewall. \u003ccite>(Carly Severn/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Even if you have AWD and snow-tread tires, you should still carry chains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans makes it clear: Even if you’re driving an AWD vehicle, you must still \u003cem>carry\u003c/em> chains in chain control areas. This is because \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">the highest R3 chain control requirement technically requires all vehicles, regardless of AWD or tires, to use chains\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may be asked to show these chains in your vehicle at a checkpoint. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have them clearly visible in your car so a Caltrans worker can see they’re present.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca id=\"rentalcarchains\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Rental cars might not let you use chains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s totally understandable to want to rent a vehicle to travel up to Tahoe — maybe you’re flying into a nearby airport like Sacramento or Reno, or you need a car that carries a larger party for your trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there’s one thing you absolutely must know about: Many rental car companies will not allow you to fit chains or other traction devices on the tires of your rental car. And if you’ve rented a car that doesn’t have mud and snow tires — even if it has AWD — and you hit an area where R2 chain control is in effect, a Caltrans chains checkpoint \u003cem>will\u003c/em> make you turn around.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is something that happens “pretty frequently,” confirms Nelson, who says he and his Caltrans colleagues see drivers of rental cars without mud and snow tires “basically pleading, begging” to be allowed through a Tahoe chain control checkpoint without chains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not going to matter,” says Nelson. “We’re going to turn them around, because it’s a safety factor for us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Always check directly with your rental car company about their chain installation policy. Some rental companies will also let you filter results for cars on their site by whether they have mud and snow tires, before you book.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How do I know whether chain control is in effect where I’m traveling?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If chain control is in effect in an area, you’ll see signs on the road indicating this. They’ll either look like permanent black signs on the side of the road, flipped around so they’re facing oncoming traffic, or illuminated signs over the highway. On lower-elevation areas of roads like I-80, Highway 50 and Highway 88, you may also see illuminated road signs giving you the heads-up about chain controls up ahead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can see chain control areas marked on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’ QuickMap site or app\u003c/a>, or call the Caltrans Highway Information Network at (800) 427-7623.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Certain roads may also have a Caltrans checkpoint at the start of a chain control area, staffed by Caltrans workers. At these checkpoints, Caltrans staff will manually verify whether you have the required vehicle and tires to go through the checkpoint.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have AWD and snow-tread tires, they’ll ask you to pull over or turn around to install chains on your vehicle. If you aren’t carrying chains, you \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be asked to turn around and leave the area the way you came.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if there’s no checkpoint, or road authority staff present in a chain control area, you still need to pull over safely and install your chains, if your vehicle needs them. You might hit a checkpoint further up the road, or have a Caltrans staffer or California Highway Patrol officer pull you over if you don’t have chains in a chain control area, where you can be fined.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re having someone fit your chains for you, or installing them yourself, you must only pull over to the right and fit your chains in an area where it’s safe, which will almost certainly be in a designated chain installation area off the side of the road. You must not block the road to fit your chains, or risk your safety (or that of others) when installing your chains. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">Jump to more information about installing chains in chain control areas. \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://twitter.com/CaltransDist3/status/1611399433434042371\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How do I know which chains I should buy or rent for my vehicle?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check your vehicle’s manual for any information about which chain-style traction devices are recommended (or even prohibited, as with certain vehicles). The exact chains or other traction devices you buy will also depend on your tires’ size. You can find your tire size on the sidewall of your tires, which will start with a “P.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also find \u003ca href=\"https://www.etrailer.com/faq-snow-tire-chain-comparison.aspx\">guides like this online with advice on buying and fitting snow chains\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can buy chains up in the Tahoe region, and in fact you’ll see several businesses along major entry roads to the Lake Tahoe area advertising their chains. Buying chains in Tahoe when you need them might well be more expensive than purchasing them back in the Bay Area, especially during periods of strong weather and frequent chain control.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 1 for chain installation: Pay someone to fit your chains for you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At chain control checkpoints, you’ll very often see chain installers who can do it for you — for a price.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These installers aren’t Caltrans employees, says Nelson, but they’re contracted and permitted through the agency. A usual price for this would be $40 to install chains, and $20 to remove them at the point where chain control ends, but “sometimes they’ll raise their rates depending on the need,” advises Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans makes clear that these independent chain installers are not allowed to sell or rent chains to you — only fit or remove ones you already have. The agency also recommends that if you pay an installer to fit your chains, you should get a receipt and “jot the installer’s badge number on it,” which they say “may help with any misunderstandings later.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But remember, not all areas where chain control is in effect will have contracted installers on hand to fit your chains for you. That’s why it’s a good idea to opt for the second option …\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 2 for chain installation: Learn how to do it yourself (recommended)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you can [fit your chains] yourself, you’re going to save some time and some money,” says Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+fit+snow+chains\">many YouTube video tutorials that demonstrate how to install your vehicle’s chains\u003c/a>. Installing chains is definitely easier with more than two people on hand, but it’s a very useful skill to know how to do it solo, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve never installed chains before, you \u003cem>will\u003c/em> find it tricky and time-consuming the first few times you practice. This is why it’s a really good idea to do several of these “practice rounds” at home on your own street or driveway. “You definitely don’t want your first time putting chains on to be actually up on the mountain,” warns Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, you could very well find yourself installing chains for real at a chain control checkpoint in the dark, or when it’s very cold, or actively snowing or raining. Consider packing a headlamp (or a flashlight for someone else to hold), and fingerless gloves to allow you to maneuver the chain links.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For true realism, also consider practicing installing your chains at home at night, or even when it’s raining — because that could well be the environment in which you’re doing this for real in the mountains, at much higher elevation and in the freezing cold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937341\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11937341 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A peachy pink sky, with a low, blue line of clouds, taken from the side of a snowy road overlooking a valley full of conifers and snow.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunrise view as snow blankets South Lake Tahoe on Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"safetodrivetahoe\">\u003c/a>Advice for safer driving in Tahoe in the winter\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Preparing yourself and your vehicle for a winter journey\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll need to prepare more for a winter journey in Tahoe than you usually would for travel outside the mountains. In addition to making sure your vehicle’s in good working order (brakes, wipers, heater, etc.), you’ll need to carry chains (see above).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you also have as much fuel as possible at all times. Not only could gas become more expensive as you approach the mountains, but you could be delayed or even held on the road, which will burn up the fuel in your tank. Gaining elevation as you ascend into the mountains will also use more gas. Running out of gas at the best of times is no fun — running out of gas at 7,000 feet of elevation in a freezing blizzard is way worse.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since winter travel brings with it the possibility of delays, or even being stuck on a road when it’s closed due to weather, it’s also a good idea to have the following items in your car:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Food and water\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Warm blankets\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Extra clothing\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A shovel, in case you need to dig your vehicle out of snow\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>An ice scraper\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t always follow Google Maps and co.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Strong weather can mean more traffic, and navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze can sometimes suggest alternative routes to save you time, or “shortcuts.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the mountains, and especially during or just after bad weather, you should be very wary of taking these shortcuts. That’s because your navigation app very well might not account for weather or road conditions on the side roads it’s recommending, and you could find yourself on a steep, unplowed road that’s not safe for your particular vehicle to drive in winter conditions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If in doubt, stick to the main, plowed roads, even if there’s traffic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take it slow\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll see the words “Ice and snow, take it slow” on road signs in Tahoe, and you should heed the advice — especially in areas with chain control, which is in effect for a reason.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is tricky driving in snow and ice, but I’ll tell you, if people actually drove the speed limit in chain controls, they’d have no issues on Interstate 80,” says Nelson. “It’s 30 miles an hour. And on Highway 50, it’s 25 miles an hour in chain checkpoint areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you adhere to the speed limits, says Nelson, “then you’re fine. It’s the people that still try to drive 55, 60 miles an hour in snow. That’s when problems start.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave far more braking distance between you and the car ahead than you normally would. If cars behind you are clearly trying to go much faster than you, that’s their issue. Pull over only when it’s safe to do so, and let them pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11933784\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11933784\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of trucks driving through the snowy conditions on the road.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1230\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-800x513.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-1020x653.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-160x103.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-1536x984.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screenshot of trucks driving through the snowy conditions on Interstate 80 at Donner Summit on Dec. 1, 2022. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know how to drive safer on winter mountain roads\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips\">Caltrans has a list of winter driving tips\u003c/a> you’d be wise to read before making your journey to Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to taking it slow and steady, be aware of the risk of ice in areas of the road that are shaded by the sun — and also on \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2017/12/19/the-science-of-why-bridges-ice-before-roads/?sh=194a49857cd0\">bridges, which freeze faster that the road before and after them\u003c/a> owing to the air underneath.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssgAWdMfqz0\">Watch for the flashing amber lights of snow removal equipment\u003c/a> on the road, such as snowplows or salt brine trucks, and give them a wide berth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know what you’d do if your vehicle did hit a patch of ice and go into a skid. There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+get+out+of+skid\">many video tutorials online demonstrating how to control and correct a skid\u003c/a>. It’s a good idea to watch a few of them so you can see what the advice for correcting a skid — \u003ca href=\"https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/the-car-skids-what-you-should-do/\">take your feet off the pedals and turn into the direction you want to go\u003c/a> — looks like in action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Remember, when you finally reach the Tahoe area …\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>… you might be glad you brought the shovel mentioned above if you wake up at your hotel or accommodation to find your car has accumulated several feet of snow overnight. (Hotels will often provide shovels, too, but they’ll be shared among many guests trying to do the same thing.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be sure to brush as much of the snow off the top of your vehicle as you can before leaving a parking lot. If you don’t, a large sheet of snow can later fall off your car — either blocking your own windshield, or falling onto the road (or the car) behind you and causing a potential hazard to other motorists. Caltrans suggests you could even bring a broom in your car for this purpose, if snow is forecast during your stay. At the very least, it’s a courtesy to your fellow motorists — at the most, you’ll avoid causing a potentially serious accident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Finally, remember: You don’t have to \u003cem>drive\u003c/em> to go to Tahoe\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If all of this advice about winter driving is making you reconsider driving up to Tahoe, but you still really want to visit the mountains, you should know there are several public and private options for traveling to Tahoe other than driving.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://shop.sportsbasement.com/products/sbskibus\">The Sports Basement Ski Bus\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tahoeskitrips.net/browse-trips/teen-family\">Tahoe Ski Bus\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.amtrak.com/stations/tru\">Amtrak to Truckee\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.greyhound.com/en-us/bus-stations-in-truckee\">Greyhound to Truckee\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Several hotels offer shuttles (sometimes free, sometimes paid) to the resorts, and many resorts also offer shuttles to different locations and parking lots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>An earlier version of this story was originally published on Nov. 22.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Winter mountain travel in Tahoe is a serious business, especially if you don't have a ton of experience. From chain control to weather forecasts and road conditions, here's what to know about safe Tahoe travel from the Bay Area.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/lake-tahoe\">Lake Tahoe\u003c/a> region is one of the most beautiful places on earth, especially in winter. It’s no wonder that so many of us in the Bay Area want to drive up there at this time of year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But if you are planning on heading up to Tahoe this week or next to enjoy the snow, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the weather, as the National Weather Service issued a \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ072&warncounty=CAC017&firewxzone=CAZ272&local_place1=South%20Lake%20Tahoe%20CA&product1=Winter+Storm+Watch&lat=38.9481&lon=-119.968\">winter storm watch\u003c/a> expected to last through Friday morning that could affect your travel plans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office says that areas at and above 8,000 feet — including at Donner Summit near the Donner Pass area of I-80 — up to 10 inches of snow could accumulate on Monday alone. The NWS is also forecasting gusts of ridgetop wind up to 100 miles per hour and 1 to 2 feet of snow accumulation at lake level and 2 to 4 feet at high elevations by Friday morning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most importantly, the NWS is warning that now through Tuesday afternoon is the best window for safe travel.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>This type of weather can increase the chances of slick and snow-covered roads, \u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">chain control \u003c/a>and downed tree branches. Conditions like these in the Sierra have not only frequently caused travel delays and road closures in the past but also impacted operations at Tahoe ski resorts (for example, high winds causing lift closures.) After heavy snowfall, it may also take many hours for roads to be plowed and for \u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">chain control to be lifted\u003c/a>, making travel potentially slow and difficult even after an active storm window has passed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jump straight to \u003ca href=\"#snowroadclosures\">where to find the up-to-date snow forecasts and road closures\u003c/a> in Tahoe, \u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">details on chain control\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"#canceltahoe\">advice for canceling or rescheduling a Tahoe trip.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937340\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11937340\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut.jpg\" alt=\"Snow blanked road with a Hazardous Conditions Ahead sign.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61931_GettyImages-1244621387-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow blankets South Lake Tahoe on Nov. 8, 2022, with a winter storm warning in effect for Lake Tahoe and the Nevada mountains. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Even without weather events like this in the forecast, traveling in the mountains of Tahoe in winter is a serious business at the best of times — especially if you’ve never lived somewhere with frequent snowfall and don’t have a ton of experience with winter driving just yet. And nobody wants their trip marked by delays, car trouble, road closures or even a serious accident on these winter roads.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re hoping to drive to the Lake Tahoe region this winter — \u003cem>after\u003c/em> this latest storm, that is — and want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for a safe journey, keep reading for our guide on what to know about traveling to Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#snowroadclosures\">Most accurate ways to monitor snow forecasts and road closures\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#canceltahoe\">When should I cancel my Tahoe trip?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">Does chain control apply to me?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#rentalcarchains\">What to know about rental cars and chains in Tahoe\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#safetodrivetahoe\">How to be a safer driver on winter mountain roads\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Why it’s so important to know how to drive safely to Tahoe\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips\">Caltrans’ own winter driving guidance\u003c/a> articulates just how variable winter mountain driving can be, noting that it can be “a pleasant adventure or it can be frustrating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous.” This is not an exaggeration, and driving to and around Tahoe during the winter should always be something you truly come prepared for, rather than hoping for the best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most folks in the Tahoe region completely understand why people from out of town want to visit this beautiful part of California in winter, says Steve Nelson, public information officer for Caltrans District 3, which covers the region. But “the No. 1 problem by far,” he says, “is that motorists head out the door without being prepared for the conditions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937339\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11937339 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A mostly white photo, of a two-lane road covered in white and gray snow, penned in by snowy embankments on both sides with conifers, and an orange truck with bright yellow headlights clearing the road on the left side, facing the camera.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61930_GettyImages-1244621487-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A snowplow is seen as snow blankets Route 237 in Stateline, Nevada, on Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>And a storm in the Tahoe area is no joke, especially on roads at such high elevation — well over 7,000 feet on both the Donner Pass on Interstate 80 and Echo Summit on Highway 50. “And when you’re talking about 4 to 6 feet of snow, and people that have never driven in it before, it can get pretty, pretty gnarly,” says Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"snowroadclosures\">\u003c/a>How to check the weather and road conditions\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Weather predictions can evolve and change on a dime, and a storm can suddenly switch gears and arrive sooner (or later) than first forecast.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is why it’s important not just to \u003cem>keep\u003c/em> checking the weather forecast for the area of Tahoe you’re visiting, but to make sure you’re getting information that’s as reliable as possible. During periods of extreme weather, officials will urge you not to travel for any nonessential reasons, and stay off the roads whenever possible. You should always heed these advisories.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Trust the experts (not a quick Google search)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The National Weather Service’s Reno office offers \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ072\">an online Lake Tahoe weather report\u003c/a> you can consult. The National Weather Service’s presences on X, formerly known as Twitter, are also frequently updated sources of information about Tahoe weather, and you don’t have to have an X account to see their tweets. Check:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento\">@NWSSacramento on X \u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/NWSReno\">@NWSReno on X\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ X accounts also provide frequent forecasts, warnings and updates specifically geared to road travel. Check:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CaltransDist3\">@CaltransDist3 on X \u003c/a>(serving Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo and Yuba counties)\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CaltransDist10\">@CaltransDist10 on X\u003c/a> (serving Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Nelson says that while these X accounts are very frequently updated and get a lot of inquiries from the public, drivers need to remember that they’re “not a 24/7 resource” and should be realistic about using these accounts as a source of real-time help. (“A lot of times we’ll get messages in the middle of the night saying, ‘Hey, can I get up to Tahoe?,’ and we’re not monitoring [X] at three in the morning,” says Nelson.)\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>California Highway Patrol Truckee provides updates on road travel around the I-80 corridor \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CHP_Truckee\">on X (@CHP_Truckee\u003c/a>) and\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/chp_truckee/?hl=en\"> on Instagram (@chp_truckee)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Department of Transportation also makes their network of road cameras available for you to monitor road conditions in real time. \u003ca href=\"https://cwwp2.dot.ca.gov/vm/iframemap.htm\">Use the map to find the area you want, and click/tap on the camera icons to open the live road cam.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find subscription-only weather forecasting services as well, like \u003ca href=\"https://opensnow.com/\">Open Snow\u003c/a> (which offers a free seven-day trial). These paid services often promise to give a greater degree of granularity around forecasts and longer-range predictions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re heading up to Tahoe for winter sports, consider also checking the website and social media of any resort you’re hoping to visit, as they will almost certainly be featuring weather reports and predictions. For example, Heavenly in South Lake Tahoe has an X account (\u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hvconditions?lang=en\">@HVconditions\u003c/a>), which gives status reports on mountain operations and weather forecasts — with a focus on when there’s a risk of wind holds for chairlifts and terrain closures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember: A resort warning you that weather might affect their operations is a good sign it’s the kind of weather you should take seriously when it comes to travel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Use Caltrans’ QuickMap \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nelson says that the best way to stay on top of current road conditions in the Tahoe area is to use \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’ own QuickMap site\u003c/a>, or \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/QM/app.htm\">the QuickMap app (available on the App Store and Google Play)\u003c/a>. If you prefer not to download the app, you can view a \u003ca href=\"http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/mindex.html\">mobile-friendly version of the QuickMap website\u003c/a> (and even add a shortcut to your mobile home screen).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This map uses Caltrans’ own data to show you the latest road conditions and travel information, so you can be prepared ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937375\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11937375 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap.jpg\" alt='A screenshot of a graphical interface, with light green indicated earth, some blue indicating waterways, and a yellow line across it clustered with icons, as well as a blue-and-red award-shaped sign saying \"80\" to indicate the highway number.' width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/QuickMap-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Caltrans’ QuickMap app, showing chain controls, snowplows and more. \u003ccite>(Courtesy Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>When first using QuickMap, be sure to hit “Options” on either the website or the app, and select all the options you want to see on the map, including:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Full closures\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>CHP incidents\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Highway information\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Chain controls\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Snowplows\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to either select the location “Tahoe” under “Locations,” or swipe and zoom over to your desired area on the map, just as you would using Google Maps. You can then tap on the icons you see on the map, to learn more about what they mean. This is especially important when it comes to chain controls, which often apply to different kinds of vehicles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use QuickMap before setting off on your travels and — if it’s safe to do so — during your journey, as conditions and chain requirements can develop fast in the Tahoe area. Don’t let warm, sunny and dry conditions in the Bay Area lull you into a false sense of security about the weather you’ll encounter up in the mountains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca id=\"canceltahoe\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Know when it’s safe to travel — and be prepared to delay a trip\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s always frustrating when plans change. But delaying, postponing or even canceling a trip to Tahoe is often the safest thing to do when weather means you’ll be battling hazardous conditions to get there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nelson says that during the fierce storms over the New Year of 2023, “it was nonstop” for Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, rescuing stranded motorists on Interstate 80 and Highway 50. He notes that often, it’s the fact that people have travel plans they don’t want to cancel or lose money on that convinces folks to attempt the drive to Tahoe despite bad weather, with little to no winter driving experience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They desperately want to get up to Tahoe and they don’t really care what’s going on outside,” he says. “So that’s when we run into problems.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, even if you’re secure in your own mountain driving abilities, not everyone on the road is — and bad weather can mean accidents between vehicles that can cause traffic jams, delays and even road closures. This is just another reason to consider delaying or canceling a planned Tahoe trip because of weather: Do you \u003cem>really\u003c/em> want to be stuck on I-80 for seven hours? At the least, you might consider delaying your travel until weather passes to have a better chance of a smoother journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937335\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-11937335\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"A photo of a road taken from inside a car, with banks of snow on either side, one car up ahead and a bright blue sky and pine trees.\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/TAHOEDRIVING.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Driving to Tahoe in winter is serious business, with weather and road conditions that can change quickly. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Gabe Farthing)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re traveling to Tahoe for winter sports, remember, too, that just because it’s snowing, or has recently snowed, a ski resort is not necessarily operational and does not necessarily have all their terrain open. High winds frequently mean that resort chairlifts can be placed on wind hold or closed for the day, especially on the upper mountain. Sometimes, strong storms mean loss of power to the resorts, and equipment like chairlifts can get iced over and become nonoperational. In short: You could battle the worst weather and road conditions to make it to the resort of your choice, only to find that the resort isn’t even \u003cem>able\u003c/em> to open.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the worst happens, and you realize you need to change your trip, don’t assume you’ll lose all your money from postponing. While hotels and ski resorts often won’t let you outright \u003cem>cancel\u003c/em> your prepaid purchases due to weather, you might find you can change the date itself free of charge.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Consider calling the hotel or resort directly, being prepared to be patient and courteous (and mindful that you might be one of many folks making the same call) and ask them what’s possible.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"chaincontroltahoe\">\u003c/a>Chain control: Do I have the right vehicle for Tahoe?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know exactly what ‘chain control’ means\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Chain control is a reality of traveling to and around the Tahoe region, and you shouldn’t travel to Tahoe without knowing about it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Chains” is a catchall term for a traction device that’s fitted onto the tires of a vehicle’s drive wheels and gives that vehicle more traction on snowy and icy roads. These can look like link-type chains, or what’s called alternative traction devices (ATD), which can include cable chains, textile snow chains, wheel-hub-attached chains and automatic tire chains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Different kinds of chains are best for different types of vehicles, and you can purchase your own chains for your vehicle or rent them for your trip. \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/documents/chainrequire-a11y.pdf\">Read more about the kinds of chains you can use on your vehicle (PDF).\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">California has three levels of chain requirements (“R”)\u003c/a>. R1 applies to the heaviest vehicles, like trucks. R2 is the chain requirement that applies most to drivers of passenger cars headed up to Tahoe. (R3 chain control requires chains on \u003cem>all\u003c/em> vehicles, even those with AWD and snow tires, although it’s more likely a road would be closed outright before R3 chain controls were implemented.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How do I know if I need chains?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>R2 chain control means that unless your vehicle has all-wheel drive (AWD, also known as four-wheel drive) and snow-tread tires on all four wheels, you need to use chains on your vehicle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This means that if you have AWD but no snow-tread tires, you need to install chains on your car in a chain control area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Less commonly, if you have snow-tread tires but no AWD, you also need to use chains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans says that you’ll usually have “about a mile” between “Chains Required” signs and any chain control checkpoint to install your chains. You can be cited and fined by the California Highway Patrol for not observing chain controls in Tahoe. \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">Read more from Caltrans about chain control requirements.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t assume your AWD vehicle has the right tires\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All-wheel drive is useless if you don’t have the right tires,” says Nelson. So how do you know whether your vehicle has snow-tread tires?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They’ll say “mud and snow” on the tires themselves, usually marked as “M + S.” You might also see a snowflake symbol on the sidewall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937287\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11937287\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires.jpg\" alt=\"A closeup photo of a car tire, with markings on it.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/M-and-S-tires-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wondering if your car has snow-tread tires? Look for ‘M + S’ and the snowflake icon on your tire’s sidewall. \u003ccite>(Carly Severn/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Even if you have AWD and snow-tread tires, you should still carry chains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans makes it clear: Even if you’re driving an AWD vehicle, you must still \u003cem>carry\u003c/em> chains in chain control areas. This is because \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">the highest R3 chain control requirement technically requires all vehicles, regardless of AWD or tires, to use chains\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You may be asked to show these chains in your vehicle at a checkpoint. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have them clearly visible in your car so a Caltrans worker can see they’re present.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca id=\"rentalcarchains\">\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>Rental cars might not let you use chains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s totally understandable to want to rent a vehicle to travel up to Tahoe — maybe you’re flying into a nearby airport like Sacramento or Reno, or you need a car that carries a larger party for your trip.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But there’s one thing you absolutely must know about: Many rental car companies will not allow you to fit chains or other traction devices on the tires of your rental car. And if you’ve rented a car that doesn’t have mud and snow tires — even if it has AWD — and you hit an area where R2 chain control is in effect, a Caltrans chains checkpoint \u003cem>will\u003c/em> make you turn around.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is something that happens “pretty frequently,” confirms Nelson, who says he and his Caltrans colleagues see drivers of rental cars without mud and snow tires “basically pleading, begging” to be allowed through a Tahoe chain control checkpoint without chains.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not going to matter,” says Nelson. “We’re going to turn them around, because it’s a safety factor for us.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Always check directly with your rental car company about their chain installation policy. Some rental companies will also let you filter results for cars on their site by whether they have mud and snow tires, before you book.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How do I know whether chain control is in effect where I’m traveling?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If chain control is in effect in an area, you’ll see signs on the road indicating this. They’ll either look like permanent black signs on the side of the road, flipped around so they’re facing oncoming traffic, or illuminated signs over the highway. On lower-elevation areas of roads like I-80, Highway 50 and Highway 88, you may also see illuminated road signs giving you the heads-up about chain controls up ahead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can see chain control areas marked on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’ QuickMap site or app\u003c/a>, or call the Caltrans Highway Information Network at (800) 427-7623.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Certain roads may also have a Caltrans checkpoint at the start of a chain control area, staffed by Caltrans workers. At these checkpoints, Caltrans staff will manually verify whether you have the required vehicle and tires to go through the checkpoint.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you don’t have AWD and snow-tread tires, they’ll ask you to pull over or turn around to install chains on your vehicle. If you aren’t carrying chains, you \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be asked to turn around and leave the area the way you came.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if there’s no checkpoint, or road authority staff present in a chain control area, you still need to pull over safely and install your chains, if your vehicle needs them. You might hit a checkpoint further up the road, or have a Caltrans staffer or California Highway Patrol officer pull you over if you don’t have chains in a chain control area, where you can be fined.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether you’re having someone fit your chains for you, or installing them yourself, you must only pull over to the right and fit your chains in an area where it’s safe, which will almost certainly be in a designated chain installation area off the side of the road. You must not block the road to fit your chains, or risk your safety (or that of others) when installing your chains. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#chaincontroltahoe\">Jump to more information about installing chains in chain control areas. \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>How do I know which chains I should buy or rent for my vehicle?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Check your vehicle’s manual for any information about which chain-style traction devices are recommended (or even prohibited, as with certain vehicles). The exact chains or other traction devices you buy will also depend on your tires’ size. You can find your tire size on the sidewall of your tires, which will start with a “P.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can also find \u003ca href=\"https://www.etrailer.com/faq-snow-tire-chain-comparison.aspx\">guides like this online with advice on buying and fitting snow chains\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can buy chains up in the Tahoe region, and in fact you’ll see several businesses along major entry roads to the Lake Tahoe area advertising their chains. Buying chains in Tahoe when you need them might well be more expensive than purchasing them back in the Bay Area, especially during periods of strong weather and frequent chain control.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 1 for chain installation: Pay someone to fit your chains for you\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At chain control checkpoints, you’ll very often see chain installers who can do it for you — for a price.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These installers aren’t Caltrans employees, says Nelson, but they’re contracted and permitted through the agency. A usual price for this would be $40 to install chains, and $20 to remove them at the point where chain control ends, but “sometimes they’ll raise their rates depending on the need,” advises Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Caltrans makes clear that these independent chain installers are not allowed to sell or rent chains to you — only fit or remove ones you already have. The agency also recommends that if you pay an installer to fit your chains, you should get a receipt and “jot the installer’s badge number on it,” which they say “may help with any misunderstandings later.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But remember, not all areas where chain control is in effect will have contracted installers on hand to fit your chains for you. That’s why it’s a good idea to opt for the second option …\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Option 2 for chain installation: Learn how to do it yourself (recommended)\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you can [fit your chains] yourself, you’re going to save some time and some money,” says Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can find \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+fit+snow+chains\">many YouTube video tutorials that demonstrate how to install your vehicle’s chains\u003c/a>. Installing chains is definitely easier with more than two people on hand, but it’s a very useful skill to know how to do it solo, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’ve never installed chains before, you \u003cem>will\u003c/em> find it tricky and time-consuming the first few times you practice. This is why it’s a really good idea to do several of these “practice rounds” at home on your own street or driveway. “You definitely don’t want your first time putting chains on to be actually up on the mountain,” warns Nelson.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember, you could very well find yourself installing chains for real at a chain control checkpoint in the dark, or when it’s very cold, or actively snowing or raining. Consider packing a headlamp (or a flashlight for someone else to hold), and fingerless gloves to allow you to maneuver the chain links.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For true realism, also consider practicing installing your chains at home at night, or even when it’s raining — because that could well be the environment in which you’re doing this for real in the mountains, at much higher elevation and in the freezing cold.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11937341\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-11937341 size-full\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut.jpg\" alt=\"A peachy pink sky, with a low, blue line of clouds, taken from the side of a snowy road overlooking a valley full of conifers and snow.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/01/RS61932_GettyImages-1244611410-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunrise view as snow blankets South Lake Tahoe on Nov. 8, 2022. \u003ccite>(Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"safetodrivetahoe\">\u003c/a>Advice for safer driving in Tahoe in the winter\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Preparing yourself and your vehicle for a winter journey\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll need to prepare more for a winter journey in Tahoe than you usually would for travel outside the mountains. In addition to making sure your vehicle’s in good working order (brakes, wipers, heater, etc.), you’ll need to carry chains (see above).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Make sure you also have as much fuel as possible at all times. Not only could gas become more expensive as you approach the mountains, but you could be delayed or even held on the road, which will burn up the fuel in your tank. Gaining elevation as you ascend into the mountains will also use more gas. Running out of gas at the best of times is no fun — running out of gas at 7,000 feet of elevation in a freezing blizzard is way worse.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since winter travel brings with it the possibility of delays, or even being stuck on a road when it’s closed due to weather, it’s also a good idea to have the following items in your car:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Food and water\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Warm blankets\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Extra clothing\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>A shovel, in case you need to dig your vehicle out of snow\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>An ice scraper\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Don’t always follow Google Maps and co.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Strong weather can mean more traffic, and navigation apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze can sometimes suggest alternative routes to save you time, or “shortcuts.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the mountains, and especially during or just after bad weather, you should be very wary of taking these shortcuts. That’s because your navigation app very well might not account for weather or road conditions on the side roads it’s recommending, and you could find yourself on a steep, unplowed road that’s not safe for your particular vehicle to drive in winter conditions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If in doubt, stick to the main, plowed roads, even if there’s traffic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Take it slow\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You’ll see the words “Ice and snow, take it slow” on road signs in Tahoe, and you should heed the advice — especially in areas with chain control, which is in effect for a reason.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is tricky driving in snow and ice, but I’ll tell you, if people actually drove the speed limit in chain controls, they’d have no issues on Interstate 80,” says Nelson. “It’s 30 miles an hour. And on Highway 50, it’s 25 miles an hour in chain checkpoint areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you adhere to the speed limits, says Nelson, “then you’re fine. It’s the people that still try to drive 55, 60 miles an hour in snow. That’s when problems start.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Leave far more braking distance between you and the car ahead than you normally would. If cars behind you are clearly trying to go much faster than you, that’s their issue. Pull over only when it’s safe to do so, and let them pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11933784\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11933784\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of trucks driving through the snowy conditions on the road.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1230\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-800x513.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-1020x653.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-160x103.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/12/Tahoe-screenshot-1536x984.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A screenshot of trucks driving through the snowy conditions on Interstate 80 at Donner Summit on Dec. 1, 2022. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Know how to drive safer on winter mountain roads\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips\">Caltrans has a list of winter driving tips\u003c/a> you’d be wise to read before making your journey to Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to taking it slow and steady, be aware of the risk of ice in areas of the road that are shaded by the sun — and also on \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2017/12/19/the-science-of-why-bridges-ice-before-roads/?sh=194a49857cd0\">bridges, which freeze faster that the road before and after them\u003c/a> owing to the air underneath.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssgAWdMfqz0\">Watch for the flashing amber lights of snow removal equipment\u003c/a> on the road, such as snowplows or salt brine trucks, and give them a wide berth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know what you’d do if your vehicle did hit a patch of ice and go into a skid. There are \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+get+out+of+skid\">many video tutorials online demonstrating how to control and correct a skid\u003c/a>. It’s a good idea to watch a few of them so you can see what the advice for correcting a skid — \u003ca href=\"https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/the-car-skids-what-you-should-do/\">take your feet off the pedals and turn into the direction you want to go\u003c/a> — looks like in action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Remember, when you finally reach the Tahoe area …\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>… you might be glad you brought the shovel mentioned above if you wake up at your hotel or accommodation to find your car has accumulated several feet of snow overnight. (Hotels will often provide shovels, too, but they’ll be shared among many guests trying to do the same thing.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Be sure to brush as much of the snow off the top of your vehicle as you can before leaving a parking lot. If you don’t, a large sheet of snow can later fall off your car — either blocking your own windshield, or falling onto the road (or the car) behind you and causing a potential hazard to other motorists. Caltrans suggests you could even bring a broom in your car for this purpose, if snow is forecast during your stay. At the very least, it’s a courtesy to your fellow motorists — at the most, you’ll avoid causing a potentially serious accident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Finally, remember: You don’t have to \u003cem>drive\u003c/em> to go to Tahoe\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If all of this advice about winter driving is making you reconsider driving up to Tahoe, but you still really want to visit the mountains, you should know there are several public and private options for traveling to Tahoe other than driving.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These include:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://shop.sportsbasement.com/products/sbskibus\">The Sports Basement Ski Bus\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.tahoeskitrips.net/browse-trips/teen-family\">Tahoe Ski Bus\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.amtrak.com/stations/tru\">Amtrak to Truckee\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.greyhound.com/en-us/bus-stations-in-truckee\">Greyhound to Truckee\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Several hotels offer shuttles (sometimes free, sometimes paid) to the resorts, and many resorts also offer shuttles to different locations and parking lots.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>An earlier version of this story was originally published on Nov. 22.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "is-it-possible-to-ski-tahoe-without-spending-a-fortune",
"title": "Is it Possible to Ski Tahoe Without Spending a Fortune?",
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"headTitle": "Is it Possible to Ski Tahoe Without Spending a Fortune? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>If you’ve spent any time around the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tahoe\">Tahoe\u003c/a> region in the last few years, you’ll know: Skiing and snowboarding have gotten \u003cem>really \u003c/em>expensive. And a huge part of those costs are the resort passes themselves, which offer access to the mountain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As ski season rapidly approaches, companies like \u003ca href=\"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-pass\">Ikon\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.epicpass.com/pass-results/passes.aspx?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxD4QLmZDRZiFd723Lspb1wUR7E057a7jaLrYfjfJgLaZPtaQsiPPmUaAmYnEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!11600!3!780941002272!e!!g!!epic%20pass%20tahoe!22264120545!180590021732&CMPID=PPC&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22264120545&gbraid=0AAAAADQhkiBbM5W5bM1u7D0uZyVqkuxW3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxD4QLmZDRZiFd723Lspb1wUR7E057a7jaLrYfjfJgLaZPtaQsiPPmUaAmYnEALw_wcB\">Epic\u003c/a> — which represent the biggest resorts in the Lake Tahoe region — will be ending their multi-resort pass sales around early to mid-December. For the 2025–26 season, a full Ikon pass offering unlimited access at 18 resorts worldwide, including Palisades Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe, is a steep $1,519. The Epic Pass, which includes unrestricted access to 42 resorts, including Tahoe’s Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, is $1,185. And both Ikon and Epic’s pass prices have increased with each passing year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The costs of these passes have driven many skiers and snowboarders into the backcountry, outside of the resorts’ boundaries. But backcountry skiing, while free of pass costs, also requires \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972590/with-tahoe-winter-storm-warning-this-weekend-what-to-know-about-avalanche-risk\">a considerable degree of navigation and safety knowledge, including avalanche training\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So, what are the options for Bay Area skiers or snowboarders who still want all the convenience of a resort without breaking the bank on a pass, or battling the crowds and traffic of the larger Tahoe destinations?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for our alternatives to the major resort passes on offer this winter. And remember: If you’re thinking about any of these options, you’re better off buying sooner rather than later, as some resorts sell out of season passes — or raise their prices further as the season looms closer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Findalearntoskiprogramthatincludespasscosts\">Find a learn-to-ski program that includes pass costs\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Discoveralternativepassesforresortsfurtherafield\">Discover ‘alternative’ passes for resorts further afield\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtogetdiscountsonthebigresortpasses\">How to get discounts on the big resort passes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Find cheaper passes — and a different vibe — at Tahoe’s independent resorts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Luckily for Bay Area residents, Tahoe has a wealth of ski resorts — each with its own charm and strengths. So you might consider buying a season pass to a mountain that’s independent of the big companies like Vail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For high-level skiers, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sugarbowl.com/home\">Sugar Bowl Ski Resort\u003c/a> near Donner Pass, \u003ca href=\"https://skirose.com/\">Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe\u003c/a> on the way to Reno, \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=Google-IVGID-DP-Evergreen-SEM-25/26&utm_id=RSA&utm_term=Evergreen&utm_content=paidmedia&utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=Google-IVGID-DP-Evergreen-SEM-25/26&utm_id=RSA&utm_term=Evergreen&utm_content=paidmedia&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23138431652&gbraid=0AAAABALTMWiQcCU1eh1-QKGgmoGcgjdx1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxBFYqTWKi8qH5Zbyw8ma893nO65uFPJFFpWW9XtWPdEtnUF3DyEJagaAvHsEALw_wcB\">Diamond Peak Ski Resort\u003c/a> in Incline Village and \u003ca href=\"https://skihomewood.com/\">Homewood Mountain Resort\u003c/a> on the lake’s West Shore — reopening this year after being closed last season — are all great options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jon Slaughter, director of marketing for Sugar Bowl, said lots of skiers choose his mountain because it’s among the closest to the Bay Area — reducing the travel time for commuters significantly. And being near the top of Donner Summit has another perk: Lots of snowfall, bringing an average of around 500 inches per year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064952\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064952\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sugar Bowl is among the closest ski resorts to the Bay Area, reducing the travel time for commuters significantly. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sugar Bowl Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Storms basically push up against the crest of the Sierra, and before they dump over, they just dump snow right on Sugar Bowl,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Slaughter also lauded the resort’s diverse terrain options and advanced areas that are sectioned off so skiers of all levels have something to enjoy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I have two 10-year-olds and I’m happy to just let them go ski wherever, and I’m not worried about it,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://shop.sugarbowl.com/s/season-pass\">full adult season pass\u003c/a> at Sugar Bowl this year still goes for $1,400, exceeding even the costs of the Epic Pass. But the resort also offers discounted passes, including a $600 option that only allows for midweek skiing, a midweek three-day pass option for $300, and an anytime three-pack pass for $600.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another plus of Sugar Bowl? The mountain is independently owned by the local community, creating a “spirit” that is felt across the mountain, Slaughter said. “There’s just a different feeling when you’re here versus some of the other resorts in the area,” he said.[aside postID=news_11937204 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-2013486739-1020x765-1-672x372.jpg']That’s also the case for Diamond Peak in Incline Village, which is owned and managed by the Incline Village General Improvement District: essentially the town’s government and utility wrapped into one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The community-owned resort is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and all its events — including the annual \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/dummy-downhill/\">Dummy Downhill\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/ullr-fest/\">Ullr Fest\u003c/a> — will be “retro” themed in honor of the anniversary, Paul Raymore, Diamond Peak’s marketing and communications manager, said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A full adult season pass to Diamond Peak is $733, and passholders can also get a trio of \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/tickets-passes-rentals/season-passes/reciprocal-partners/\">bonus days to 50 similarly sized resorts\u003c/a> nationwide. They also sell a three-day pass and a $1,300 transferable pass for large families or businesses for their employees, as well as a \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/tickets-passes-rentals/special-offers/\">Parent Interchangeable Lift Ticket\u003c/a> for parents of young kids who may want to take turns on the slopes versus the lodge for the day. In honor of this year’s anniversary, \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/60th-anniversary-60-days/\">$60 lift tickets\u003c/a> will also be available on select days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Raymore said Diamond Peak’s layout, which funnels all skiers down to the main base lodge, makes it great for families or groups with differing skill levels since it’s “almost impossible to get lost,” by allowing folks “to ski potentially different runs, but all meet up at the bottom.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And unlike the major resorts full of local and traveling passholders, “the lift lines at Diamond Peak never get out of hand,” he said. “If you are able to come midweek, non-holiday, it’s almost like a private ski resort experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want an even smaller, even more “local” Tahoe experience? Try an adult pass at \u003ca href=\"https://www.tahoedonner.com/skiseasonpasses/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23138916203&gbraid=0AAAAADpsX2kvwb1UE-ORFwkCE4g_Hf5vu&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxBI25iih3z9PaKfW6kcQ260Vd93xWsTuPkOS1OCjHlhGXQfe3JKSX0aApxhEALw_wcB\">Tahoe Donner \u003c/a>($408), \u003ca href=\"https://www.donnerskiranch.com/\">Donner Ski Ranch\u003c/a> ($600), \u003ca href=\"https://www.skisodasprings.com/\">Soda Springs\u003c/a> ($340), or \u003ca href=\"https://www.skytavern.org/\">Sky Tavern \u003c/a>($275).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Findalearntoskiprogramthatincludespasscosts\">\u003c/a>Enroll in a learn-to-ski program that includes a pass\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While Palisades Tahoe will be teeming with Ikon Pass holders this winter, its sister mountain, Alpine Meadows, has far fewer crowds — and also offers a unique opportunity for anyone still learning to ski who wants to get as many days in as possible this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.palisadestahoe.com/plan-your-visit/snowboard-ski-lessons/camps-clinics-and-seasonal-programs/perfect-progression-program\">Perfect Progression Program\u003c/a> is for first-timer adults and costs $799 for three half-day beginner ski or snowboard lessons, which include beginner lift tickets, rentals and lunch. But the real kicker is this: Upon completion of your three lessons, you’ll get a \u003cem>full \u003c/em>season pass to use across both Alpine and Palisades — plus half off additional group lessons all season long. The only way to enroll in this under-the-radar program is to call the resort at 1-800-403-0206.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064962\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064962\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is one of the smaller Central Sierra resorts offered on the Cali Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Patrick Lacey, spokesperson for Palisades Tahoe, said the program is intended to get brand-new skiers and snowboarders on the right track from the very beginning — while avoiding the risks of injury, both physical and emotional.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You never teach your significant other how to ski,” Lacey said. “That either ends up in a divorce or a breakup. And you can avoid a medical bill in the future if you are skiing and riding the correct way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Boreal offers a similar program, called “\u003ca href=\"https://www.rideboreal.com/lessons/group-lessons/take-3-ride-free/\">Take 3 Ride Free\u003c/a>,” which offers new skiers and snowboarders three beginner lessons, including rentals and lift tickets for three days, along with a free season pass upon completion of the final lesson. The cost of Boreal’s program is $419.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Boreal’s is the deal recommended by Tim Pham, founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.snowpals.org/\">SnowPals\u003c/a>, a platform that connects Bay Area skiers and snow enthusiasts who want to share rides, ski leases or days out on the mountain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Boreal is so easy to get to,” Pham said. “It’s like, the first resort that you see when you get off 80, and is great on a powder day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Discoveralternativepassesforresortsfurtherafield\">\u003c/a>Discover further-flung resorts (and lower prices) with an ‘alternative’ ski pass bundle\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re the type of skier who thrives at a small local resort, Pham also recommends the \u003ca href=\"https://www.powderalliance.com/\">Powder Alliance\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.indyskipass.com/\">Indy Pass\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.thecalipass.com/\">Cali Pass\u003c/a>. The $789 adult Cali Pass gives you unlimited access to several Central Sierra resorts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.bearvalley.com/\">Bear Valley Mountain Resort\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://dodgeridge.com/\">Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.skichinapeak.com/\">China Peak Mountain Resort\u003c/a> — plus \u003ca href=\"https://www.mthigh.com/site\">Mountain High Resorts\u003c/a> in Southern California. Plus, you get three days each at 14 more small resorts around the West, including Sierra-at-Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While some of the partner resorts are more tailored toward beginners, “these resorts have expert runs too,” Pham said. “They may not have a double black diamond, but they have pretty challenging terrain too.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064963\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064963\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bear Valley Mountain Resort is one of the smaller Central Sierra resorts offered on the Cali Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Bear Valley Mountain Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>John McColly, vice president of sales and marketing for the Cali Pass, said the idea grew out of the older \u003ca href=\"https://www.powderalliance.com/\">Powder Alliance\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We were all friends” at the smaller resorts, McColly said. “We said, ‘Hey, we need to come up with something to battle these big multi-mega passes that are starting to pop up.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>McColly said the Cali Pass is ideal for beginners and experts alike looking for skiing that’s accessible and affordable, “people that want to enjoy the mountain, to get up, get away from the crowds, experience amazing powder and a real skiing experience without all the frills, the fluff.”[aside postID=news_11972590 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/GettyImages-1358858502-1020x507.jpg']The \u003ca href=\"https://mountaincollective.com/\">Mountain Collective\u003c/a> is another pass bundle that’s less popular than Ikon or Epic. For $729, it offers just two days at each resort, included but without any blackout dates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This pass is likely best for travelers who want to go to a new destination each weekend they ski and don’t balk at hours spent on the road to do so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sugar Bowl is the only Tahoe resort on the Mountain Collective pass, but Slaughter said if you buy a Sugar Bowl pass, it also includes 50% off at any Mountain Collective resort — so you could visit locations like Sun Valley in Idaho or Alta in Utah for a discounted weekend away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Skiers “don’t have to buy anything extra for that,” he said. “That’s just a perk of being at Sugar Bowl.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just like the major passes, however, these ones also rise in price the longer you wait, and are at risk of selling out before the season starts.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtogetdiscountsonthebigresortpasses\">\u003c/a>Dig into the big resorts’ discounted passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re dead set on getting to visit Tahoe’s largest and busiest resorts, you can always get a limited version of an Ikon or Epic pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both companies offer discounted passes that exclude “peak dates” like during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day. Epic’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.epicpass.com/Passes/Epic-Local-Pass.aspx\">Local Pass\u003c/a>” is currently going for $920, while Ikon’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-base-pass\">Base Pass\u003c/a>” version is $1,099.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064965\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064965\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1279\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2-1536x1023.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bear Valley Mountain Resort is one of the smaller Central Sierra resorts offered on the Cali Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Bear Valley Mountain Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While you may miss out on some three-day weekend skiing with these options, they can be ideal for anyone already deterred by crowds and traffic, or who don’t have a traditional 9–5 weekday workweek.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, you can always purchase those highly coveted holiday weekend tickets at a discounted rate if you change your mind.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Perhaps most useful to Bay Area residents, this year, Epic is selling a “\u003ca href=\"https://www.epicpass.com/Passes/Tahoe-Value-Pass.aspx\">Tahoe Value Pass\u003c/a>” for $649 that allows access to Heavenly except on holidays, and Northstar and Kirkwood outside of Saturdays and holidays. But you’ll have to make a decision quickly, because Epic is ending pass sales on Dec. 4.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Don’t want to commit to a pass? Make some friends and share Buddy Passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>By joining a group like Pham’s Snow Pals, you can find like-minded skiers who may be willing to share their “Buddy Passes” that come with their own passes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Buddy tickets typically grant around 25% off on day rates to non-passholders. Snow Pals requires a one-time $20 membership fee, but once you’re in, you’ll have access to a message board full of Bay Area residents looking for ski companions and willing to share their access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Skiing is an expensive sport, so we tried to get people together to ride share and also share lodging to cut down the cost,” Pham said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s the benefit of joining a group — you benefit from the discount.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "Is it Possible to Ski Tahoe Without Spending a Fortune? | KQED",
"description": "If you’ve spent any time around the Tahoe region in the last few years, you’ll know: Skiing and snowboarding have gotten really expensive. And a huge part of those costs are the resort passes themselves, which offer access to the mountain. As ski season rapidly approaches, companies like Ikon and Epic — which represent the",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>If you’ve spent any time around the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tahoe\">Tahoe\u003c/a> region in the last few years, you’ll know: Skiing and snowboarding have gotten \u003cem>really \u003c/em>expensive. And a huge part of those costs are the resort passes themselves, which offer access to the mountain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As ski season rapidly approaches, companies like \u003ca href=\"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-pass\">Ikon\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.epicpass.com/pass-results/passes.aspx?ef_id=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxD4QLmZDRZiFd723Lspb1wUR7E057a7jaLrYfjfJgLaZPtaQsiPPmUaAmYnEALw_wcB:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!11600!3!780941002272!e!!g!!epic%20pass%20tahoe!22264120545!180590021732&CMPID=PPC&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22264120545&gbraid=0AAAAADQhkiBbM5W5bM1u7D0uZyVqkuxW3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxD4QLmZDRZiFd723Lspb1wUR7E057a7jaLrYfjfJgLaZPtaQsiPPmUaAmYnEALw_wcB\">Epic\u003c/a> — which represent the biggest resorts in the Lake Tahoe region — will be ending their multi-resort pass sales around early to mid-December. For the 2025–26 season, a full Ikon pass offering unlimited access at 18 resorts worldwide, including Palisades Tahoe and Sierra-at-Tahoe, is a steep $1,519. The Epic Pass, which includes unrestricted access to 42 resorts, including Tahoe’s Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood, is $1,185. And both Ikon and Epic’s pass prices have increased with each passing year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The costs of these passes have driven many skiers and snowboarders into the backcountry, outside of the resorts’ boundaries. But backcountry skiing, while free of pass costs, also requires \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972590/with-tahoe-winter-storm-warning-this-weekend-what-to-know-about-avalanche-risk\">a considerable degree of navigation and safety knowledge, including avalanche training\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So, what are the options for Bay Area skiers or snowboarders who still want all the convenience of a resort without breaking the bank on a pass, or battling the crowds and traffic of the larger Tahoe destinations?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Keep reading for our alternatives to the major resort passes on offer this winter. And remember: If you’re thinking about any of these options, you’re better off buying sooner rather than later, as some resorts sell out of season passes — or raise their prices further as the season looms closer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Findalearntoskiprogramthatincludespasscosts\">Find a learn-to-ski program that includes pass costs\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Discoveralternativepassesforresortsfurtherafield\">Discover ‘alternative’ passes for resorts further afield\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Howtogetdiscountsonthebigresortpasses\">How to get discounts on the big resort passes\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Find cheaper passes — and a different vibe — at Tahoe’s independent resorts\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Luckily for Bay Area residents, Tahoe has a wealth of ski resorts — each with its own charm and strengths. So you might consider buying a season pass to a mountain that’s independent of the big companies like Vail.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For high-level skiers, \u003ca href=\"https://www.sugarbowl.com/home\">Sugar Bowl Ski Resort\u003c/a> near Donner Pass, \u003ca href=\"https://skirose.com/\">Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe\u003c/a> on the way to Reno, \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=Google-IVGID-DP-Evergreen-SEM-25/26&utm_id=RSA&utm_term=Evergreen&utm_content=paidmedia&utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=Google-IVGID-DP-Evergreen-SEM-25/26&utm_id=RSA&utm_term=Evergreen&utm_content=paidmedia&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23138431652&gbraid=0AAAABALTMWiQcCU1eh1-QKGgmoGcgjdx1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxBFYqTWKi8qH5Zbyw8ma893nO65uFPJFFpWW9XtWPdEtnUF3DyEJagaAvHsEALw_wcB\">Diamond Peak Ski Resort\u003c/a> in Incline Village and \u003ca href=\"https://skihomewood.com/\">Homewood Mountain Resort\u003c/a> on the lake’s West Shore — reopening this year after being closed last season — are all great options.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jon Slaughter, director of marketing for Sugar Bowl, said lots of skiers choose his mountain because it’s among the closest to the Bay Area — reducing the travel time for commuters significantly. And being near the top of Donner Summit has another perk: Lots of snowfall, bringing an average of around 500 inches per year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064952\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064952\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sugar-Bowl-1-barta_g_DSC1224-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sugar Bowl is among the closest ski resorts to the Bay Area, reducing the travel time for commuters significantly. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Sugar Bowl Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Storms basically push up against the crest of the Sierra, and before they dump over, they just dump snow right on Sugar Bowl,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Slaughter also lauded the resort’s diverse terrain options and advanced areas that are sectioned off so skiers of all levels have something to enjoy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I have two 10-year-olds and I’m happy to just let them go ski wherever, and I’m not worried about it,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://shop.sugarbowl.com/s/season-pass\">full adult season pass\u003c/a> at Sugar Bowl this year still goes for $1,400, exceeding even the costs of the Epic Pass. But the resort also offers discounted passes, including a $600 option that only allows for midweek skiing, a midweek three-day pass option for $300, and an anytime three-pack pass for $600.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another plus of Sugar Bowl? The mountain is independently owned by the local community, creating a “spirit” that is felt across the mountain, Slaughter said. “There’s just a different feeling when you’re here versus some of the other resorts in the area,” he said.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>That’s also the case for Diamond Peak in Incline Village, which is owned and managed by the Incline Village General Improvement District: essentially the town’s government and utility wrapped into one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The community-owned resort is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and all its events — including the annual \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/dummy-downhill/\">Dummy Downhill\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/ullr-fest/\">Ullr Fest\u003c/a> — will be “retro” themed in honor of the anniversary, Paul Raymore, Diamond Peak’s marketing and communications manager, said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A full adult season pass to Diamond Peak is $733, and passholders can also get a trio of \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/tickets-passes-rentals/season-passes/reciprocal-partners/\">bonus days to 50 similarly sized resorts\u003c/a> nationwide. They also sell a three-day pass and a $1,300 transferable pass for large families or businesses for their employees, as well as a \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/tickets-passes-rentals/special-offers/\">Parent Interchangeable Lift Ticket\u003c/a> for parents of young kids who may want to take turns on the slopes versus the lodge for the day. In honor of this year’s anniversary, \u003ca href=\"https://www.diamondpeak.com/event/60th-anniversary-60-days/\">$60 lift tickets\u003c/a> will also be available on select days.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Raymore said Diamond Peak’s layout, which funnels all skiers down to the main base lodge, makes it great for families or groups with differing skill levels since it’s “almost impossible to get lost,” by allowing folks “to ski potentially different runs, but all meet up at the bottom.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And unlike the major resorts full of local and traveling passholders, “the lift lines at Diamond Peak never get out of hand,” he said. “If you are able to come midweek, non-holiday, it’s almost like a private ski resort experience.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want an even smaller, even more “local” Tahoe experience? Try an adult pass at \u003ca href=\"https://www.tahoedonner.com/skiseasonpasses/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23138916203&gbraid=0AAAAADpsX2kvwb1UE-ORFwkCE4g_Hf5vu&gclid=Cj0KCQiAq7HIBhDoARIsAOATDxBI25iih3z9PaKfW6kcQ260Vd93xWsTuPkOS1OCjHlhGXQfe3JKSX0aApxhEALw_wcB\">Tahoe Donner \u003c/a>($408), \u003ca href=\"https://www.donnerskiranch.com/\">Donner Ski Ranch\u003c/a> ($600), \u003ca href=\"https://www.skisodasprings.com/\">Soda Springs\u003c/a> ($340), or \u003ca href=\"https://www.skytavern.org/\">Sky Tavern \u003c/a>($275).\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Findalearntoskiprogramthatincludespasscosts\">\u003c/a>Enroll in a learn-to-ski program that includes a pass\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>While Palisades Tahoe will be teeming with Ikon Pass holders this winter, its sister mountain, Alpine Meadows, has far fewer crowds — and also offers a unique opportunity for anyone still learning to ski who wants to get as many days in as possible this year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.palisadestahoe.com/plan-your-visit/snowboard-ski-lessons/camps-clinics-and-seasonal-programs/perfect-progression-program\">Perfect Progression Program\u003c/a> is for first-timer adults and costs $799 for three half-day beginner ski or snowboard lessons, which include beginner lift tickets, rentals and lunch. But the real kicker is this: Upon completion of your three lessons, you’ll get a \u003cem>full \u003c/em>season pass to use across both Alpine and Palisades — plus half off additional group lessons all season long. The only way to enroll in this under-the-radar program is to call the resort at 1-800-403-0206.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064962\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064962\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Dodge-Ridge-1-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is one of the smaller Central Sierra resorts offered on the Cali Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Patrick Lacey, spokesperson for Palisades Tahoe, said the program is intended to get brand-new skiers and snowboarders on the right track from the very beginning — while avoiding the risks of injury, both physical and emotional.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You never teach your significant other how to ski,” Lacey said. “That either ends up in a divorce or a breakup. And you can avoid a medical bill in the future if you are skiing and riding the correct way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Boreal offers a similar program, called “\u003ca href=\"https://www.rideboreal.com/lessons/group-lessons/take-3-ride-free/\">Take 3 Ride Free\u003c/a>,” which offers new skiers and snowboarders three beginner lessons, including rentals and lift tickets for three days, along with a free season pass upon completion of the final lesson. The cost of Boreal’s program is $419.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Boreal’s is the deal recommended by Tim Pham, founder of \u003ca href=\"https://www.snowpals.org/\">SnowPals\u003c/a>, a platform that connects Bay Area skiers and snow enthusiasts who want to share rides, ski leases or days out on the mountain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Boreal is so easy to get to,” Pham said. “It’s like, the first resort that you see when you get off 80, and is great on a powder day.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Discoveralternativepassesforresortsfurtherafield\">\u003c/a>Discover further-flung resorts (and lower prices) with an ‘alternative’ ski pass bundle\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re the type of skier who thrives at a small local resort, Pham also recommends the \u003ca href=\"https://www.powderalliance.com/\">Powder Alliance\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.indyskipass.com/\">Indy Pass\u003c/a> or \u003ca href=\"https://www.thecalipass.com/\">Cali Pass\u003c/a>. The $789 adult Cali Pass gives you unlimited access to several Central Sierra resorts — \u003ca href=\"https://www.bearvalley.com/\">Bear Valley Mountain Resort\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://dodgeridge.com/\">Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.skichinapeak.com/\">China Peak Mountain Resort\u003c/a> — plus \u003ca href=\"https://www.mthigh.com/site\">Mountain High Resorts\u003c/a> in Southern California. Plus, you get three days each at 14 more small resorts around the West, including Sierra-at-Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While some of the partner resorts are more tailored toward beginners, “these resorts have expert runs too,” Pham said. “They may not have a double black diamond, but they have pretty challenging terrain too.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064963\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064963\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-1-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bear Valley Mountain Resort is one of the smaller Central Sierra resorts offered on the Cali Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Bear Valley Mountain Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>John McColly, vice president of sales and marketing for the Cali Pass, said the idea grew out of the older \u003ca href=\"https://www.powderalliance.com/\">Powder Alliance\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We were all friends” at the smaller resorts, McColly said. “We said, ‘Hey, we need to come up with something to battle these big multi-mega passes that are starting to pop up.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>McColly said the Cali Pass is ideal for beginners and experts alike looking for skiing that’s accessible and affordable, “people that want to enjoy the mountain, to get up, get away from the crowds, experience amazing powder and a real skiing experience without all the frills, the fluff.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://mountaincollective.com/\">Mountain Collective\u003c/a> is another pass bundle that’s less popular than Ikon or Epic. For $729, it offers just two days at each resort, included but without any blackout dates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This pass is likely best for travelers who want to go to a new destination each weekend they ski and don’t balk at hours spent on the road to do so.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sugar Bowl is the only Tahoe resort on the Mountain Collective pass, but Slaughter said if you buy a Sugar Bowl pass, it also includes 50% off at any Mountain Collective resort — so you could visit locations like Sun Valley in Idaho or Alta in Utah for a discounted weekend away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Skiers “don’t have to buy anything extra for that,” he said. “That’s just a perk of being at Sugar Bowl.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just like the major passes, however, these ones also rise in price the longer you wait, and are at risk of selling out before the season starts.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Howtogetdiscountsonthebigresortpasses\">\u003c/a>Dig into the big resorts’ discounted passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you’re dead set on getting to visit Tahoe’s largest and busiest resorts, you can always get a limited version of an Ikon or Epic pass.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both companies offer discounted passes that exclude “peak dates” like during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day. Epic’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.epicpass.com/Passes/Epic-Local-Pass.aspx\">Local Pass\u003c/a>” is currently going for $920, while Ikon’s “\u003ca href=\"https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes/ikon-base-pass\">Base Pass\u003c/a>” version is $1,099.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064965\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064965\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1279\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Bear-Valley-2-1536x1023.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bear Valley Mountain Resort is one of the smaller Central Sierra resorts offered on the Cali Pass. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Bear Valley Mountain Resort)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>While you may miss out on some three-day weekend skiing with these options, they can be ideal for anyone already deterred by crowds and traffic, or who don’t have a traditional 9–5 weekday workweek.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, you can always purchase those highly coveted holiday weekend tickets at a discounted rate if you change your mind.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Perhaps most useful to Bay Area residents, this year, Epic is selling a “\u003ca href=\"https://www.epicpass.com/Passes/Tahoe-Value-Pass.aspx\">Tahoe Value Pass\u003c/a>” for $649 that allows access to Heavenly except on holidays, and Northstar and Kirkwood outside of Saturdays and holidays. But you’ll have to make a decision quickly, because Epic is ending pass sales on Dec. 4.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Don’t want to commit to a pass? Make some friends and share Buddy Passes\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>By joining a group like Pham’s Snow Pals, you can find like-minded skiers who may be willing to share their “Buddy Passes” that come with their own passes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Buddy tickets typically grant around 25% off on day rates to non-passholders. Snow Pals requires a one-time $20 membership fee, but once you’re in, you’ll have access to a message board full of Bay Area residents looking for ski companions and willing to share their access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Skiing is an expensive sport, so we tried to get people together to ride share and also share lodging to cut down the cost,” Pham said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s the benefit of joining a group — you benefit from the discount.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, November 21, 2025…\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Lake Tahoe, a mother bear and her cub — known as Hope and Bounce — have been breaking into homes. Now, wildlife officials \u003ca href=\"https://www.kunr.org/local-stories/2025-11-03/in-tahoe-a-mother-bear-and-her-cub-test-the-limits-of-coexistence\">want the mother euthanized\u003c/a>, but bear advocates are fighting to save her.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064693/california-doctors-urge-ban-on-engineered-stone-as-silicosis-cases-surge\">dozens of stoneworkers have died and nearly 50 underwent lung transplants\u003c/a> because of cutting engineered stone, popular in kitchen countertops. Thursday, the state board that adopts workplace safety rules considered next steps.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">East Bay Congressman \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064922/eric-swalwell-california-governor-race\">Eric Swalwell is running for California governor.\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2 class=\"ArtP-headline\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kunr.org/local-stories/2025-11-03/in-tahoe-a-mother-bear-and-her-cub-test-the-limits-of-coexistence\">\u003cstrong>In Tahoe, A Mother Bear And Her Cub Test The Limits Of Coexistence\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"ArtP-subheadline\">In South Lake Tahoe’s quiet neighborhoods, the uneasy balance between humans and bears is being tested by one mother bear and her cub, known affectionately as Hope and Bounce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For years, Hope has roamed the Tahoe Keys neighborhood, breaking into homes and getting into trash cans in search of food. Her cub, Bounce, born this past winter, is following her lead. Now, California wildlife officials say enough is enough. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has approved a plan to capture and euthanize Hope, citing repeated break-ins and escalating property damage. But local advocates are fighting to save her, arguing that humans are the ones who need to change.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One recent afternoon, a crowd gathered in a Tahoe Keys backyard. High up in a pine tree sat a black bear and her cub — not Hope and Bounce — but a reminder of how common these encounters have become. “They’re up there huffing and puffing,” said Kathi Zollinger, a volunteer with the BEAR League, a nonprofit that educates locals about living safely alongside bears.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Zollinger and her team had rushed to the scene after receiving a hotline call from a homeowner. Her job is to scare the bears away without hurting them, usually with paintball guns, loud noises, or simply waiting them out. “We’re using paintball guns and yelling at them and doing other things to haze them,” Zollinger said. “The goal isn’t to harm them, just to get them back into the forest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California has about 60,000 black bears, and as more homes are built in forested areas, the chances of running into one are only increasing. The department plans to euthanize Hope if they are able to safely capture her. Her cub, Bounce, would be taken in and rehabilitated. Many residents don’t agree with that plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Regulators Fail To Take Action To Better Protect Stoneworkers\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At a meeting this week of the state board that adopts workplace safety rules, they failed to take up the idea of implementing new rules or regulations for workers \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064693/california-doctors-urge-ban-on-engineered-stone-as-silicosis-cases-surge\">who cut engineered stone. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Silicosis cases are surging in California’s countertop fabrication industry. The often deadly lung disease is linked to inhaling toxic dust. Medical and occupational safety experts warn that current regulations won’t protect hundreds more relatively young workers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Between 1,000 to 1,500 stoneworkers in California could develop silicosis within the next decade, leading to roughly 285 deaths, according to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA. The state is home to about 5,000 countertop fabrication workers, predominantly Latino immigrants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artificial stone in the U.S. market often contains more than 90% pulverized crystalline silica, far more than natural stones such as marble and granite. When workers powercut, polish and grind slabs of the material, tiny silica particles are released. If inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause tissue scarring that progressively impedes breathing. Respirable silica can also lead to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other illnesses.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 class=\"routes-Site-routes-Post-Title-__Title__title\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064922/eric-swalwell-california-governor-race\">\u003cstrong>East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell Announces Run For California Governor\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>East Bay Rep. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/eric-swalwell\">Eric Swalwell\u003c/a> on Thursday became the latest Democrat to throw his hat in the ring for the 2026 governor’s race — announcing his campaign shortly before a scheduled appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector,” Swalwell told Kimmel. “Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Swalwell has been a high-profile critic of President Donald Trump, taking a leading role in Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021 and maintaining a regular presence on cable TV. The former Alameda County prosecutor has raised money and campaigned for Democrats across the country, and he could tap those relationships as he enters what promises to be an expensive campaign for the state’s top job. “I’ve been in these fights as a city councilmember up in Dublin, my hometown, as a prosecutor in Oakland, and taking on the most corrupt president ever in the U.S. Congress,” Swalwell said. “But I’m ready to bring this fight home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The race to succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom remains wide open less than seven months before the June primary. Former Vice President \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12030198/prewrite-kamala-harris-enters-california-governor-race-upending-democratic-landscape\">Kamala Harris\u003c/a> and U.S. Sen. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062840/alex-padilla-says-he-wont-run-for-california-governor-in-2026\">Alex Padilla\u003c/a> both passed on running, and the special election over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/proposition-50\">Proposition 50\u003c/a> diverted attention and fundraising away from the campaign for governor. A \u003ca href=\"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8wp3s6qw\">poll\u003c/a> from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies this month found 44% of voters remain undecided.\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, November 21, 2025…\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Lake Tahoe, a mother bear and her cub — known as Hope and Bounce — have been breaking into homes. Now, wildlife officials \u003ca href=\"https://www.kunr.org/local-stories/2025-11-03/in-tahoe-a-mother-bear-and-her-cub-test-the-limits-of-coexistence\">want the mother euthanized\u003c/a>, but bear advocates are fighting to save her.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">In California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064693/california-doctors-urge-ban-on-engineered-stone-as-silicosis-cases-surge\">dozens of stoneworkers have died and nearly 50 underwent lung transplants\u003c/a> because of cutting engineered stone, popular in kitchen countertops. Thursday, the state board that adopts workplace safety rules considered next steps.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">East Bay Congressman \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064922/eric-swalwell-california-governor-race\">Eric Swalwell is running for California governor.\u003c/a>\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2 class=\"ArtP-headline\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kunr.org/local-stories/2025-11-03/in-tahoe-a-mother-bear-and-her-cub-test-the-limits-of-coexistence\">\u003cstrong>In Tahoe, A Mother Bear And Her Cub Test The Limits Of Coexistence\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp class=\"ArtP-subheadline\">In South Lake Tahoe’s quiet neighborhoods, the uneasy balance between humans and bears is being tested by one mother bear and her cub, known affectionately as Hope and Bounce.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For years, Hope has roamed the Tahoe Keys neighborhood, breaking into homes and getting into trash cans in search of food. Her cub, Bounce, born this past winter, is following her lead. Now, California wildlife officials say enough is enough. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has approved a plan to capture and euthanize Hope, citing repeated break-ins and escalating property damage. But local advocates are fighting to save her, arguing that humans are the ones who need to change.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One recent afternoon, a crowd gathered in a Tahoe Keys backyard. High up in a pine tree sat a black bear and her cub — not Hope and Bounce — but a reminder of how common these encounters have become. “They’re up there huffing and puffing,” said Kathi Zollinger, a volunteer with the BEAR League, a nonprofit that educates locals about living safely alongside bears.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Zollinger and her team had rushed to the scene after receiving a hotline call from a homeowner. Her job is to scare the bears away without hurting them, usually with paintball guns, loud noises, or simply waiting them out. “We’re using paintball guns and yelling at them and doing other things to haze them,” Zollinger said. “The goal isn’t to harm them, just to get them back into the forest.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California has about 60,000 black bears, and as more homes are built in forested areas, the chances of running into one are only increasing. The department plans to euthanize Hope if they are able to safely capture her. Her cub, Bounce, would be taken in and rehabilitated. Many residents don’t agree with that plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Regulators Fail To Take Action To Better Protect Stoneworkers\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>At a meeting this week of the state board that adopts workplace safety rules, they failed to take up the idea of implementing new rules or regulations for workers \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064693/california-doctors-urge-ban-on-engineered-stone-as-silicosis-cases-surge\">who cut engineered stone. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Silicosis cases are surging in California’s countertop fabrication industry. The often deadly lung disease is linked to inhaling toxic dust. Medical and occupational safety experts warn that current regulations won’t protect hundreds more relatively young workers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Between 1,000 to 1,500 stoneworkers in California could develop silicosis within the next decade, leading to roughly 285 deaths, according to California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA. The state is home to about 5,000 countertop fabrication workers, predominantly Latino immigrants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Artificial stone in the U.S. market often contains more than 90% pulverized crystalline silica, far more than natural stones such as marble and granite. When workers powercut, polish and grind slabs of the material, tiny silica particles are released. If inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs and cause tissue scarring that progressively impedes breathing. Respirable silica can also lead to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other illnesses.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2 class=\"routes-Site-routes-Post-Title-__Title__title\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12064922/eric-swalwell-california-governor-race\">\u003cstrong>East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell Announces Run For California Governor\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>East Bay Rep. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/eric-swalwell\">Eric Swalwell\u003c/a> on Thursday became the latest Democrat to throw his hat in the ring for the 2026 governor’s race — announcing his campaign shortly before a scheduled appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our state, this great state, needs a fighter and a protector,” Swalwell told Kimmel. “Someone who will bring prices down, lift wages up.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Swalwell has been a high-profile critic of President Donald Trump, taking a leading role in Trump’s second impeachment trial in 2021 and maintaining a regular presence on cable TV. The former Alameda County prosecutor has raised money and campaigned for Democrats across the country, and he could tap those relationships as he enters what promises to be an expensive campaign for the state’s top job. “I’ve been in these fights as a city councilmember up in Dublin, my hometown, as a prosecutor in Oakland, and taking on the most corrupt president ever in the U.S. Congress,” Swalwell said. “But I’m ready to bring this fight home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The race to succeed termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom remains wide open less than seven months before the June primary. Former Vice President \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12030198/prewrite-kamala-harris-enters-california-governor-race-upending-democratic-landscape\">Kamala Harris\u003c/a> and U.S. Sen. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062840/alex-padilla-says-he-wont-run-for-california-governor-in-2026\">Alex Padilla\u003c/a> both passed on running, and the special election over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/proposition-50\">Proposition 50\u003c/a> diverted attention and fundraising away from the campaign for governor. A \u003ca href=\"https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8wp3s6qw\">poll\u003c/a> from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies this month found 44% of voters remain undecided.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "winter-camping-reservations-where-to-go-campsites-near-san-francisco-bay-area",
"title": "Yes, Winter Camping Is Worth It — and Here’s Where to Go",
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"headTitle": "Yes, Winter Camping Is Worth It — and Here’s Where to Go | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Summer may be long over, but what if I told you that camping in the wintertime in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> can be just as magical as in the warmer months — or even more so?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you don’t even have to embark upon camping in snow, like you might be envisioning. While that’s certainly available if you want it, there are also a wealth of incredible campsites right here in the Bay Area — or close at hand — where the weather isn’t even all that cold in winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From firsthand experience, I can tell you that it doesn’t take much to convert your normal summer setup to a winter one — and it’s also much easier to get reservations to hard-to-get spots during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be a lot of fun as long as you come prepared,” said Lillie Oravetz, a state park interpreter II at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. “You’re gonna get cold, but it’s really beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for tips from the experts, or jump straight to five great winter camping spots to start planning your winter excursion now. And remember: If you read this and the idea of pitching your tent in the colder months still doesn’t appeal, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur\">go glamping instead.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">Your winter camping equipment checklist\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">5 great winter campgrounds near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Expert tips on planning a successful winter camping trip\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: For warmer winter climates, head to the coast — but still check the weather forecast\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Therese Cools, park aide for \u003ca href=\"http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a>, said the Sonoma Coast can get some of its best weather in the winter, with blue skies overhead and less wind than usual.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be aware: That area does get heavy rains starting in January, so don’t forget to check the weather forecast ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064308\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Costanoa Lodge & Camp offers year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Costanoa Lodge & Camp)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“If it’s raining heavily, it’s not a great place” for camping, Cools said, “But when there’s not a storm coming through, it’s beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>November is also crabbing season on the coast, so if you’d like a fresh catch, come this month. Or for a front seat for \u003ca href=\"https://www.bodegabay.com/tides/what-is-a-king-tide/\">California’s famed King Tides\u003c/a>, plan your trip for January, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wintertime isn’t the best for water sports, so unless you’re an expert, you may want to leave your surfboard at home and plan to stay out of the ocean altogether. But you should bring your binoculars, as there’s a wealth of seabirds and other wildlife to explore on the Sonoma Coast, many of which spend the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/451/files/SonomaCoastSPFinalWebLayout2017.pdf\">winter on the coast in large flocks.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Unless you’re ready for snow, avoid the mountains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on heading to higher ground, know it’s likely to snow. In Calaveras, which is 4,600 feet above sea level, “it’s pretty unpredictable when we will get snow,” Oravetz said — “but we can guarantee at \u003cem>some \u003c/em>point there’ll be snow.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And conditions can change rapidly at high elevations, so don’t just check the weather once a few weeks out, Oravetz warned. Double check the forecast regularly, “a couple of days in advance” for a more accurate forecast, she cautioned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget: No matter where you’re going, but especially if you are planning to go up high in elevation, be sure to check nighttime temperatures ahead of time and be prepared for below-freezing nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Make a plan — and a plan B\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rachel Borick, operations manager at private campground \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> on the San Mateo County coast, said her number one piece of advice for winter camping is: “Be prepared and always have a backup plan.”[aside postID=news_11972590 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/01/GettyImages-1358858502-1020x507.jpg']On the coast, that might mean preparing for heavy rains in the winter. In the mountains, you’ll need to prepare for snow and below-freezing conditions as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even “a rainy day spent in a tent with the right supplies can be more memorable than a perfectly sunny day on the trails,” she said. “Having an open mind and leaning in to what Mother Nature provides is vital.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know where you’re going and what you’re planning to do, but make sure you have other options in case your trailhead is no longer accessible — or if \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">winter weather makes travel downright unsafe\u003c/a>. Take note of towns with services like gas stations and hotels near your camping destination, just in case you need to bail on your plans outright and hunker down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget that many campgrounds and wilderness areas have no cellphone service — so in winter, it’s especially important to know your exit routes and bailout points ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Bring layers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No matter where you’re going, remember to bring waterproof and windproof gear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz went one step further and advised campers to come prepared for almost \u003cem>any \u003c/em>weather. “Sometimes it might snow, but then be pretty warm the next day, and we don’t want people to overheat,” she cautioned\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brian Low is the general manager at \u003ca href=\"https://www.club.urbandiversion.com/\">Club Urban Diversion,\u003c/a> a Bay Area-based social club that organizes all sorts of outdoor trips, including winter camping. Low said his winter packing list varies by location, but “no matter what the forecast is showing, you’re always going to want to pack some sort of rain gear,” he said. And don’t forget insulating layers to go underneath for warmth, too, urged Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Layers are the most efficient way to pack for winter camping “because it’s easy to either layer up to get warmer, or easy to take off layers to adjust your body heat to make sure that you’re not getting too warm or too cold,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064309\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064309\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1297\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-160x108.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-1536x1038.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A camper digs out a tent site from snow in the Sierra Nevada, on the Tahoe Rim Trail. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Brian Low)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Pack smart, and bring backup gear\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz said starting in November, anyone traveling up to the higher elevations should bring chains for their car, “just in case.” That goes for extra fuel in your car, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You could come up for a couple of days here or go further up the mountain, and then a snowstorm comes in,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re parking on the side of the road and not at a campsite, be aware of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972590/with-tahoe-winter-storm-warning-this-weekend-what-to-know-about-avalanche-risk\">potential avalanche areas\u003c/a> and snowplow routes. Low warned — you don’t want to return to your car only to find it buried.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said some auto shops like Les Schwab even allow you to buy chains and return them at the end of the season for a full refund if you never end up using them. You can \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">check chain controls\u003c/a> online and learn how to properly install chains on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’s website\u003c/a>, and read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">preparing to drive in wintry conditions with our KQED guide\u003c/a>.[aside postID=news_11937204 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/02/GettyImages-2013486739-1020x765-1-672x372.jpg']Bring or plan to store extra water, Oravetz said, since the pipes at some campgrounds, like Calaveras’, can freeze, so the only available water is at a central location. And remember that even in the winter, you need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">store your food safely away from bears \u003c/a>in bear canisters or food lockers provided at each campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The upside? There shouldn’t be too many bugs in the winter, so you can leave your DEET at home. But remember that the sun sets early in the winter, so make sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242/start-backpacking-trails-bay-area-near-me-permits#backpacking-gear\">bring ample light and something to do \u003c/a>during the night hours, like a deck of cards or a book to read.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Staying warm at night is important, Low said — and one way to stay toasty that might surprise you is to get up and out of your tent as soon as you realize you have to pee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because your body is sending energy to your bladder that could otherwise be used to keep you warm, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a lot better to just actually bite the bullet, get out of your tent, put on your shoes and just go pee,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’ll be a lot happier because you’ll sleep better, you’ll be warmer.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember that even in winter, you have to properly dispose of any and all waste — that includes any trash, food waste and especially poop — as \u003cem>anything \u003c/em>buried in snow is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995954/at-hidden-tahoe-lab-scientists-learn-the-art-of-measuring-snow\">headed for a waterway come spring. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In general, if you have any questions — or are at all worried about winter camping — you can always call ahead to the campground or wilderness area for advice on that particular spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Winters, especially snow camping, can be very intimidating for people just because of the temperatures,” Low said. “But with the right gear list and the right techniques, then you can really have an amazing time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">\u003c/a>Your winter and snow camping gear checklist\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As an expert in \u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html\">winter camping\u003c/a>, Low recommends bringing these items for your next cold-weather or snow trip:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A zero-degree sleeping bag, or warmer\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember:\u003ca href=\"https://seatosummit.eu/blogs/technical-features/sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings-explained?srsltid=AfmBOoq8aSMfu00UzxMidRbQTDFIPJwqxUtbJFjMSDxLe_JBQzMxRtj9\"> the ratings on sleeping bags\u003c/a> tell you the temperature at which it will keep you \u003cem>alive\u003c/em>, not comfortable: “Generally speaking, you want a zero-degree bag for anywhere that it’s going to be below 30 degrees,” Low said. “It’s better to have a bag that is a little too warm and not warm enough.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1939px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064310\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1939\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png 1939w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-1536x1014.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1939px) 100vw, 1939px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pescadero Creek in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re still worried about warmth, a \u003cstrong>sleeping bag liner\u003c/strong> can add five or 10 degrees of warmth to the bag you might already have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Synthetic or wool clothing to hike and sleep in\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forget cotton, Low said, because once you sweat in it, or it gets wet, cotton takes a really long time to dry out. If you’re backpacking or going for a long hike, abide by the saying “be bold, start cold” by peeling off layers before they get drenched in sweat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve just gotten back from a hike and are overly warm, take that opportunity to remove any sweaty items and change into your warmest clothes, including a beanie and gloves — to best retain your body heat all evening long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sunglasses \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So you can avoid \u003ca href=\"https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness\">snow blindness\u003c/a> when it’s sunny out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A first aid kit \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>… and knowledge of not only what’s in it, but how to use it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A bear canister \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For food storage, if one is required, where you’re camping.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-choose-backpacking-fuel.html\">\u003cstrong>liquid fuel stove\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low recommends this type of stove over a more typical backpacking gas fuel stove because the fuel canister will maintain its pressure and perform better at cold temperatures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to cooking, you can use your stove to melt snow for drinking water, but remember to find a clean, undisturbed patch of snow — and to be extra safe, you can always boil the water before drinking it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Microspikes, crampons or snowshoes\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For traction underfoot, \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/choosing-between-microspikes-crampons-snowshoes-for-winter-hikes/\">depending on your activity.\u003c/a> Low said he loves using microspikes for walking around camp in slippery conditions because they keep you on your feet while not being as clunky as snowshoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lots of food\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eating a good amount of calories will keep you warm, and cooking up a hot meal of fresh — not dehydrated — food can make your evening that much more enjoyable, Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A doubled-up sleeping pad\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said that one of his guiding colleagues — who’s summited Denali, the highest mountain in North America — swears by putting an inflatable pad underneath a foam pad for the warmest night’s sleep. (Don’t forget to check the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.switchbacktravel.com/info/sleeping-pad-r-value\">R value\u003c/a>” of any pad you bring — that will tell you its warmth).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low even recommends inflating your pad with a small pump instead of blowing it up by mouth, to keep out condensation, which can freeze inside your pad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A small shovel\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the snow is deep where you’re camping, bring something with which you can dig out a seating area, kitchen and even a trash bag-lined toilet to use, as recommended by Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any durable tent \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any model \u003c/strong>will do, Low said — even \u003ca href=\"https://winterbackpacking.com/3-season-vs-4-season-tents/\">\u003cstrong>a three-season tent\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, so long as heavy snow isn’t in the forecast. When to consider a four-season tent instead: If you know you’ll be out in a heavy storm with the risk of high winds, or snowfall that could pile up and break your tent poles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Nalgene-style water bottle \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before going to bed, a bottle like this can be filled up with boiling water, screwed nice and tight and placed inside your sleeping bag to act as a heater. Just remember to wrap it in a sock, so you don’t get burned by accident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hand and toe warmers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Typically used by skiers, these are perfect for placing inside clothes or a sleeping bag for warmth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Plastic bags\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use these to keep your socks dry in your boots, if they’re not as waterproof as they need to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html\">\u003cstrong>Gaiters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To keep snow out of low-cut shoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>5 beautiful wintertime camping spots to try this year\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/bodega-dunes-campground/\">Bodega Dunes\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/wrights-beach-campgrounds/\">Wright’s Beach\u003c/a> at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a> are open all winter long to campers and RVers, although they don’t have hookups. Campsites start at $45 per night and reservations can be made on \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia.\u003c/a> Both campgrounds allow campfires all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park aid Cools said while Wright’s Beach fills up more quickly, Bodega Dunes tends to have more availability on winter weekends — and weekday reservations are easy to get in the winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064314\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064314\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-1536x1021.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Homestead Trail in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“During the winter, the Sonoma Coast can be really nice with blue skies — and it tends to be less windy,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Yosemite National Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Itching to experience \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/winter.htm\">Yosemite\u003c/a> without the craziness of summer crowds? Winter might be your best bet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love to go to Yosemite in the wintertime,” Low said. “It is so beautiful, and you can get a piece of Yosemite all to yourself without a person in sight.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tioga Road and the road to Glacier Point — and much of the upper areas of the park — close during the early months of winter. But if you want to soak in the snow-dusted granite walls from Yosemite Valley, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm\">make a reservation (typically $35 per night) or try your luck at first-come, first-served campgrounds\u003c/a> in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, take Low’s suggestion and get a wilderness permit to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dewey-point-trail--4\">backpack into Dewey Point\u003c/a> or along any route off Glacier Point Road once the first five miles of road to Badger Pass Ski Area are plowed (check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">park website \u003c/a>or call 209-372-0200 for status updates) and the rest is groomed for cross-country skiing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildwinter.htm\">You must camp at least one mile away from any plowed road. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“How often do you get to go to a place that’s as busy as Yosemite and camp in a spot where there’s not another soul around for as far as you can see?” Low said. “Waking up to see Half Dome or to see El Cap and watching the sun rise on the dawn wall while having a cup of coffee or tea is spectacular.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on Highway 4 in the Sierra Nevada range, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> — known for its massive sequoia trees — is open all year round. That said, some camp spots and parts of the park \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/551/files/CalaverasSkiCampgrdFlyerLR.pdf\">close to cars\u003c/a> after the first significant snowfall or by Dec. 1, Oravetz said. This includes Parkway Road, which closes off access to the Stanislaus River and two groves of big trees, plus a couple of picnic areas and some camping. But those areas are still accessible to snowshoers and cross-country skiers, she said — so your sense of adventure could be rewarded by having these beautiful areas devoid of summer crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oravetz recommends the \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">North Grove Trail\u003c/a> for visitors looking to wander among the big trees on snowshoes or cross-country skis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The snow is beautiful against the giant sequoias,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be warned, the trail is popular with visitors and locals alike, and can get quite busy between Christmas and the New Year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That area is not open to general snowplay, so Oravetz recommends heading to \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">Parkway Road\u003c/a> instead to sled, build snowmen or start a snowball fight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reservations for family campsites are $35 and can be made on \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http://ReserveCalifornia.com\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Mateo’s Memorial Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the redwoods of \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park\">Memorial Park\u003c/a> in San Mateo County, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/facility/family-camping-memorial-park\">Azalea Flat\u003c/a> campground stays open all year long while other nearby camping areas close for the winter. RVs, trailers and campfires are allowed, and buying wood to burn at the park is recommended to avoid spreading bugs from park to park, said Carla Schoof, spokesperson for San Mateo County Parks Department.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Schoof said while the park gets crowded in summer, it’s not so full in the winter, which can make it feel extra peaceful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s relatively easy to get to, but you really do feel like you’re far away,” she said. “You are deep in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, surrounded by redwoods.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, the nearby towns of Loma Mar and Pescadero offer opportunities to get supplies and explore — which may be extra necessary in the winter, when Memorial Park’s camp store is closed, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park-history\">over a century old\u003c/a>, the park is “a special place to a lot of people … who’ve been going camping there since they were pretty small,” Schoof said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park rangers are happy to answer questions about park conditions and camping. They can be reached at 650-879-0238, Schoof said, and reservations can also be made \u003ca href=\"https://secure.itinio.com/sanmateo/memorial-park\">online\u003c/a> and are $32 per night in the off-season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Costanoa Lodge & Camp\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’d like a more bougie experience (and who could blame you?), the \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> private campgrounds on the San Mateo County coast are known for their “failproof camping,” Borick, the camping and glamping resort’s operations manager, said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But still, prepare for anything: “You could end up with a full storm, huddled with your campmates, hot cocoa in hand, with a story to tell — or out on a muddy trail with the spectacular view of a clear winter’s day, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Having a beach all to yourself, or the top of a viewpoint with the silence surrounding you, can be truly worth the invigoration of a winter camping trip,” Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the winter season brings abundant bird migrations and elephant seal pupping at nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> that can even be heard from the property, Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In any case, the private campground has year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. And if you get tired of braving the elements, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://reservations.costanoa.com/costanoa/?dl_cd=eyJrdiI6IktWX2MxYTExZjBhZTg2Y2M1YTQ3ZmJkNGY4MDExYmMwN2ViIiwiYWNjSWQiOiJhYzZmZWEyZi1hMjcxLTRlNmUtOTUxNy00YTQxNzMwYWJiNjEiLCJpc1ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlLCJleHAiOjE3NjIyMTc5MzQyMzd9&_gl=1*utn68e*_ga*Nzc2NzI0MTM5LjE3NjIyMDUwNTI.*_ga_GZX22LK6FD*czE3NjIyMTY4MTgkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjIyMTc5MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw\">upgrade to a glamping tent, cabin or a room in the lodge. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Whether you want actual snow or not, here are expert tips to make your cold-weather camping trip memorable — plus five great winter campgrounds.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Summer may be long over, but what if I told you that camping in the wintertime in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california\">California\u003c/a> can be just as magical as in the warmer months — or even more so?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And you don’t even have to embark upon camping in snow, like you might be envisioning. While that’s certainly available if you want it, there are also a wealth of incredible campsites right here in the Bay Area — or close at hand — where the weather isn’t even all that cold in winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From firsthand experience, I can tell you that it doesn’t take much to convert your normal summer setup to a winter one — and it’s also much easier to get reservations to hard-to-get spots during the winter months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It can be a lot of fun as long as you come prepared,” said Lillie Oravetz, a state park interpreter II at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. “You’re gonna get cold, but it’s really beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Read on for tips from the experts, or jump straight to five great winter camping spots to start planning your winter excursion now. And remember: If you read this and the idea of pitching your tent in the colder months still doesn’t appeal, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12044161/bay-area-camping-alternatives-glamping-yurts-cabins-big-sur\">go glamping instead.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">Your winter camping equipment checklist\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">5 great winter campgrounds near the Bay Area\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>Expert tips on planning a successful winter camping trip\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: For warmer winter climates, head to the coast — but still check the weather forecast\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Therese Cools, park aide for \u003ca href=\"http://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a>, said the Sonoma Coast can get some of its best weather in the winter, with blue skies overhead and less wind than usual.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be aware: That area does get heavy rains starting in January, so don’t forget to check the weather forecast ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064308\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-160x107.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Costanoa-camping-1536x1024.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Costanoa Lodge & Camp offers year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Costanoa Lodge & Camp)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“If it’s raining heavily, it’s not a great place” for camping, Cools said, “But when there’s not a storm coming through, it’s beautiful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>November is also crabbing season on the coast, so if you’d like a fresh catch, come this month. Or for a front seat for \u003ca href=\"https://www.bodegabay.com/tides/what-is-a-king-tide/\">California’s famed King Tides\u003c/a>, plan your trip for January, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wintertime isn’t the best for water sports, so unless you’re an expert, you may want to leave your surfboard at home and plan to stay out of the ocean altogether. But you should bring your binoculars, as there’s a wealth of seabirds and other wildlife to explore on the Sonoma Coast, many of which spend the \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/451/files/SonomaCoastSPFinalWebLayout2017.pdf\">winter on the coast in large flocks.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Unless you’re ready for snow, avoid the mountains\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re planning on heading to higher ground, know it’s likely to snow. In Calaveras, which is 4,600 feet above sea level, “it’s pretty unpredictable when we will get snow,” Oravetz said — “but we can guarantee at \u003cem>some \u003c/em>point there’ll be snow.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And conditions can change rapidly at high elevations, so don’t just check the weather once a few weeks out, Oravetz warned. Double check the forecast regularly, “a couple of days in advance” for a more accurate forecast, she cautioned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget: No matter where you’re going, but especially if you are planning to go up high in elevation, be sure to check nighttime temperatures ahead of time and be prepared for below-freezing nights.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Make a plan — and a plan B\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rachel Borick, operations manager at private campground \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> on the San Mateo County coast, said her number one piece of advice for winter camping is: “Be prepared and always have a backup plan.”\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>On the coast, that might mean preparing for heavy rains in the winter. In the mountains, you’ll need to prepare for snow and below-freezing conditions as well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But even “a rainy day spent in a tent with the right supplies can be more memorable than a perfectly sunny day on the trails,” she said. “Having an open mind and leaning in to what Mother Nature provides is vital.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Know where you’re going and what you’re planning to do, but make sure you have other options in case your trailhead is no longer accessible — or if \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">winter weather makes travel downright unsafe\u003c/a>. Take note of towns with services like gas stations and hotels near your camping destination, just in case you need to bail on your plans outright and hunker down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Don’t forget that many campgrounds and wilderness areas have no cellphone service — so in winter, it’s especially important to know your exit routes and bailout points ahead of time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Bring layers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>No matter where you’re going, remember to bring waterproof and windproof gear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz went one step further and advised campers to come prepared for almost \u003cem>any \u003c/em>weather. “Sometimes it might snow, but then be pretty warm the next day, and we don’t want people to overheat,” she cautioned\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Brian Low is the general manager at \u003ca href=\"https://www.club.urbandiversion.com/\">Club Urban Diversion,\u003c/a> a Bay Area-based social club that organizes all sorts of outdoor trips, including winter camping. Low said his winter packing list varies by location, but “no matter what the forecast is showing, you’re always going to want to pack some sort of rain gear,” he said. And don’t forget insulating layers to go underneath for warmth, too, urged Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Layers are the most efficient way to pack for winter camping “because it’s easy to either layer up to get warmer, or easy to take off layers to adjust your body heat to make sure that you’re not getting too warm or too cold,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064309\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064309\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1297\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-160x108.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Sierra-snow-camping-1536x1038.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A camper digs out a tent site from snow in the Sierra Nevada, on the Tahoe Rim Trail. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Brian Low)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Tip: Pack smart, and bring backup gear\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Calaveras’ Oravetz said starting in November, anyone traveling up to the higher elevations should bring chains for their car, “just in case.” That goes for extra fuel in your car, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You could come up for a couple of days here or go further up the mountain, and then a snowstorm comes in,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’re parking on the side of the road and not at a campsite, be aware of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11972590/with-tahoe-winter-storm-warning-this-weekend-what-to-know-about-avalanche-risk\">potential avalanche areas\u003c/a> and snowplow routes. Low warned — you don’t want to return to your car only to find it buried.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said some auto shops like Les Schwab even allow you to buy chains and return them at the end of the season for a full refund if you never end up using them. You can \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-controls\">check chain controls\u003c/a> online and learn how to properly install chains on \u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/\">Caltrans’s website\u003c/a>, and read more about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11937204/lake-tahoe-weather-forecast-road-conditions-snow-chains\">preparing to drive in wintry conditions with our KQED guide\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Bring or plan to store extra water, Oravetz said, since the pipes at some campgrounds, like Calaveras’, can freeze, so the only available water is at a central location. And remember that even in the winter, you need to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">store your food safely away from bears \u003c/a>in bear canisters or food lockers provided at each campsite.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The upside? There shouldn’t be too many bugs in the winter, so you can leave your DEET at home. But remember that the sun sets early in the winter, so make sure to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12040242/start-backpacking-trails-bay-area-near-me-permits#backpacking-gear\">bring ample light and something to do \u003c/a>during the night hours, like a deck of cards or a book to read.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Staying warm at night is important, Low said — and one way to stay toasty that might surprise you is to get up and out of your tent as soon as you realize you have to pee.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because your body is sending energy to your bladder that could otherwise be used to keep you warm, he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a lot better to just actually bite the bullet, get out of your tent, put on your shoes and just go pee,” he said. “At the end of the day, you’ll be a lot happier because you’ll sleep better, you’ll be warmer.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember that even in winter, you have to properly dispose of any and all waste — that includes any trash, food waste and especially poop — as \u003cem>anything \u003c/em>buried in snow is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1995954/at-hidden-tahoe-lab-scientists-learn-the-art-of-measuring-snow\">headed for a waterway come spring. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In general, if you have any questions — or are at all worried about winter camping — you can always call ahead to the campground or wilderness area for advice on that particular spot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Winters, especially snow camping, can be very intimidating for people just because of the temperatures,” Low said. “But with the right gear list and the right techniques, then you can really have an amazing time.”\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"Yourwintercampingequipmentchecklist\">\u003c/a>Your winter and snow camping gear checklist\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>As an expert in \u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html\">winter camping\u003c/a>, Low recommends bringing these items for your next cold-weather or snow trip:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A zero-degree sleeping bag, or warmer\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Remember:\u003ca href=\"https://seatosummit.eu/blogs/technical-features/sleeping-bag-temperature-ratings-explained?srsltid=AfmBOoq8aSMfu00UzxMidRbQTDFIPJwqxUtbJFjMSDxLe_JBQzMxRtj9\"> the ratings on sleeping bags\u003c/a> tell you the temperature at which it will keep you \u003cem>alive\u003c/em>, not comfortable: “Generally speaking, you want a zero-degree bag for anywhere that it’s going to be below 30 degrees,” Low said. “It’s better to have a bag that is a little too warm and not warm enough.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1939px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064310\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1939\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park.png 1939w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Pescadero-Creek-Memorial-Park-1536x1014.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1939px) 100vw, 1939px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pescadero Creek in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you’re still worried about warmth, a \u003cstrong>sleeping bag liner\u003c/strong> can add five or 10 degrees of warmth to the bag you might already have.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Synthetic or wool clothing to hike and sleep in\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forget cotton, Low said, because once you sweat in it, or it gets wet, cotton takes a really long time to dry out. If you’re backpacking or going for a long hike, abide by the saying “be bold, start cold” by peeling off layers before they get drenched in sweat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And if you’ve just gotten back from a hike and are overly warm, take that opportunity to remove any sweaty items and change into your warmest clothes, including a beanie and gloves — to best retain your body heat all evening long.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sunglasses \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So you can avoid \u003ca href=\"https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/photokeratitis-snow-blindness\">snow blindness\u003c/a> when it’s sunny out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A first aid kit \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>… and knowledge of not only what’s in it, but how to use it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A bear canister \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For food storage, if one is required, where you’re camping.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A \u003c/strong>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-choose-backpacking-fuel.html\">\u003cstrong>liquid fuel stove\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low recommends this type of stove over a more typical backpacking gas fuel stove because the fuel canister will maintain its pressure and perform better at cold temperatures.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to cooking, you can use your stove to melt snow for drinking water, but remember to find a clean, undisturbed patch of snow — and to be extra safe, you can always boil the water before drinking it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Microspikes, crampons or snowshoes\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For traction underfoot, \u003ca href=\"https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/choosing-between-microspikes-crampons-snowshoes-for-winter-hikes/\">depending on your activity.\u003c/a> Low said he loves using microspikes for walking around camp in slippery conditions because they keep you on your feet while not being as clunky as snowshoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lots of food\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Eating a good amount of calories will keep you warm, and cooking up a hot meal of fresh — not dehydrated — food can make your evening that much more enjoyable, Low said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A doubled-up sleeping pad\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low said that one of his guiding colleagues — who’s summited Denali, the highest mountain in North America — swears by putting an inflatable pad underneath a foam pad for the warmest night’s sleep. (Don’t forget to check the “\u003ca href=\"https://www.switchbacktravel.com/info/sleeping-pad-r-value\">R value\u003c/a>” of any pad you bring — that will tell you its warmth).\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Low even recommends inflating your pad with a small pump instead of blowing it up by mouth, to keep out condensation, which can freeze inside your pad.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A small shovel\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If the snow is deep where you’re camping, bring something with which you can dig out a seating area, kitchen and even a trash bag-lined toilet to use, as recommended by Low.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any durable tent \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Any model \u003c/strong>will do, Low said — even \u003ca href=\"https://winterbackpacking.com/3-season-vs-4-season-tents/\">\u003cstrong>a three-season tent\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, so long as heavy snow isn’t in the forecast. When to consider a four-season tent instead: If you know you’ll be out in a heavy storm with the risk of high winds, or snowfall that could pile up and break your tent poles.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Nalgene-style water bottle \u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Before going to bed, a bottle like this can be filled up with boiling water, screwed nice and tight and placed inside your sleeping bag to act as a heater. Just remember to wrap it in a sock, so you don’t get burned by accident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hand and toe warmers\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Typically used by skiers, these are perfect for placing inside clothes or a sleeping bag for warmth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Plastic bags\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use these to keep your socks dry in your boots, if they’re not as waterproof as they need to be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html\">\u003cstrong>Gaiters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To keep snow out of low-cut shoes.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"5greatwintercampgroundsneartheBayArea\">\u003c/a>5 beautiful wintertime camping spots to try this year\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Both \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/bodega-dunes-campground/\">Bodega Dunes\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomacounty.com/profiles/wrights-beach-campgrounds/\">Wright’s Beach\u003c/a> at \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451\">Sonoma Coast State Park\u003c/a> are open all winter long to campers and RVers, although they don’t have hookups. Campsites start at $45 per night and reservations can be made on \u003ca href=\"https://reservecalifornia.com/Web/\">ReserveCalifornia.\u003c/a> Both campgrounds allow campfires all year round.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park aid Cools said while Wright’s Beach fills up more quickly, Bodega Dunes tends to have more availability on winter weekends — and weekday reservations are easy to get in the winter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12064314\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12064314\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1276\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park.png 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/Homestead-Trail-Memorial-Park-1536x1021.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Homestead Trail in San Mateo County’s Memorial Park, which maintains an all-year campground. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of San Mateo County Parks Department)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“During the winter, the Sonoma Coast can be really nice with blue skies — and it tends to be less windy,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Yosemite National Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Itching to experience \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/winter.htm\">Yosemite\u003c/a> without the craziness of summer crowds? Winter might be your best bet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I love to go to Yosemite in the wintertime,” Low said. “It is so beautiful, and you can get a piece of Yosemite all to yourself without a person in sight.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tioga Road and the road to Glacier Point — and much of the upper areas of the park — close during the early months of winter. But if you want to soak in the snow-dusted granite walls from Yosemite Valley, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/camping.htm\">make a reservation (typically $35 per night) or try your luck at first-come, first-served campgrounds\u003c/a> in the park.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Or, take Low’s suggestion and get a wilderness permit to \u003ca href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/dewey-point-trail--4\">backpack into Dewey Point\u003c/a> or along any route off Glacier Point Road once the first five miles of road to Badger Pass Ski Area are plowed (check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm\">park website \u003c/a>or call 209-372-0200 for status updates) and the rest is groomed for cross-country skiing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just remember: \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildwinter.htm\">You must camp at least one mile away from any plowed road. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“How often do you get to go to a place that’s as busy as Yosemite and camp in a spot where there’s not another soul around for as far as you can see?” Low said. “Waking up to see Half Dome or to see El Cap and watching the sun rise on the dawn wall while having a cup of coffee or tea is spectacular.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Located on Highway 4 in the Sierra Nevada range, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551\">Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u003c/a> — known for its massive sequoia trees — is open all year round. That said, some camp spots and parts of the park \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/551/files/CalaverasSkiCampgrdFlyerLR.pdf\">close to cars\u003c/a> after the first significant snowfall or by Dec. 1, Oravetz said. This includes Parkway Road, which closes off access to the Stanislaus River and two groves of big trees, plus a couple of picnic areas and some camping. But those areas are still accessible to snowshoers and cross-country skiers, she said — so your sense of adventure could be rewarded by having these beautiful areas devoid of summer crowds.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oravetz recommends the \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/calaveras-north-grove-trail\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">North Grove Trail\u003c/a> for visitors looking to wander among the big trees on snowshoes or cross-country skis.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The snow is beautiful against the giant sequoias,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But be warned, the trail is popular with visitors and locals alike, and can get quite busy between Christmas and the New Year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That area is not open to general snowplay, so Oravetz recommends heading to \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22403\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">Parkway Road\u003c/a> instead to sled, build snowmen or start a snowball fight.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reservations for family campsites are $35 and can be made on \u003ca class=\"c-link\" href=\"http://reservecalifornia.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http://ReserveCalifornia.com\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">ReserveCalifornia.com\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>San Mateo’s Memorial Park\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Among the redwoods of \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park\">Memorial Park\u003c/a> in San Mateo County, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/facility/family-camping-memorial-park\">Azalea Flat\u003c/a> campground stays open all year long while other nearby camping areas close for the winter. RVs, trailers and campfires are allowed, and buying wood to burn at the park is recommended to avoid spreading bugs from park to park, said Carla Schoof, spokesperson for San Mateo County Parks Department.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Schoof said while the park gets crowded in summer, it’s not so full in the winter, which can make it feel extra peaceful.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s relatively easy to get to, but you really do feel like you’re far away,” she said. “You are deep in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range, surrounded by redwoods.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Plus, the nearby towns of Loma Mar and Pescadero offer opportunities to get supplies and explore — which may be extra necessary in the winter, when Memorial Park’s camp store is closed, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At \u003ca href=\"https://www.smcgov.org/parks/memorial-park-history\">over a century old\u003c/a>, the park is “a special place to a lot of people … who’ve been going camping there since they were pretty small,” Schoof said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Park rangers are happy to answer questions about park conditions and camping. They can be reached at 650-879-0238, Schoof said, and reservations can also be made \u003ca href=\"https://secure.itinio.com/sanmateo/memorial-park\">online\u003c/a> and are $32 per night in the off-season.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Costanoa Lodge & Camp\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If you’d like a more bougie experience (and who could blame you?), the \u003ca href=\"https://www.costanoa.com/\">Costanoa\u003c/a> private campgrounds on the San Mateo County coast are known for their “failproof camping,” Borick, the camping and glamping resort’s operations manager, said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But still, prepare for anything: “You could end up with a full storm, huddled with your campmates, hot cocoa in hand, with a story to tell — or out on a muddy trail with the spectacular view of a clear winter’s day, she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Having a beach all to yourself, or the top of a viewpoint with the silence surrounding you, can be truly worth the invigoration of a winter camping trip,” Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And the winter season brings abundant bird migrations and elephant seal pupping at nearby \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523\">Año Nuevo State Park\u003c/a> that can even be heard from the property, Borick said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In any case, the private campground has year-round hot showers, hot meals and even a sauna. And if you get tired of braving the elements, you can always \u003ca href=\"https://reservations.costanoa.com/costanoa/?dl_cd=eyJrdiI6IktWX2MxYTExZjBhZTg2Y2M1YTQ3ZmJkNGY4MDExYmMwN2ViIiwiYWNjSWQiOiJhYzZmZWEyZi1hMjcxLTRlNmUtOTUxNy00YTQxNzMwYWJiNjEiLCJpc1ByZXZpZXciOmZhbHNlLCJleHAiOjE3NjIyMTc5MzQyMzd9&_gl=1*utn68e*_ga*Nzc2NzI0MTM5LjE3NjIyMDUwNTI.*_ga_GZX22LK6FD*czE3NjIyMTY4MTgkbzIkZzEkdDE3NjIyMTc5MTYkajYwJGwwJGgw\">upgrade to a glamping tent, cabin or a room in the lodge. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, October 27, 2025…\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Californians are deciding on a ballot measure that could reshape how our state is represented in Congress. Proposition 50 would redraw California’s congressional district lines to help Democrats pick up five additional seats in the House. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/proposition-50\">Prop 50\u003c/a> is part of a national fight over redistricting. And if it passes, political lines from Sonoma down to San Diego will be transformed.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To understand what’s at stake with Proposition 50, we’re going to some of the districts that would be redrawn. It’s a series we’re calling California Divided. We begin in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061715/california-divided-heres-whats-at-stake-for-californians-whose-districts-could-get-rewritten-by-prop-50\">the state’s 3rd Congressional District, at Lake Tahoe\u003c/a>: a blue dot in a Republican-held district. \u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Proposition 50 Race Heads Into Final Week\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/proposition-50\">Proposition 50\u003c/a> would temporarily replace the current congressional maps drawn by the nonpartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission with maps favoring Democrats. The new lines would remain in place for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 House elections. The measure was placed on the ballot by Democrats in the state legislature as Republican lawmakers in Texas pursued their own pro-GOP redistricting plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-house-gavin-newsom-trump-districts-election-c62c0ee94794fb5038b320bc349ccbd1\">proposed California House districts\u003c/a> — crafted by Democrats behind closed doors — have been designed to \u003cspan class=\"LinkEnhancement\">\u003ca class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-congressional-map-4c22e21d5d4022d33a257045693b6fd4\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\">add five Democratic U.S. House seats\u003c/a>\u003c/span> to offset \u003cspan class=\"LinkEnhancement\">\u003ca class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-f93a49178fd3b9cba00880b9c9231799\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\">Trump’s moves in Texas\u003c/a>\u003c/span> to gain five Republican districts before the 2026 midterm elections. That could boost the Democratic margin to 48 of California’s 52 congressional seats, up from the 43 seats the party now holds.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061715/california-divided-heres-whats-at-stake-for-californians-whose-districts-could-get-rewritten-by-prop-50\">\u003cstrong>In 3rd Congressional District, Some Tahoe Voters Hope New Maps Will Give Them A Voice\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Tee May Duggan is at her home office, going through a stack of handwritten postcards. She’s mailing them to voters across the state, urging them to vote Yes on Proposition 50. Her house is just blocks from Lake Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Duggan has lived here for 48 years and she’s no stranger to Democratic organizing. But she says the local energy around Prop 50 feels different. “Can you imagine if we had another vote in Congress for things for our community that didn’t involve the lake? I mean, I’m very concerned, but we also need more housing,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Duggan said Tahoe struggles with a lot of the same things other California communities do — lack of housing, workforce shortages, and the high cost of living. She wants a representative who will deliver on these things. Tahoe sits in California’s 3rd Congressional District – one of the five that would be redrawn to favor Democrats. The district’s had a Republican representative in Congress for decades. Right now, that’s currently Kevin Kiley. “I’ve taken questions of all kinds from people who agree with me on things, with people who disagree with me on things,” he said. Kiley said he also holds virtual town halls to accommodate his district’s sweeping size.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But that’s still not enough for many in the Tahoe area, who feel like their voices are forgotten. “There’s just a disconnect between an understanding of what happens on the ground in the rural areas of the Sierra Nevada that are part of this district,” said Courtney Henderson who sits on the Truckee Town Council. “I think the cuts to the US Forest Service do not serve this area. I think no matter what the boundary looks like or who that representative is, they have to have deep working knowledge of what happens on the ground and in rural communities and a lot of this district is very rural.”\u003c/p>\n\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cb>Here are the morning’s top stories on Monday, October 27, 2025…\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Californians are deciding on a ballot measure that could reshape how our state is represented in Congress. Proposition 50 would redraw California’s congressional district lines to help Democrats pick up five additional seats in the House. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/proposition-50\">Prop 50\u003c/a> is part of a national fight over redistricting. And if it passes, political lines from Sonoma down to San Diego will be transformed.\u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">To understand what’s at stake with Proposition 50, we’re going to some of the districts that would be redrawn. It’s a series we’re calling California Divided. We begin in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061715/california-divided-heres-whats-at-stake-for-californians-whose-districts-could-get-rewritten-by-prop-50\">the state’s 3rd Congressional District, at Lake Tahoe\u003c/a>: a blue dot in a Republican-held district. \u003c/span>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>\u003cstrong>Proposition 50 Race Heads Into Final Week\u003c/strong>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/proposition-50\">Proposition 50\u003c/a> would temporarily replace the current congressional maps drawn by the nonpartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission with maps favoring Democrats. The new lines would remain in place for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 House elections. The measure was placed on the ballot by Democrats in the state legislature as Republican lawmakers in Texas pursued their own pro-GOP redistricting plan.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-house-gavin-newsom-trump-districts-election-c62c0ee94794fb5038b320bc349ccbd1\">proposed California House districts\u003c/a> — crafted by Democrats behind closed doors — have been designed to \u003cspan class=\"LinkEnhancement\">\u003ca class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-congressional-map-4c22e21d5d4022d33a257045693b6fd4\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\">add five Democratic U.S. House seats\u003c/a>\u003c/span> to offset \u003cspan class=\"LinkEnhancement\">\u003ca class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" href=\"https://apnews.com/article/california-texas-redistricting-f93a49178fd3b9cba00880b9c9231799\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\">Trump’s moves in Texas\u003c/a>\u003c/span> to gain five Republican districts before the 2026 midterm elections. That could boost the Democratic margin to 48 of California’s 52 congressional seats, up from the 43 seats the party now holds.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12061715/california-divided-heres-whats-at-stake-for-californians-whose-districts-could-get-rewritten-by-prop-50\">\u003cstrong>In 3rd Congressional District, Some Tahoe Voters Hope New Maps Will Give Them A Voice\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Tee May Duggan is at her home office, going through a stack of handwritten postcards. She’s mailing them to voters across the state, urging them to vote Yes on Proposition 50. Her house is just blocks from Lake Tahoe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Duggan has lived here for 48 years and she’s no stranger to Democratic organizing. But she says the local energy around Prop 50 feels different. “Can you imagine if we had another vote in Congress for things for our community that didn’t involve the lake? I mean, I’m very concerned, but we also need more housing,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Duggan said Tahoe struggles with a lot of the same things other California communities do — lack of housing, workforce shortages, and the high cost of living. She wants a representative who will deliver on these things. Tahoe sits in California’s 3rd Congressional District – one of the five that would be redrawn to favor Democrats. The district’s had a Republican representative in Congress for decades. Right now, that’s currently Kevin Kiley. “I’ve taken questions of all kinds from people who agree with me on things, with people who disagree with me on things,” he said. Kiley said he also holds virtual town halls to accommodate his district’s sweeping size.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But that’s still not enough for many in the Tahoe area, who feel like their voices are forgotten. “There’s just a disconnect between an understanding of what happens on the ground in the rural areas of the Sierra Nevada that are part of this district,” said Courtney Henderson who sits on the Truckee Town Council. “I think the cuts to the US Forest Service do not serve this area. I think no matter what the boundary looks like or who that representative is, they have to have deep working knowledge of what happens on the ground and in rural communities and a lot of this district is very rural.”\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "in-lake-tahoe-a-mother-bears-break-ins-have-her-at-risk-of-being-killed",
"title": "In Lake Tahoe, a Mother Bear’s Break-ins Have Her at Risk of Being Killed",
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"content": "\u003cp>Hope has earned a reputation for what could be called urban foraging — rummaging through South \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/lake-tahoe\">Lake Tahoe\u003c/a> cabins and, more recently, a preschool for food to feed herself and her young cub.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the repeated break-ins have proved an effective way for the 5-year-old black bear to find a delicious meal, they’ve also earned her a spot on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “conflict bear” list, making her vulnerable to euthanasia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wildlife advocates in the Tahoe area are fighting to stop CDFW from killing Hope, which they say won’t stop the break-ins but would leave her cub, Bounce, an orphan — and other hungry bears more likely to meet the same fate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hope should not be singled out as the most notorious, incorrigible break-in bear. Other mother [bears] are all doing the same thing,” said Ann Bryant, the executive director of the BEAR League, a nonprofit that aims to protect bears in the Tahoe region. “So our concern is once they kill her, then are they just going to move on to the next family?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Hope has lived in South Lake Tahoe for about five years, the BEAR League has been keeping a closer eye on her and Bounce since the spring, when they emerged from hibernation hungry and making repeated unwelcome visits to homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058048\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1080px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058048\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League.jpg 1080w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League-160x120.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A BEAR League protest in September 2025 to stop the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from trapping Hope and Bounce, two black bears. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the BEAR League)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Two weeks ago, staffers at a \u003ca href=\"https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/bear-753-chased-out-of-preschool/\">South Lake Tahoe preschool\u003c/a> arrived on a Monday morning to find Hope and Bounce inside, intensifying fears that they could pose threats to people in the Tahoe Keys neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as Hope’s case illustrates, such run-ins — which are becoming increasingly common in the Tahoe area — pose a threat to the bears, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Peter Tira, a CDFW spokesperson, said Hope is different from many bears in that she breaks into homes repeatedly and is teaching her cub to do the same.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s gotten her deemed a “conflict bear,” a CDFW designation that means she could be subject to long-term captivity, relocation or death if she comes in contact with staff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Bryant said bears like Hope aren’t born with an instinct to enter buildings and rummage through homes. In the Tahoe region, they’ve been conditioned to do so by tourists and others who don’t protect their homes from bears, despite taking over their natural habitat.[aside postID=news_12018132 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/BlackBearTahoeGetty-1020x680.jpg']“When a window’s open and [Hope] smells a pie inside on the counter, she’s going to go in and get it,” Bryant said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bears are intelligent; when they’re repeatedly lured toward people’s homes by wafts of food, they learn that humans’ kitchens are a good place to find their next meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They think, “This is an easy way to make a living,” Bryant said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said most of Hope’s break-ins, especially her early ones, were “soft entries,” using non-destructive means like an open window or unlocked door to get in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Step by Step Early Learning Center, the preschool Hope broke into, Tira said he believes employees might have left a door to the building unlocked or open over the weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Often, though, after a bear makes a soft entry and gets its first taste or two of human food, it can get more aggressive. Hope has broken into multiple homes by smashing windows, according to Bryant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tira said that’s made her “a very serious public safety situation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058051\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058051\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hope and Bounce in Lake Tahoe on Aug. 23, 2025. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the BEAR League)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Mother bears are incredibly protective of their cubs,” he said. “Let’s say these two bears enter a home and there’s elderly people there or children or somebody inadvertently gets in the way of the mother cub. There’s all sorts of scenarios that could play out that we don’t want to see happen.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said killing Hope isn’t going to neutralize that threat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’ll see after she’s dead, if they succeed: ‘Uh-oh, here’s another break in, and it sure wasn’t Hope,’” Bryant said. “The way to resolve this is not just to kill and kill and kill until there’s no bears left.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She believes that CDFW should focus more on highlighting the conditions that contribute to bear break-ins, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">teaching people how to prevent them\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We need them to help us tell people that if you don’t want bears in your building, in your home or in your preschool or in your church or wherever, close and lock the windows and doors,” Bryant said, adding that trash should be secured in bear-proof containers, which are abundant around public beaches and rental properties, and food shouldn’t be left in cars or outdoors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Homeowners can also have bear wires set up around their property that are effective at keeping the animals away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said bear safety education is especially important now, as more people buy second homes in Tahoe and rent during the off-season thanks to the rise in remote work during COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While break-ins have always happened, they became more common as out-of-towners moved in, unaware of the precautions necessary when sharing a habitat with more wild animals.[aside postID=news_12057419 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/08/250604-HikingSFBluffs-03-BL_qed.jpg']“The mistakes they made during that time, until they got with the program and started to research and ask questions … really trained a lot of bears on the tricks of getting into homes and getting into refrigerators,” Bryant said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, the Caldor and Tamarack fires that burned tens of thousands of acres of Tahoe’s backcountry also forced more bears to move into developed parts of the region. Many have stayed because of the easier access to food they found there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That was the big turning point,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although CDFW has year-round educational programming, Tira said the agency is also responsible for many priorities throughout the state of California, and doesn’t have the staffing to focus on changing local ordinances or zoning that could decrease the frequency of bear break-ins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for Hope, he said the department is not actively searching for her to kill her. If Hope is killed, Bryant said Bounce would be placed in a rehabilitation center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the past three weeks, groups of volunteers have been watching Hope daily, scurrying her away from neighborhoods and trying to keep her out of trouble.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said they’re hoping to get a message through to state officials: “The citizens and the residents don’t want her to die. We think it’s deplorable and there are other options.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Advocates are fighting to stop California wildlife officials from euthanizing a black bear who officials say has been breaking into homes for food — and teaching her cub to do the same.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Hope has earned a reputation for what could be called urban foraging — rummaging through South \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/lake-tahoe\">Lake Tahoe\u003c/a> cabins and, more recently, a preschool for food to feed herself and her young cub.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the repeated break-ins have proved an effective way for the 5-year-old black bear to find a delicious meal, they’ve also earned her a spot on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “conflict bear” list, making her vulnerable to euthanasia.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Wildlife advocates in the Tahoe area are fighting to stop CDFW from killing Hope, which they say won’t stop the break-ins but would leave her cub, Bounce, an orphan — and other hungry bears more likely to meet the same fate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hope should not be singled out as the most notorious, incorrigible break-in bear. Other mother [bears] are all doing the same thing,” said Ann Bryant, the executive director of the BEAR League, a nonprofit that aims to protect bears in the Tahoe region. “So our concern is once they kill her, then are they just going to move on to the next family?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Hope has lived in South Lake Tahoe for about five years, the BEAR League has been keeping a closer eye on her and Bounce since the spring, when they emerged from hibernation hungry and making repeated unwelcome visits to homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058048\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1080px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058048\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"810\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League.jpg 1080w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/BEar-League-160x120.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A BEAR League protest in September 2025 to stop the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from trapping Hope and Bounce, two black bears. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the BEAR League)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Two weeks ago, staffers at a \u003ca href=\"https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/bear-753-chased-out-of-preschool/\">South Lake Tahoe preschool\u003c/a> arrived on a Monday morning to find Hope and Bounce inside, intensifying fears that they could pose threats to people in the Tahoe Keys neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But as Hope’s case illustrates, such run-ins — which are becoming increasingly common in the Tahoe area — pose a threat to the bears, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Peter Tira, a CDFW spokesperson, said Hope is different from many bears in that she breaks into homes repeatedly and is teaching her cub to do the same.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s gotten her deemed a “conflict bear,” a CDFW designation that means she could be subject to long-term captivity, relocation or death if she comes in contact with staff.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But Bryant said bears like Hope aren’t born with an instinct to enter buildings and rummage through homes. In the Tahoe region, they’ve been conditioned to do so by tourists and others who don’t protect their homes from bears, despite taking over their natural habitat.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“When a window’s open and [Hope] smells a pie inside on the counter, she’s going to go in and get it,” Bryant said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bears are intelligent; when they’re repeatedly lured toward people’s homes by wafts of food, they learn that humans’ kitchens are a good place to find their next meal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They think, “This is an easy way to make a living,” Bryant said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said most of Hope’s break-ins, especially her early ones, were “soft entries,” using non-destructive means like an open window or unlocked door to get in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At Step by Step Early Learning Center, the preschool Hope broke into, Tira said he believes employees might have left a door to the building unlocked or open over the weekend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Often, though, after a bear makes a soft entry and gets its first taste or two of human food, it can get more aggressive. Hope has broken into multiple homes by smashing windows, according to Bryant.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Tira said that’s made her “a very serious public safety situation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12058051\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12058051\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23.jpg 640w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/09/hope-bounce-aug23-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hope and Bounce in Lake Tahoe on Aug. 23, 2025. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the BEAR League)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“Mother bears are incredibly protective of their cubs,” he said. “Let’s say these two bears enter a home and there’s elderly people there or children or somebody inadvertently gets in the way of the mother cub. There’s all sorts of scenarios that could play out that we don’t want to see happen.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said killing Hope isn’t going to neutralize that threat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They’ll see after she’s dead, if they succeed: ‘Uh-oh, here’s another break in, and it sure wasn’t Hope,’” Bryant said. “The way to resolve this is not just to kill and kill and kill until there’s no bears left.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She believes that CDFW should focus more on highlighting the conditions that contribute to bear break-ins, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12002429/california-camping-tahoe-yosemite-bears-safety-what-to-do-bear-spray\">teaching people how to prevent them\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We need them to help us tell people that if you don’t want bears in your building, in your home or in your preschool or in your church or wherever, close and lock the windows and doors,” Bryant said, adding that trash should be secured in bear-proof containers, which are abundant around public beaches and rental properties, and food shouldn’t be left in cars or outdoors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Homeowners can also have bear wires set up around their property that are effective at keeping the animals away.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said bear safety education is especially important now, as more people buy second homes in Tahoe and rent during the off-season thanks to the rise in remote work during COVID-19.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While break-ins have always happened, they became more common as out-of-towners moved in, unaware of the precautions necessary when sharing a habitat with more wild animals.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“The mistakes they made during that time, until they got with the program and started to research and ask questions … really trained a lot of bears on the tricks of getting into homes and getting into refrigerators,” Bryant said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2021, the Caldor and Tamarack fires that burned tens of thousands of acres of Tahoe’s backcountry also forced more bears to move into developed parts of the region. Many have stayed because of the easier access to food they found there.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That was the big turning point,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Although CDFW has year-round educational programming, Tira said the agency is also responsible for many priorities throughout the state of California, and doesn’t have the staffing to focus on changing local ordinances or zoning that could decrease the frequency of bear break-ins.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As for Hope, he said the department is not actively searching for her to kill her. If Hope is killed, Bryant said Bounce would be placed in a rehabilitation center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For the past three weeks, groups of volunteers have been watching Hope daily, scurrying her away from neighborhoods and trying to keep her out of trouble.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant said they’re hoping to get a message through to state officials: “The citizens and the residents don’t want her to die. We think it’s deplorable and there are other options.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "public-lands-blm-california-united-states-hiking-camping-under-threat-josh-jackson-enduring-wild",
"title": "‘Get Out There and See’: As America’s Public Lands Come Under Threat, Here’s Why They’re Worth Saving",
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"headTitle": "‘Get Out There and See’: As America’s Public Lands Come Under Threat, Here’s Why They’re Worth Saving | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Earlier this summer, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046147/incredibly-short-sighted-land-conservation-groups-rally-against-gop-proposal-to-sell-off-public-lands-like-tahoe\">Republicans in Congress proposed a massive selloff of public lands\u003c/a> across the United States, arguing that these lands would be better off in private hands to be used for housing or other economically driven uses like mining or drilling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The pushback to the proposal from the public, joined by outdoors and land conservation advocacy groups, was swift and loud. But while the proposal was \u003ca href=\"https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5375473-senate-removes-provision-that-would-sell-off-public-lands-from-megabill/\">ultimately scrapped from this year’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” budget\u003c/a>, the idea of selling off public lands remains alive and well in lawmakers’ minds, most notably Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1939132778605388207\">who promised to bring the proposal back in the future.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Public lands make up around half of the land in the state of California. That includes around \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/what-we-manage/california\">15 million acres of Bureau of Land Management lands\u003c/a> that themselves comprise around 15% of the state, but “these BLM lands have been under threat to land sale, to private developers and land barons, \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/history/history-by-region/california\">since their inception in 1946,\u003c/a>” said Josh Jackson, author of \u003cem>The Enduring Wild: A Journey into California’s Public Lands\u003c/em>. For Jackson, this recent effort to sell this land “wasn’t a great surprise.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We don’t have the Eiffel Tower, we don’t have the Great Barrier Reef or the Great Wall of China, but what we have in America, and what makes us so unique, is our public land system across the West that we’ve set aside,” said Jackson. “It’s one of the unique things that we get to experience here in the States.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910647/the-threat-to-california-public-lands\">KQED Forum spoke to Jackson \u003c/a>about the history of public lands, the crucial role they play in California conservation, why they’re under threat and how you can get out and discover them for yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#HowyoucanmakethemostofBLMlandnearyouwithcampingandhiking\">How you can make the most of BLM land near you with camping and hiking?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How did this latest Republican effort to sell public lands come about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Josh Jackson: \u003c/strong>It came at the last minute in the first reconciliation package from the House of Natural Resources to \u003ca href=\"https://stateline.org/2025/06/04/long-thwarted-efforts-to-sell-public-lands-see-new-life-under-trump/\">sell off roughly half a million acres of BLM land\u003c/a> in Nevada and Utah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thankfully, thanks to a really robust group of people around the West, that land sale was kind of taken out of the reconciliation package, only to be added later by Mike Lee, Senator of Utah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That proposal was much more dire: \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/search?q=1.5+million+acress+sell+off&rlz=1C1GCCA_enUS1161US1161&oq=1.5+million+acress+sell+off&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggEEAAYgAQYogQyCggFEAAYogQYiQUyCggGEAAYogQYiQUyCggHEAAYgAQYogQyCggIEAAYgAQYogTSAQg1NjE0ajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on\">up to 1.5 million acres of BLM land to be sold off across the West\u003c/a>. And then, also thanks to bipartisan support against these land sales, which was \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-24/public-lands-sell-off-halted-mike-lee\">taken out of the reconciliation package as well.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the history of public lands in the U.S.?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Josh Jackson\u003c/strong>: Behind every story of the places I was going was a heartbreaking story of loss. Through genocide at times and lopsided deals with the government and a number of other factors,\u003ca href=\"https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/native-american/removing-native-americans-from-their-land/\"> these Indigenous peoples who lived and engaged with these landscapes were booted off.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most of the BLM land is in the Western 11 states and in Alaska. We have \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/what-we-manage\">245 million acres\u003c/a> across those states. It’s mostly desert, a lot of sea of sagebrush in places like Nevada and Eastern California. You’ve got red rock country in Utah, but then you have these really isolated pockets of BLM lands, for example, in the northwest in California’s King Range in the Lost Coast area, which is old-growth forest of Douglas fir and redwoods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11716102\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11716102\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Eastern Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes. \u003ccite>(Kirk Siegler/NPR)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>These 245 million acres: historians often \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/history#:~:text=Our%20Heritage%2C%20Our%20Future,%2C%20historical%2C%20and%20cultural%20resources.\">refer to them as the “leftover lands.”\u003c/a> They weren’t picked up during \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/home/learn/historyculture/abouthomesteadactlaw.htm\">the Homestead Act\u003c/a>. They weren’t bought by railroads or developers or land barons. The other federal land management agencies did not even pick them up. … As I started diving into the history of these landscapes, I started thinking of them as the scrappy underdogs of our public lands. These places that not many people know about or understand, or even visit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And \u003ca href=\"https://www.aldoleopold.org/about/aldo-leopold\">Aldo Leopold\u003c/a>, one of the great writers and thinkers and ecologists of the 20th century, wrote, “American conservation is, I fear, still concerned for the most part with showpieces. We have not yet learned to think in terms of small cogs and wheels.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I started to think of these BLM lands as the small cogs and wheels of present-day conservation.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What purpose do BLM and other public lands serve today?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>These landscapes that maybe don’t have that same blast of scenic beauty that the national parks have, they serve as really important ecological places for different flora and fauna. These are landscapes that are on the edges of national parks and national forest and provide these really amazing wildlife corridors that are really important. So even if you look out on these places that look like an empty landscape, these are places that wildlife roam.[aside postID=news_12049405 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Muir-Woods-Exhibit-1.png']\u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/carrizo-plain-national-monument\">The Carrizo Plain\u003c/a> is the last largest intact native grassland we have in California. The Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys that run through the heart of the state used to be these really diverse, vibrant grasslands. Between agriculture and private ownership, these lands have been turned into a different thing. But we have this last vestige of grassland in the 250,000-acre Carrizo Plain National Monument. It’s only three hours outside of Los Angeles, and it’s this really wonderful place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is where a lot of endangered species live, and there’s a lake that, when it fills up after a lot of rain, becomes an important flyover stop for migrating birds. And it’s really important to Indigenous history: Some of the most elaborate rock art in the world is found in the Carrizo Plain at a place called \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/visit/painted-rock\">Painted Rock\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because of agriculture and private land ownership, we’ve boxed in these species that rely on the Carrizo Plain. Luckily, in 2001, \u003ca href=\"https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/library/hot_releases/January_17_2001_13.html\">it was protected as a national monument under the Clinton administration\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://theodorepayne.org/learn/wildflower-hotline/\">The superbloom\u003c/a> is one of those things that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996323/where-to-see-wildflowers-near-you-in-the-bay-area\">draws a lot of people\u003c/a>. But to a place like the Carrizo Plain, it’s important that people get out there and see these BLM lands.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the case for making some BLM land private?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The BLM is already authorized to sell small plots of land, and if you’re near one of those or you think that it would be better off, and the BLM could sell it off, that’s an option. They don’t need any Congressional act to be passed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1998, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/lands-and-realty/regional-information/nevada/snplma\">Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act\u003c/a> allowed for the sale of BLM lands around Las Vegas to be turned into housing and development. But a lot of those lands weren’t just sold off. They were also traded for other private lands, like in more ecologically sensitive areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047193\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047193\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1634\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-2000x1276.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-1536x980.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-2048x1307.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">At 9,600 feet, Sonora Pass features sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, including waterfalls, wildflowers and high alpine lakes. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But even in those places, \u003ca href=\"https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/InterimCommittee/REL/Document/23817?rewrote=1\">85% of the sales went directly back to the state of Nevada for conservation\u003c/a> and for new parks around Las Vegas, and they were traded off for lands up in the northwest of Nevada, near Lake Tahoe, that were important habitats or on the edge of conservation areas. That took ten years to hammer out all the details, with lots of compromise involved from both sides of the aisle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think it’s an important lesson that really good bipartisan laws take a lot of time and compromise to develop, and the opposite was happening in the last couple of months, where these giant land sales were thrown in without a lot of support from either side of the aisle. Let alone all of the constituents that represent these places.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowyoucanmakethemostofBLMlandnearyouwithcampingandhiking\">\u003c/a>How can you enjoy BLM land?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On BLM land in California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/blog/2025-06-26/blm-public-lands-know-you-go\">we have 60-plus campgrounds\u003c/a> that are all no-reservation. \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping\">The fees are typically free to about $10 a night\u003c/a>. Those are the easiest places to access BLM land, as are places like national monuments. But you’re often on your own trying to figure out where these places are, how to access them and what road conditions are like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I would typically build an itinerary before I even left, which was really important to understand, not just the landscape I was going to, in the flora and fauna [and] Indigenous history that existed there, but also how to get there safely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I would always \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/office/california-state-office\">call the local BLM field office\u003c/a>. They were so incredibly helpful because they could give you up-to-date road conditions. And then I used an app called \u003ca href=\"https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app\">onX Off-Road \u003c/a>that allowed me to download offline maps before I went to a landscape, so I never was lost, even if I didn’t have cell reception.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s kind of an amazing part of being out in the West. If you have the right toolkit, lots of water, sunscreen, a tent and a sleeping bag, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">you can pull over and camp on BLM land almost anywhere. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Earlier this summer, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12046147/incredibly-short-sighted-land-conservation-groups-rally-against-gop-proposal-to-sell-off-public-lands-like-tahoe\">Republicans in Congress proposed a massive selloff of public lands\u003c/a> across the United States, arguing that these lands would be better off in private hands to be used for housing or other economically driven uses like mining or drilling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The pushback to the proposal from the public, joined by outdoors and land conservation advocacy groups, was swift and loud. But while the proposal was \u003ca href=\"https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5375473-senate-removes-provision-that-would-sell-off-public-lands-from-megabill/\">ultimately scrapped from this year’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” budget\u003c/a>, the idea of selling off public lands remains alive and well in lawmakers’ minds, most notably Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1939132778605388207\">who promised to bring the proposal back in the future.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Public lands make up around half of the land in the state of California. That includes around \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/what-we-manage/california\">15 million acres of Bureau of Land Management lands\u003c/a> that themselves comprise around 15% of the state, but “these BLM lands have been under threat to land sale, to private developers and land barons, \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/history/history-by-region/california\">since their inception in 1946,\u003c/a>” said Josh Jackson, author of \u003cem>The Enduring Wild: A Journey into California’s Public Lands\u003c/em>. For Jackson, this recent effort to sell this land “wasn’t a great surprise.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We don’t have the Eiffel Tower, we don’t have the Great Barrier Reef or the Great Wall of China, but what we have in America, and what makes us so unique, is our public land system across the West that we’ve set aside,” said Jackson. “It’s one of the unique things that we get to experience here in the States.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101910647/the-threat-to-california-public-lands\">KQED Forum spoke to Jackson \u003c/a>about the history of public lands, the crucial role they play in California conservation, why they’re under threat and how you can get out and discover them for yourself.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#HowyoucanmakethemostofBLMlandnearyouwithcampingandhiking\">How you can make the most of BLM land near you with camping and hiking?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003ch2>How did this latest Republican effort to sell public lands come about?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Josh Jackson: \u003c/strong>It came at the last minute in the first reconciliation package from the House of Natural Resources to \u003ca href=\"https://stateline.org/2025/06/04/long-thwarted-efforts-to-sell-public-lands-see-new-life-under-trump/\">sell off roughly half a million acres of BLM land\u003c/a> in Nevada and Utah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Thankfully, thanks to a really robust group of people around the West, that land sale was kind of taken out of the reconciliation package, only to be added later by Mike Lee, Senator of Utah.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That proposal was much more dire: \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/search?q=1.5+million+acress+sell+off&rlz=1C1GCCA_enUS1161US1161&oq=1.5+million+acress+sell+off&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggEEAAYgAQYogQyCggFEAAYogQYiQUyCggGEAAYogQYiQUyCggHEAAYgAQYogQyCggIEAAYgAQYogTSAQg1NjE0ajBqNKgCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on\">up to 1.5 million acres of BLM land to be sold off across the West\u003c/a>. And then, also thanks to bipartisan support against these land sales, which was \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-24/public-lands-sell-off-halted-mike-lee\">taken out of the reconciliation package as well.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the history of public lands in the U.S.?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Josh Jackson\u003c/strong>: Behind every story of the places I was going was a heartbreaking story of loss. Through genocide at times and lopsided deals with the government and a number of other factors,\u003ca href=\"https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/native-american/removing-native-americans-from-their-land/\"> these Indigenous peoples who lived and engaged with these landscapes were booted off.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most of the BLM land is in the Western 11 states and in Alaska. We have \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/what-we-manage\">245 million acres\u003c/a> across those states. It’s mostly desert, a lot of sea of sagebrush in places like Nevada and Eastern California. You’ve got red rock country in Utah, but then you have these really isolated pockets of BLM lands, for example, in the northwest in California’s King Range in the Lost Coast area, which is old-growth forest of Douglas fir and redwoods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_11716102\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11716102\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/01/img_7376_wide-e848890206768711978760ed1053bb57e3f367b7-e1546701706131-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Eastern Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes. \u003ccite>(Kirk Siegler/NPR)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>These 245 million acres: historians often \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/about/history#:~:text=Our%20Heritage%2C%20Our%20Future,%2C%20historical%2C%20and%20cultural%20resources.\">refer to them as the “leftover lands.”\u003c/a> They weren’t picked up during \u003ca href=\"https://www.nps.gov/home/learn/historyculture/abouthomesteadactlaw.htm\">the Homestead Act\u003c/a>. They weren’t bought by railroads or developers or land barons. The other federal land management agencies did not even pick them up. … As I started diving into the history of these landscapes, I started thinking of them as the scrappy underdogs of our public lands. These places that not many people know about or understand, or even visit.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And \u003ca href=\"https://www.aldoleopold.org/about/aldo-leopold\">Aldo Leopold\u003c/a>, one of the great writers and thinkers and ecologists of the 20th century, wrote, “American conservation is, I fear, still concerned for the most part with showpieces. We have not yet learned to think in terms of small cogs and wheels.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I started to think of these BLM lands as the small cogs and wheels of present-day conservation.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What purpose do BLM and other public lands serve today?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>These landscapes that maybe don’t have that same blast of scenic beauty that the national parks have, they serve as really important ecological places for different flora and fauna. These are landscapes that are on the edges of national parks and national forest and provide these really amazing wildlife corridors that are really important. So even if you look out on these places that look like an empty landscape, these are places that wildlife roam.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/carrizo-plain-national-monument\">The Carrizo Plain\u003c/a> is the last largest intact native grassland we have in California. The Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys that run through the heart of the state used to be these really diverse, vibrant grasslands. Between agriculture and private ownership, these lands have been turned into a different thing. But we have this last vestige of grassland in the 250,000-acre Carrizo Plain National Monument. It’s only three hours outside of Los Angeles, and it’s this really wonderful place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is where a lot of endangered species live, and there’s a lake that, when it fills up after a lot of rain, becomes an important flyover stop for migrating birds. And it’s really important to Indigenous history: Some of the most elaborate rock art in the world is found in the Carrizo Plain at a place called \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/visit/painted-rock\">Painted Rock\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Because of agriculture and private land ownership, we’ve boxed in these species that rely on the Carrizo Plain. Luckily, in 2001, \u003ca href=\"https://clintonwhitehouse5.archives.gov/library/hot_releases/January_17_2001_13.html\">it was protected as a national monument under the Clinton administration\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://theodorepayne.org/learn/wildflower-hotline/\">The superbloom\u003c/a> is one of those things that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1996323/where-to-see-wildflowers-near-you-in-the-bay-area\">draws a lot of people\u003c/a>. But to a place like the Carrizo Plain, it’s important that people get out there and see these BLM lands.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>What’s the case for making some BLM land private?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>The BLM is already authorized to sell small plots of land, and if you’re near one of those or you think that it would be better off, and the BLM could sell it off, that’s an option. They don’t need any Congressional act to be passed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 1998, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/lands-and-realty/regional-information/nevada/snplma\">Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act\u003c/a> allowed for the sale of BLM lands around Las Vegas to be turned into housing and development. But a lot of those lands weren’t just sold off. They were also traded for other private lands, like in more ecologically sensitive areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12047193\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12047193\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1634\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-2000x1276.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-160x102.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-1536x980.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/Sonora-Pass-3-1-2048x1307.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">At 9,600 feet, Sonora Pass features sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, including waterfalls, wildflowers and high alpine lakes. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of Amanda Carlson/Mono County Tourism)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But even in those places, \u003ca href=\"https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/InterimCommittee/REL/Document/23817?rewrote=1\">85% of the sales went directly back to the state of Nevada for conservation\u003c/a> and for new parks around Las Vegas, and they were traded off for lands up in the northwest of Nevada, near Lake Tahoe, that were important habitats or on the edge of conservation areas. That took ten years to hammer out all the details, with lots of compromise involved from both sides of the aisle.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I think it’s an important lesson that really good bipartisan laws take a lot of time and compromise to develop, and the opposite was happening in the last couple of months, where these giant land sales were thrown in without a lot of support from either side of the aisle. Let alone all of the constituents that represent these places.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003ca id=\"HowyoucanmakethemostofBLMlandnearyouwithcampingandhiking\">\u003c/a>How can you enjoy BLM land?\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>On BLM land in California, \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/blog/2025-06-26/blm-public-lands-know-you-go\">we have 60-plus campgrounds\u003c/a> that are all no-reservation. \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping\">The fees are typically free to about $10 a night\u003c/a>. Those are the easiest places to access BLM land, as are places like national monuments. But you’re often on your own trying to figure out where these places are, how to access them and what road conditions are like.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I would typically build an itinerary before I even left, which was really important to understand, not just the landscape I was going to, in the flora and fauna [and] Indigenous history that existed there, but also how to get there safely.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I would always \u003ca href=\"https://www.blm.gov/office/california-state-office\">call the local BLM field office\u003c/a>. They were so incredibly helpful because they could give you up-to-date road conditions. And then I used an app called \u003ca href=\"https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/app\">onX Off-Road \u003c/a>that allowed me to download offline maps before I went to a landscape, so I never was lost, even if I didn’t have cell reception.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s kind of an amazing part of being out in the West. If you have the right toolkit, lots of water, sunscreen, a tent and a sleeping bag, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11920867/how-to-find-free-camping-in-californias-national-forests\">you can pull over and camp on BLM land almost anywhere. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"slug": "lake-tahoe-boat-accident-report-shows-8-who-died-werent-wearing-life-jackets",
"title": "Lake Tahoe Boat Accident Report Shows 8 Who Died Weren’t Wearing Life Jackets",
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"headTitle": "Lake Tahoe Boat Accident Report Shows 8 Who Died Weren’t Wearing Life Jackets | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>Federal investigators are piecing together more details about the Lake Tahoe \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045531/lake-tahoe-boat-accidents-7th-victim-is-found-by-divers-1-person-still-missing\">boating accident\u003c/a> that killed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045712/sf-tech-executive-family-were-celebrating-on-lake-tahoe-before-deadly-boat-accident\">eight vacationers\u003c/a> during a fast-moving storm in June, according to a preliminary report published Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>None of the victims who died were wearing life jackets when the vessel capsized as 8-foot waves crashed along Tahoe’s west shore that afternoon, the National Transportation Safety Board found.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Two survivors were rescued from the water. According to the agency’s report, one of them was wearing a flotation device, and the other was clinging to one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Terry Pickles, 73, had taken his boat, named Over the Moon, out on the lake on June 21 during a weekend celebrating the 71st birthday of his wife, Paula Bozinovich. The couple from Redwood City were joined by their son, Josh Pickles, 37, a San Francisco-based DoorDash executive, along with family and friends from around Northern California and upstate New York.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The powerboat launched from Tahoe City midmorning with four boaters aboard and traveled to two marinas nearby, according to the NTSB report. At the second, it picked up six more passengers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049406\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1433px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049406\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/TahoeBoatAccident.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1433\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/TahoeBoatAccident.jpg 1433w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/TahoeBoatAccident-160x82.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1433px) 100vw, 1433px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A photo of the boat, Over the Moon, after the accident. The vessel capsized with 10 people aboard while on the western side of Lake Tahoe near the D.L. Bliss State Park in California. Eight people died, and two were injured. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the National Transportation Safety Board)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once all 10 passengers had boarded the 28-foot-long Chris-Craft vessel, built in 2023, the group traveled about 10 nautical miles south along the west shore of the lake to Emerald Bay, an outcove at the southwest tip of the lake known for its blue-green waters and breathtaking views.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The NTSB found that the boat anchored in the area for more than an hour in the early afternoon, enjoying fairly mild weather conditions — “clear skies, light southerly winds, and an air temperature of 54°F.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The report notes that local forecasts for the day had predicted a slight chance of thunderstorms, but the National Weather Service hadn’t issued any marine warnings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Around 2 p.m., though, clouds began to roll into the area and wind speeds increased.[aside postID=news_12045712 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/LakeTahoeAP.jpg']The NTSB found that Terry Pickles decided to return to the marina where he’d picked up passengers that morning, but turned back to Emerald Bay shortly after, stopped by increasingly strong winds, rain and waves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>About 10 minutes later, the report said he made another attempt to leave the inlet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A survivor told NTSB investigators that as the boat made its way north from Emerald Bay, 2- to 3-foot waves hit against the sides of Over the Moon, and marble-sized hail began collecting on the deck.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As whitecaps increased, rising to 8 to 10 feet, “she recalled that a few of these waves broke over the sides and bow, and about an inch of water accumulated on the boat deck,” the report said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just before 3 p.m., nearby winds reached about 40 mph and snow began to fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Around that time, as Over the Moon sat 50 to 100 yards from shore, its engine stopped and it shifted sideways, parallel to the waves. Some of the passengers tried to bail out the water as a large wave crashed over the boat, bringing on more water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this point, one of the survivors put on a personal flotation device and passed out others to the rest of the group, though none of the others immediately put them on. Shortly after, the report said, the boat rolled over, dumping the passengers into the lake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the report, no distress calls were made from the water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12045575\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12045575\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Coast Guard and local partner agencies responded to a capsized vessel in the vicinity of D.L. Bliss State Park at Lake Tahoe on June 21, 2025. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest Public Affairs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A group of nearby hikers saw Over the Moon capsize and called 911 just before 3 p.m. As the local sheriff’s department and other agencies responded, another hiker and a California State Parks lifeguard helped the two survivors using flotation devices out of the water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Six of the recovered people (one of whom was the operator) were pronounced deceased on scene, some following CPR efforts,” the report reads. “None of the six were wearing [personal flotation devices].”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bodies of the other two boaters were recovered at the bottom of the lake in the area near the accident the following day, along with four personal flotation devices and a life ring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Toxicology tests conducted on the victims are pending results, according to the NTSB.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The microburst storm, which weather experts say rolled in quickly and spurred winds and waves that picked up speed as they spread south across the lake, cleared not long after. Snow stopped just after 4 p.m., and the area was covered in cloudless skies by 5:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The investigation of what the U.S. Coast Guard has declared a “major marine casualty” is ongoing, and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "According to the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the boat accident during a sudden June storm, the two survivors were using flotation devices when rescued.\r\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Federal investigators are piecing together more details about the Lake Tahoe \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045531/lake-tahoe-boat-accidents-7th-victim-is-found-by-divers-1-person-still-missing\">boating accident\u003c/a> that killed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12045712/sf-tech-executive-family-were-celebrating-on-lake-tahoe-before-deadly-boat-accident\">eight vacationers\u003c/a> during a fast-moving storm in June, according to a preliminary report published Wednesday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>None of the victims who died were wearing life jackets when the vessel capsized as 8-foot waves crashed along Tahoe’s west shore that afternoon, the National Transportation Safety Board found.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Two survivors were rescued from the water. According to the agency’s report, one of them was wearing a flotation device, and the other was clinging to one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Terry Pickles, 73, had taken his boat, named Over the Moon, out on the lake on June 21 during a weekend celebrating the 71st birthday of his wife, Paula Bozinovich. The couple from Redwood City were joined by their son, Josh Pickles, 37, a San Francisco-based DoorDash executive, along with family and friends from around Northern California and upstate New York.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The powerboat launched from Tahoe City midmorning with four boaters aboard and traveled to two marinas nearby, according to the NTSB report. At the second, it picked up six more passengers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12049406\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1433px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12049406\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/TahoeBoatAccident.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1433\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/TahoeBoatAccident.jpg 1433w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/TahoeBoatAccident-160x82.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1433px) 100vw, 1433px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A photo of the boat, Over the Moon, after the accident. The vessel capsized with 10 people aboard while on the western side of Lake Tahoe near the D.L. Bliss State Park in California. Eight people died, and two were injured. \u003ccite>(Courtesy of the National Transportation Safety Board)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Once all 10 passengers had boarded the 28-foot-long Chris-Craft vessel, built in 2023, the group traveled about 10 nautical miles south along the west shore of the lake to Emerald Bay, an outcove at the southwest tip of the lake known for its blue-green waters and breathtaking views.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The NTSB found that the boat anchored in the area for more than an hour in the early afternoon, enjoying fairly mild weather conditions — “clear skies, light southerly winds, and an air temperature of 54°F.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The report notes that local forecasts for the day had predicted a slight chance of thunderstorms, but the National Weather Service hadn’t issued any marine warnings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Around 2 p.m., though, clouds began to roll into the area and wind speeds increased.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The NTSB found that Terry Pickles decided to return to the marina where he’d picked up passengers that morning, but turned back to Emerald Bay shortly after, stopped by increasingly strong winds, rain and waves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>About 10 minutes later, the report said he made another attempt to leave the inlet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A survivor told NTSB investigators that as the boat made its way north from Emerald Bay, 2- to 3-foot waves hit against the sides of Over the Moon, and marble-sized hail began collecting on the deck.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As whitecaps increased, rising to 8 to 10 feet, “she recalled that a few of these waves broke over the sides and bow, and about an inch of water accumulated on the boat deck,” the report said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Just before 3 p.m., nearby winds reached about 40 mph and snow began to fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Around that time, as Over the Moon sat 50 to 100 yards from shore, its engine stopped and it shifted sideways, parallel to the waves. Some of the passengers tried to bail out the water as a large wave crashed over the boat, bringing on more water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At this point, one of the survivors put on a personal flotation device and passed out others to the rest of the group, though none of the others immediately put them on. Shortly after, the report said, the boat rolled over, dumping the passengers into the lake.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to the report, no distress calls were made from the water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12045575\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12045575\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/06/Side-by-side-Featured-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Coast Guard and local partner agencies responded to a capsized vessel in the vicinity of D.L. Bliss State Park at Lake Tahoe on June 21, 2025. \u003ccite>(Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Southwest Public Affairs)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>A group of nearby hikers saw Over the Moon capsize and called 911 just before 3 p.m. As the local sheriff’s department and other agencies responded, another hiker and a California State Parks lifeguard helped the two survivors using flotation devices out of the water.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Six of the recovered people (one of whom was the operator) were pronounced deceased on scene, some following CPR efforts,” the report reads. “None of the six were wearing [personal flotation devices].”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bodies of the other two boaters were recovered at the bottom of the lake in the area near the accident the following day, along with four personal flotation devices and a life ring.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Toxicology tests conducted on the victims are pending results, according to the NTSB.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The microburst storm, which weather experts say rolled in quickly and spurred winds and waves that picked up speed as they spread south across the lake, cleared not long after. Snow stopped just after 4 p.m., and the area was covered in cloudless skies by 5:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The investigation of what the U.S. Coast Guard has declared a “major marine casualty” is ongoing, and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"soldout": {
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