South Lake Tahoe Daily Briefing: Snow, Forest Leadership, and Avalanche Dogs
South Lake Tahoe, CA — February 7, 2026 — Fresh snow is finally on the way, leadership shifts on the forest, and locals rally to support avalanche dogs.
Good evening, South Lake Tahoe. Here is a quick look at what is happening around town and in the mountains tonight.
Winter weather advisory brings long-awaited snow
After a very dry January, the National Weather Service in Reno has issued a winter weather advisory for the greater Lake Tahoe area from late Monday night through Wednesday afternoon. The system is expected to be the snowiest since early January, finally breaking the month-long stretch with no measurable snowfall.
Forecasters are calling for 10 to 18 inches of new snow above 7000 feet, with 4 to 6 inches possible at lake level and higher totals west of Highway 89. Gusty winds could reach 35 miles per hour in town and up to 70 miles per hour along the Sierra crest, kicking up 1 to 3 foot waves on the lake and making travel over the passes difficult at times.
Drivers should be prepared for chain controls, slick roads and poor visibility, especially for the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. Small craft are advised to stay off the lake until conditions calm down midweek.
New interim forest supervisor for Lake Tahoe
Leadership at the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is in transition after longtime forest supervisor Erick Walker retired on January 9 following a 34 year career with the U.S. Forest Service. Stepping in as interim forest supervisor is Rosalie Herrera, who had been serving as deputy supervisor in the basin.
Herrera brings experience from several national forests across the West, including recent work in Arizona overseeing recreation, lands and minerals programs. She has also spent time as a wilderness ranger and on engine crews, a background local officials say will help guide ongoing work on fuels reduction, recreation management and watershed health around the lake.
Bingo night to support avalanche rescue dogs
A community fundraiser is on the calendar to support the avalanche dog teams that work at Sierra and Kirkwood. Avalanche Dogs Bingo Night is set for Wednesday, February 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at South Lake Brewing Company.
Proceeds from bingo card sales will go directly to the dog programs, with winners taking home prizes such as outdoor gear and gift cards to local businesses. The brewery plans to release a special collaboration IPA brewed in support of the dogs, and a local pizza vendor will be serving food during the event.
Public safety snapshot
The latest summary of calls handled by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office in the South Shore area shows a familiar winter mix of issues, from noise complaints and party disturbances to identity theft reports, trespassing and several search and rescue responses in nearby backcountry areas. The weekly log is a reminder to secure vehicles and homes, recreate prepared, and look out for neighbors during the busy winter season.
Sources
- https://southtahoenow.com/02/07/2026/winter-weather-advisory-issued-for-lake-tahoe-2
- https://southtahoenow.com/02/05/2026/new-interim-forest-supervisor-named-for-lake-tahoe
- https://southtahoenow.com/02/06/2026/avalanche-dogs-bingo-night-fundraiser
- https://southtahoenow.com/02/04/2026/el-dorado-county-sheriffs-office-calls-in-lake-tahoe-area-47
