Happening Now – January 2018

Happening Now is a feature designed to bring updates, announcements and info on news items throughout the day. You are invited to participate. See a road closure? A business opening? A smoke plume? Storm-related mishaps like downed trees, power lines, road or other flooding? Email us at news@yubanet.com or call 530-478-9600 to let us know. You can also text us reports to 530-409-9888, but please don’t text or call while driving. Thanks!

January 31, 2018 at 5:26 PM Vehicle vs pole on Magnolia Road at Combie. Emergency services on scene, PG&E and AT&T responding as well.

January 31, 2018 at 11:59 AM Full updates on the accident will be posted here.

January 31, 2018 at 11:43 AM CAL FIRE NEU is assisting CHP with tanker truck accident on Hwy 20 above Nevada City.

January 31, 2018 at 11:39 AM CHP Update: SR20 Is closed from Uren Street in Nevada City to I-80 due to a collision involving a tanker truck. there is no estimated time of reopening. motorists trying to access Nevada City should take I-80 to SR174 to SR20/49 jct or I-80 to Auburn to SR49 jct north, big rigs and oversized loads should check with CHP Commercial Division or Caltrans permits for appropriate trucks routes.

January 31, 2018 at 11:09 AM Hwy 20 is closed between Nevada City and the junction of I-80 after a head-on collision between a pickup and a tanker truck carrying gas. The tanker has exploded and emergency services are on scene. There is significant danger and firefighters, environmental health and Fish&Wildlife are on scene.

January 31, 2018 at 9:07 AM Per Truckee Fire: Controlled burn above town in the area of the Cottonwood, Ponderosa Palisades. CALFIRE crew on scene tending piles.

January 31, 2018 at 7:13 AM Did you see the super blue moon, totally eclipsed? If you missed it, here’s a view from Penn Valley, thanks to Alex Siegenthaler.

January 31, 2018 at 6:14 AM Dry and mild weather continues, near record temperatures forecast this weekend. Temperatures will be warming over the next few days as high pressure builds over the west coast.

January 30, 2018 at 10:10 PM Don’t forget to look up in the early morning sky. The total lunar eclipse of the third super moon in a row starts at 2:51 am, with totality starting at 4:51 am. Full details here.

January 30, 2018 at 11:47 AM TDPUD is working with CALFIRE doing a controlled burn in the area of Cottonwood Resturant and Ponderosa Palisades subdivision. There is no threat to Truckee.

January 30, 2018 at 11:02 AM Hwy 49 just past Combie Road has lanes blocked by a motorhome stuck in the northbound lanes. All lanes are impacted, emergency services are on scene and provide traffic control. Expect delays in the area.

January 30, 2018 at 10:09 AM Vehicle in a ditch on Hwy 20 at Lake Spaulding Road near Cabbage Patch. No injuries reported.

January 30, 2018 at 10:08 AM

#TRAFFICALERT Traffic congestion WB I-80 at Stateline for clean up of traffic collision. Expect delays. Caltrans crews will continue clean up of EB I-80 JWO stateline from Jan. 29’s overturned big rig. Right lane may be closed beginning at 10 a.m. today. pic.twitter.com/Ky9EVfmWE0

— Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) January 30, 2018

January 30, 2018 at 9:59 AM Solo vehicle accident on West Hacienda Drive near Combie Road. Emergency services are en route.

January 30, 2018 at 8:37 AM Dry weather and mostly sunny skies are in store for the next 5 days with temperatures warming slightly toward the end of the week.

January 29, 2018 at 8:17 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

January 29, 2018 at 3:12 AM Above average daytime temperatures throughout the week. Dry and mild weather expected this week with patchy fog possible in the morning.

January 27, 2018 at 10:35 AM Report of a possible structure fire on Combie Road near Park Lake Country. Higgins Fire and Cal Fire units en route.

January 27, 2018 at 10:16 AM Dry and mild, daytime high temperatures some 5 to 11 degrees above normal next week. A few showers today across far northern portions of the state. Patchy valley fog possible each morning.

January 26, 2018 at 8:12 AM From NID: Despite the recent weather and poor driving conditions near Scotts Flat, NID will continue with the project walk this morning at 9:00 am beginning at Gate 1, Scotts Flat Campground. We understand some may not be able to attend this morning’s walk. We will soon schedule a 2nd opportunity to walk the project as the weather and road conditions improve. The Scotts Flat North Forestry Project will remove fire fuels and harvest merchantable timber on the north shore of Scotts Flat as identified in the District’s 2013 Timber Harvest Plan (THP). The Project will primarily target Campgrounds 1 and 2 while treating adjacent NID property for fire reduction. As part of our implementation activities, we will be walking the project beginning at Gate 1, Scotts Flat Campground. We welcome property owners to join the District during this site walk to provide any feedback to the District or to ask questions.

January 26, 2018 at 8:09 AM Storm moves out, outlook reverts to dry. It looks like a drier weather pattern will set up across the region for the remainder of January into early February.

January 25, 2018 at 10:16 PM 43 customers without power on Ridge Road/Ridge Estates Road in Nevada City. PG&E assessment crew is en route to the outage.

January 25, 2018 at 10:15 PM Power outage affecting 364 people along Hwy 174 just past Peardale, PG&E is assessing the cause at the outage location.

January 25, 2018 at 10:04 PM Reported power outage on Ridge Estates Road in Nevada City.

January 25, 2018 at 8:39 PM Traffic control on Brunswick Drive/Hwy 174 after multiple spinouts. Traffic hazard on Idaho-Maryland Road, vehicles stuck in the snow. Traffic hazard on Gracie Rd / Banner Lava Cap Rd for vehicles stuck in the snow.

January 25, 2018 at 7:13 PM Slippery roads out there, traffic hazards on Gracie, Greenhorn and Loma Rica Drive.

January 25, 2018 at 4:58 PM For Hwy 20 near Conservation Road. Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas).

January 25, 2018 at 3:36 PM Rain has turned to snow even in the lower elevations of Nevada County. Please reduce your speed and take your time – get home safe!

January 25, 2018 at 9:02 AM Magnitude 5.8 earthquake off the California coast. No Tsunami Warning, Advisory, Watch, or Threat.

January 25, 2018 at 8:13 AM Avalanche advisory from the Sierra Avalanche Center: Considerable avalanche danger will exist today due to wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems.  Wind slabs will be likely in near and above treeline areas.  Storm slabsand deep slabs will be likely in near and below treeline areas.  Dangerous avalanche conditions exist.  Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are essential today. Read the full advisory here.

January 25, 2018 at 8:08 AM A mountain lion was spotted in Nevada City last night. Reports from Zion Street indicate the critter was moving towards Tribute Trail around 3:15 am.

January 25, 2018 at 7:33 AM Report of a mudslide on Marysville Road at Bullards Bar.

January 25, 2018 at 7:28 AM Showers continue today after a brief morning break. Snow showers will bring additional snowfall accumulations to the mountains of interior NorCal into Friday.

January 24, 2018 at 7:36 PM Chain controls on Hwy 20 from just before Conservation Road to the junction with I-80. Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. (Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas).

January 24, 2018 at 5:29 PM Caltrans: Snow starting to fall on I-80 at Donner Pass. Current chain controls on EB I-80 are from Drum (1 mile east of Baxter) over Donner Summit to the Donner Lake Interchange just west of Truckee. Get ready for more chain controls on other Sierra roadways – it will be a snowy night in the Sierra! Take it slow.

January 24, 2018 at 7:04 AM Gusty wind, heavy rain and snow later today through Friday. Heavy snow and increasingly gusty winds will develop across the mountains of interior NorCal later today leading to treacherous driving conditions by this evening. If at all possible, travel over the mountain passes this morning or delay until Friday or the weekend.

January 23, 2018 at 6:23 AM Stronger Pacific storm slated for Wednesday through Friday. A Pacific storm system moves through the region Wednesday into Thursday bringing heavy snow to the mountains of interior NorCal. Snow levels lower from 4000-6000 feet on Wednesday to 1500-3000 feet on Thursday.

January 22, 2018 at 7:43 PM Reader Maryann in Penn Valley shared this amazing photo: “Yesterday we had a rare visitor to our pond. A Bufflehead Duck. North America’s smallest duck known for its wobbly side to side flight pattern. A very striking bird indeed.”

January 22, 2018 at 2:19 PM Solo vehicle accident on southbound Hwy 49 at Shoshoni Trail Court, emergency services en route.

January 22, 2018 at 11:34 AM Roadway is clear again on the 11000 block of LaBarr Meadows Road in Grass Valley after a non-injury accident.

January 22, 2018 at 10:40 AM Caltrans: I-80 chain controls lifted for Donner Pass. Chain controls still in effect for: US Hwy 50 Twin Bridges to Meyers; Hwy 89 from Sierraville to Sattley; and Hwy 49 over the Yuba Pass north of Downieville. Trucks being screened at all locations. Take it Slow!

January 22, 2018 at 8:38 AM Next stronger Pacific storm arrives midweek. Pacific storm will be exiting the forecast area today. Dry weather Tuesday with some morning fog possible in the Central Valley. A stronger winter storm will track across Northern California Wednesday into Friday bringing periods of moderate to heavy precipitation, significant mountain snow, and gusty wind.

January 21, 2018 at 12:03 PM Pacific storms move through NorCal this week. Pacific storm will move through today into Monday bringing light to moderate precipitation with snow in the mountains. Bulk of the precipitation is expected tonight. Slight chance of light showers will continue over Shasta mountains Tuesday, otherwise dry weather forecast. A stronger winter storm will track across Northern California Wednesday into Friday morning bringing periods of moderate to heavy precipitation, significant mountain snow, and gusty wind.

January 19, 2018 at 8:11 AM Storm makes a quick exit, dry weekend ahead. Some lingering mountain showers today, otherwise dry conditions return this weekend. Potential for active weather to return next week. Stay tuned if you have travel plans.

January 18, 2018 at 7:31 PM Heavy snow over Donner Summit. Chain controls in effect, starting near Kingvale. Avoid traveling over the Sierra summits if you can.

January 18, 2018 at 3:28 PM NWS update: Snow totals have lowered some, to around 8 to 12 inches for the northern Sierra through Friday. The heaviest snowfall is expected this evening through early Thursday morning as the front exits the area. Travel for the I-80 and US 50 corridors will become slippery. Gusty southwest winds 30 to 50 mph with gusts to around 65 mph over ridges when combined with snow could bring poor visibility. Winter Storm Warning continues for the northern Sierra and mountains of western Plumas and Lassen County, with a Winter Weather Advisory for the mountains southwestern Shasta County to northern Lake County, through 4 pm Friday.

January 18, 2018 at 11:48 AM Non-injury collision on the 19000 block of McCourtney Road in Grass Valley.

January 18, 2018 at 8:22 AM Traffic hazard on Perimeter Road between Harlow and Wide Oak. Approximately 20 tires have been dumped in the roadway.

January 18, 2018 at 8:21 AM Non-injury accident on Loma Rica Drive near Evening Star Drive.

January 18, 2018 at 8:17 AM Tahoe National Forest firefighters will continue prescribed pile burning in the Buckeye Ridge area above Cascade Shores near Nevada City. Smoke will again be visible from Nevada City and the area north of Cascade Shores. There is no need to report the smoke plumes, firefighters are on scene and closely monitoring the slash piles.

January 18, 2018 at 7:43 AM First storm to arrive by mid-afternoon, snow levels lowering to around 2500-3500 feet by early Friday. Precipitation is expected to extend southward to the Sacramento region, and Interstate 80 in the Sierra, by mid to late afternoon. Snow levels will be considerably lower with this system, lowering to around 2500-3500 feet by early Friday.

January 17, 2018 at 10:58 PM Fog in the lower elevations and freezing mist above 5,000 ft developing. Use extra caution when driving and reduce your speed.

January 17, 2018 at 8:23 AM Tahoe National Forest firefighters will continue prescribed pile burns today above Scotts Flat on Buckeye Ridge. Smoke will be visible from Cascade Shores, Hwy 20 and Nevada City. Firefighters and equipment will be on site to monitor the piles.

January 17, 2018 at 8:18 AM Stronger and colder storm systems on tap through the weekend. A low pressure system in the eastern Pacific will move through northern California on Thursday and Friday bringing valley rain and mountain snow to the north state. Cloudy skies will cover northern California today, ahead of this system. Saturday looks mainly dry in between systems before another Pacific system moves through northern California next Sunday and Monday.

January 16, 2018 at 9:10 AM Stronger, Colder storm systems Thursday-Friday and Sunday-Monday. The active weather pattern will continue across interior Northern California, with at least 2 more storm systems projected in the next week. The first will arrive on Thursday and continue into Friday, with another storm system likely on Sunday and Monday. Both of these storms are colder than what we’ve recently experienced across the region, and have the potential to bring heavy mountain snow. The Thursday system may also bring locally breezy winds.

January 16, 2018 at 8:51 AM The Tahoe National Forest will conduct a prescribed burn today on Buckeye Ridge, above Scotts Flat Reservoir in Nevada City. Smoke will be visible from Hwy 20 and Nevada City. Firefighters will be on scene, there is no need to report the smoke column.

January 15, 2018 at 5:25 PM Water rescue underway near Huss Lane off Tokayana Way in Colfax.

January 15, 2018 at 4:41 PM Solo motorcycle accident at the Uren Street off ramp of Hwy 49 in Nevada City. Emergency services are on scene.

January 15, 2018 at 8:46 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

January 15, 2018 at 8:41 AM Two winter storms this week. Two storms will impact NorCal this upcoming week. The first storm will have limited precipitation. The second storm is expected to be wetter and colder. Thursday – Friday could see the largest mountain snow amounts so far this season.

January 14, 2018 at 5:16 PM Westbound I-80 at Secret Town is clear again. Closure has been lifted.

January 14, 2018 at 4:43 PM Major traffic delays on westbound I-80 after a multi-vehicle accident near the Secret Town off ramp. Traffic is backed up to Gold Run, with a closure of the #2 lane still in place.

January 13, 2018 at 9:59 AM Sunny and warm weekend will morph into wet and wintry week. Strong high pressure will keep dry weather with above normal temperatures over the weekend. Night and morning valley fog and low clouds will be possible. Little change Sunday, then wet weather expected for much of next week.

January 12, 2018 at 4:01 PM Hwy 174 is now fully open after the minor injury accident.

January 12, 2018 at 3:32 PM One-way traffic after an accident on Hwy 174 in the Chicago Park area near Meyer Road.

January 12, 2018 at 7:18 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Plumas and Sierra counties.

January 12, 2018 at 5:59 AM Valley fog, foothill sun – warm weekend ahead. Clear skies and surface moisture have combined to create fog in the central valley and delta this morning. Locations along interstates 80 and 5 as well as highway 50 have all been impacted this morning. Drive with caution during this mornings commute hours.

January 11, 2018 at 7:13 PM Reported car fire on Banner Mountain Trail. Emergency services en route.

January 11, 2018 at 8:42 AM A car has broken down on Bitney Springs Road near Lone Lobo Trail, reduce your speed in the area as the vehicle is still in the roadway.

January 11, 2018 at 7:33 AM Fair skies through the weekend with daytime highs 10 or more degrees above normal. A strong high pressure ridge over the west coast will bring a very nice weekend for most of northern California. Much of the north state will see sunny days and above normal temperatures. The only exception will be some valley locations where the stable conditions under the ridge will allow for night and morning fog. This fog could become locally dense so be alert during valley travel this weekend.

January 10, 2018 at 1:29 PM Quaker Hill Cross Road is currently closed to through traffic for emergency tree removal work today, January 10, 2018. The closure will start at 1:20 PM and the road will be reopened once the tree is removed. Access to residences will be maintained, however through traffic will be required to use an alternate route.

January 10, 2018 at 9:29 AM ROAD CLOSURE:

Francis Drive at Ball Road will be closed to through traffic for emergency tree removal work today, January 10, 2018. The closure will start at 9:00 AM and the road will be reopened once the tree is removed. Access to residences will be maintained, however through traffic will be required to use an alternate route. Please observe all traffic control signs and the instructions of onsite personnel. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience. Contact the County of Nevada Department of Public Works at (530) 265-1411 for more details.

January 10, 2018 at 8:16 AM Rollover accident near 17900 Dog Bar Road, vehicle into a power pole and down the embankment. Emergency srvices are on scene, PG&E crew en route.

January 10, 2018 at 6:37 AM Showers through Thursday, weekend will be dry and warm. After a fairly dry December, the last couple of days of moderate rain helped central California nearly catch up to where we should be for this time of year. The next storm is slated to arrive early Tuesday.

January 9, 2018 at 2:18 PM Car over the embankment on Hwy 174, approximately 1/4 mile of the Bear River Bridge. One lane is closed, numerous emergency services on scene.

January 9, 2018 at 9:09 AM The Nevada County Board of Supervisors unanimously selected Ed Scofield as the Chair and Richard Anderson as Vice Chair for 2018.

January 9, 2018 at 7:26 AM Watch for roadway flooding on your commute, reduce your speed and do not drive through flooded areas.

January 9, 2018 at 5:45 AM Showers are tapering off as storm moves south. Rain continued overnight raising the concern for local minor flooding of urban areas, small streams and creeks.

January 8, 2018 at 8:26 PM A tree is blocking the northbound lane on Pleasant Valley Road at Birchville Road.

January 8, 2018 at 6:28 PM Vehicle down the embankment on westbound I-80 at Emigrant Gap. Two patients with potentially serious injuries, extrication required. Air ambulance has been requested. Numerous engines and resources on site. Use extreme caution in the area and reduce your speed.

January 8, 2018 at 2:43 PM Hwy 49 at Tyler Foote is open again with no restrictions.

January 8, 2018 at 1:27 PM Now two-way traffic control on Hwy 49 near Tyler Foote. CHP has one lane open and is directing traffic.

January 8, 2018 at 1:08 PM Hwy 49 is closed in both directions right after Petersons Corner on the San Juan Riadge after a solo vehicle rollover. Debris and fluid spill on the roadway. Expect the closure to last approximately 15-20 minutes. Emergency services are on scene.

January 8, 2018 at 8:52 AM A stalled car on northbound Hwy 49 at East McKnight Way in the #1 (fast) lane.

January 8, 2018 at 8:32 AM Two-car accident, with no injuries reported, on Hwy 49 at Combie Road.

January 8, 2018 at 7:16 AM A cow is in the roadway on Mooney Flat Road, near the 13000 block. Reduce your speed and use caution in the area.

January 8, 2018 at 7:15 AM Vehicle into a ditch on Rough&Ready Hwy near Ironclad Road. Emergency services are on scene.

January 8, 2018 at 6:51 AM Stormy weather through Tuesday afternoon. A system will move in early on Monday and continue into Tuesday. Breezy to locally gusty southerly winds are expected to peak tonight.

January 7, 2018 at 11:26 AM Magnitude 4.6 earthquake offshore from Eureka. There is NO tsunami danger from this earthquake.

January 7, 2018 at 9:59 AM Winter Storm Monday through Tuesday – heavy rain and gusty winds expected. A storm will move across the area early this week, with light precipitation spreading into the area tonight and continuing through Tuesday. Moderate to heavy precipitation is expected across the area, with some concern for possible debris flow over recent burn scars.

January 6, 2018 at 12:00 PM Update from the National Weather Service in Sacramento: Weak system moves out of the area today, with dry weather tonight into Sunday. Lingering moisture may cause some patchy valley fog Sunday morning. Attention then focuses on a stronger, wetter storm that moves across the area Monday into Tuesday. Moderate to heavy precipitation across the area, with some concern for possible debris flow over recent burn scars. Snow levels will start out high, but drop below pass levels Monday PM – Tuesday, with enough snow to cause travel delays and chain controls. Breezy southerly winds will also accompany the system.

January 6, 2018 at 11:52 AM Hwy 174 is clear after the accident near the Bear River.

January 6, 2018 at 11:16 AM Wet winter storm on the way for Monday and Tuesday. 1-2 inches of rain for the Valley and 2-5 inches for the mountains possible on Monday and Tuesday. Moderate to heavy precipitation across the area. Snow levels will start out high, but drop below pass levels Monday PM – Tuesday with enough snow to cause travel delays and chain controls. Breezy southerly winds will also accompany the system.

January 6, 2018 at 10:17 AM Hwy 174 will be closed for a short time near the Bear River bridge on the Grass Valley side to retrieve a vehicle down the embankment. Emergency services have the roadway blocked near Odyssey Lane.

January 6, 2018 at 2:33 AM Tree into the power lines, lines now hanging across the roadway on the 17000 block of Brewer Road. Emergency services are on scene, the road is blocked.

January 5, 2018 at 11:53 AM Two boulders in the roadway on Hwy 49 just north of Delphine Lane, use caution!

January 5, 2018 at 8:00 AM Two systems to bookend a dry weekend. The Monday Tuesday weather system looks about twice as wet as today’s system but still a fairly medium winter storm with fairly high snow levels.

January 4, 2018 at 8:34 AM Heads up, a tree is in the roadway on Wolf Road at Duggans Road. Drivers are using the opposite lane to get around it. Slow down and use caution.

January 4, 2018 at 8:14 AM More precip on the way with only a brief break on Sunday. A weak weather system brought light rain and high elevation snow to northern California overnight and this morning. Showers will be possible today with another slightly stronger weather system forecast to come through the region on Friday and Saturday. Another, still wetter system is on track to impact northern California early next week.

January 3, 2018 at 10:50 AM Traffic on Hwy 49 at Dry Creek in Auburn is reduced to one lane due to construction. Expect long delays.

January 3, 2018 at 10:42 AM Keys to the storm door have been found, rain returns to NorCal. The key to the storm door for northern California may have been found with the first in a series of weather systems expected to move into northern California late today and tonight. Another system will move through the north state late Friday into Saturday. Neither of these systems is expected to contain a lot of rainfall or high elevation snow but most of Norcal should get some precipitation. After a brief break, more possibly wetter systems are expected early next week.

January 2, 2018 at 10:35 AM Car fire after traffic accident on the Bennett Street on ramp of Hwy 49. Emergency services on scene.

January 2, 2018 at 9:16 AM Non-injury accident on Hwy 49 at Alta Sierra Drive. Lanes are blocked, use an alternate route if possible.

January 2, 2018 at 9:15 AM CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department will be conducting a 15-acre controlled burn on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at the CAL FIRE Butte Fire Center facility in Magalia. The controlled burn will begin at 9:30 a.m. and last most of the day.

January 2, 2018 at 8:27 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

January 2, 2018 at 8:06 AM Wet weather is expected to return starting Wednesday afternoon. After nearly 2 weeks of dry and warm winter weather, this dry spell may be coming to an end. Rain is forecast to return to northern California beginning late Wednesday and last through at least early Saturday. Rainfall amounts are expected to remain relatively light.

January 1, 2018 at 8:57 PM NCSO only shared this on Facebook, here’s the video for people not on social media.

January 1, 2018 at 12:34 PM Nevada County Sheriff’s Office: We are currently investigating a suspicious device that was brought to the Penn Valley Fire Protection District in Lake Wildwood (Station 44). We are directing traffic away from the main gate until we can determine the device is inert or safe to move. Placer County Sheriff’s Office’s EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) team to assist. Update: the device was delivered to the fire station as a precaution after the device was located on the side of the road. This was not an attempt to cause injury or damage to anybody in the area.

January 1, 2018 at 9:14 AM Today is a NO BURN DAY in Nevada, Placer, Sierra and Plumas counties.

January 1, 2018 at 00:02 AM The bird featured this month is a Pygmy Owl. The little owl was found hiding in the rafters by Lisa Cutter. Thanks Ralph for sharing the photo.

January 1, 2018 at 00:01 AM If you are looking for last month’s log, it can be found here.

January 1, 2018 at 00:00 AM Happy New Year!