Happening Now – November 2016

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 at 530-409-9888, but please don’t text or call while driving. Thanks!

November 30, 2016 at 7:51 AM A few showers possible today, breezy and warming up tomorrow. A weak weather system moving through the Pacific Northwest and Northern California will bring light rain today and this evening . Snow levels with this system will range between 4500 and 5500 feet but snowfall amounts are expected to be so light that significant impacts are not expected.

November 29, 2016 at 2:45 PM Heads up for a dog running in traffic on the 13200 block of La Barr meadows Road in Grass Valley.

November 29, 2016 at 12:44 PM Traffic hazard in front of the Ridge Cafe in North San Juan. Driver took out the cafe’s sign in the parking lot.

November 29, 2016 at 10:31 AM Armstrong Fire Safety will be conducting a prescribed burn today near the cross of Greenhorn Rd and Flying Cloud Dr.It’s a scheduled control burn, no need to report it.

November 29, 2016 at 9:19 AM Dry and sunny, with a side of frost in the morning. Dry weather with seasonable temperatures will continue this week except for a chance of showers across mainly the higher terrain of NorCal on Wednesday.

November 27, 2016 at 9:56 AM Dry daytime, weak system passes through tonight and Monday. Snow overnight in the Sierra resulted in 1 to 2 feet of snow over the higher elevations. CalTrans is still requiring chain controls early this morning so any mountain travelers should check road conditions before driving. Showers are almost out of the NWS Sacramento forecast area and we will have dry, mild weather for the rest of today. However, another round of rain and snow arrives late tonight into Monday, but amounts will be light and should not have significant impacts.

November 26, 2016 at 10:42 PM Tree across the roadway on Ridge Road near Sierra College Drive in Grass Valley. Engines en route, NCSO on scene.

November 26, 2016 at 10:11 PM Units on scene report no fire, they will investigate the smell. All incoming units are returning to their stations.

November 26, 2016 at 10:08 PM First units have arrived on scene, report nothing showing from the outside.

November 26, 2016 at 9:57 PM Report of a possible residential structure fire off Brewer Road in Alta Sierra. Electrical smell in the house after loud noise.

November 26, 2016 at 5:57 PM Thanks to reader DeArlene for this picture of White Cloud on Hwy 20 taken this afternoon.

November 26, 2016 at 5:23 PM Caltrans: All WB and EB traffic released on I-80 over the Donner Summit. Be prepared for changeable weather and road conditions.

November 26, 2016 at 4:21 PM Caltrans: Traffic being held on I-80 in Sierra due spinouts: EB hold at Drum and WB at Donner Lake interchange.

November 26, 2016 at 3:54 PM IC at Camelia Way reports dirty chimney chute only, all incoming units are canceled.

November 26, 2016 at 3:51 PM Westbound I80 closed at Donner Lake Interchange
HELD: Eastbound at Drum Forebay.
EAST: Whitmore(152) to Donner Lake(180)
Chain controls WEST: Kingvale

November 26, 2016 at 3:49 PM First unit at Camelia Way, reporting everything appears normal. No flames seen, they will investigate.

November 26, 2016 at 3:36 PM Residential structure fire, reported as a chimney fire, on Camelia Way in Lake of the Pines. Higgins Fire and CAL FIRE en route.

November 26, 2016 at 1:33 PM Penn Valley Chamber of Commerce: Tonight’s Cowboy Christmas celebration has been cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, December 10th

November 26, 2016 at 1:00 PM

A line of heavier showers is moving east into the foothills, at 12:40 pm extending from around Grass Valley south to Jackson & Merced. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/4MSOmWN13j

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) November 26, 2016

November 26, 2016 at 12:56 PM Roadway flooding reported on many roads, use caution. Reduce your speed and turn your headlights on.

November 26, 2016 at 11:45 AM Northbound Hwy 49 at McKnight in Grass Valley, one lane blocked after a non-injury accident. Use caution in the area.

November 26, 2016 at 10:46 AM At times heavy snowfall above 3,500 ft tonight. An incoming low pressure system will bring rain to the valley today and snow to the Sierra this afternoon and evening. A secondary wave will move through tonight and will bring heavy snowfall to the Sierra above 3500 ft from 10pm to 4 am Sunday.

November 25, 2016 at 8:09 AM Snow levels forecast to drop to around 4000 feet this weekend. A weather system passing through northern California will bring rain and mountain snow to the north state. Snow levels will drop to around 4000 feet which means the higher elevations of the Sierra could see significant snowfall. If traveling through the Sierra Cascade range this weekend, especially Saturday afternoon through mid day Sunday, be prepared for winter driving conditions. Carry supplies and tire chains and allow extra time to reach your destinations.

November 24, 2016 at 9:16 AM From Grass Valley CHP: Turkey Trot runners race this morning until 11:00AM around Ridge Rd and Sierra College Dr area. Expect minor delays.

November 24, 2016 at 8:25 AM Happy Thanksgiving from all of us (all two that is) here at YubaNet. We’re grateful for you, our readers and subscribers. We’re grateful to live here at the intersection of nature and rural, more prosaically called the WUI. Thanks to our friends for being here, life wouldn’t be the same without you. Thanks also to everyone who sends us a news tip, shares their perspective or expertise and makes our stories better – including all the professionals working for government agencies large and small. Special thanks to all the first responders, especially those working today. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! -Susan and Pascale

November 24, 2016 at 8:10 AM Dry today and Friday, rain and snow on Saturday. After a break of a few days late this week, another cold weather system is forecast to affect NorCal over the weekend leading to impacts for mountain travel beginning on Saturday.

November 23, 2016 at 6:06 PM Two vehicle accident on Hwy 49 at Reader Ranch Road on the San Juan Ridge.

November 23, 2016 at 6:05 PM Car vs deer on Dog Bar Road in Alta Sierra.

November 23, 2016 at 6:03 PM Three vehicles involved in a non-injury accident on Dog Bar Road at Myrna Drive in Alta Sierra.

November 23, 2016 at 9:12 AM Chain control still in effect on Hwy 20 from the junction with I80 to the Omega overlook.

November 23, 2016 at 8:40 AM Latest storm moves out, next system arrives late Friday or Saturday. Still quite a bit of uncertainty in timing the return of precip across NorCal this weekend. Models continue to struggle with how much the system will dig off the coast on Friday slowing the eastward progression of the system and onset of precip for NorCal. It appears we’ll still stand a good chance of precip, but a majority may occur on Saturday rather than Friday. It bears watching as it has the potential for more significant snowfall accumulations across the mountains during the holiday weekend.

November 22, 2016 at 3:35 PM Accident on westbound Hwy 20 5 miles west of Bear Valley at Lowell Hill Road. Head on collision, CHP and emergency services on scene.

November 22, 2016 at 3:33 PM Nevada County election update: Measures A and B pass. Libraries and schools do matter to local voters.

November 22, 2016 at 11:05 AM Eldorado National Forest alert: Mormon Emigrant Trail is closed due to snow on the eastern end.

November 22, 2016 at 9:30 AM Heads up, the traffic lights on Hwy 49 and Alta Sierra Drive are defective. Use extreme caution in the area!

November 22, 2016 at 8:24 AM Non-injury accident on Hwy 174 at Brunswick Drive in Grass Valley.

November 22, 2016 at 8:12 AM Accident on Magnolia Road at Adamson Drive near Lake of the Pines. Overturned truck, injuries reported. Emergency services are on scene, use caution in the area. Thanks to our reader Cori for the tip.

November 22, 2016 at 7:28 AM Cold weather systems could spell trouble for trans-summit travels. Snow returns to the NorCal mountains tonight. Travel impacts expected over the northern Sierra Nevada passes by late this evening. Plan travel accordingly.

November 21, 2016 at 9:39 AM The Plumas National Forest will be conducting prescribed burn operations today in the following location:

Project Name: Ingalls
Agency Contact: Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575
Legal Location: T24N R12E sec 11,12
Descriptive Location: Northwest of Lake Davis on Turner Ridge.
Type of burn: Grapple Piles
Total Acreage: 100 Acres
Planned Ignition 11/21/16
Duration of Ignition and Smoke Production: One day of ignition and one to two days of burn down time.
Estimated Direction of Smoke Travel: North, North East.
Communities or Smoke Sensitive Areas:  Smoke will be visible from Lake Davis.  No communities should be affected.

November 21, 2016 at 8:37 AM Watch for a dog running in the roadway on Rough&Ready Hwy near Ridge Road in Grass Valley.

November 21, 2016 at 7:25 AM Active weather pattern may hamper holiday travels. Lingering showers from the weekend system will taper off across NorCal today. However, the active weather pattern will continue this week with the next system forecast to move into the region later Tuesday into Wednesday followed by another later Thanksgiving into Friday.

November 19, 2016 at 11:00 AM From Truckee Fire: Crews are currently at scene of a vegetation fire off Ski Slope Way in the Tahoe Donner subdivision. Fire is approximately 1/4 acre in size and appears to be started from an escaped control burn and high winds. The fire is now contained. Multiple fire ore vehicles are parked on Ski Slope Way between Teton Way and Herringbone Way. Please avoid the area due to congestion and poor road conditions.

November 19, 2016 at 10:56 AM Weekend winter storm followed by more precip just before Thanksgiving. Travel over the summit is not recommended this weekend.

November 18, 2016 at 4:28 PM All lanes blocked on Hwy 20 at Zeibreight Road (Bear Valley area) after a non-injury accident. Expect delays.

November 18, 2016 at 2:15 PM First units on scene on Banner report approximately 1/4 acre, burning in leaf litter at a very slow rate of spread. Units on scene plus one additional engine can handle.

November 18, 2016 at 2:04 PM Escaped debris burn on Banner Mine Way in Nevada City. Numerous units en route.

November 18, 2016 at 12:57 PM Accident on Nevada Drive and Hwy 49. Emergency services on scene, no injuries reported. All units released.

November 18, 2016 at 12:56 PM Reporting party has called the ECC again, the escaped fire is now extinguished. One engine to continue in, all others are canceled.

November 18, 2016 at 12:46 PM Report of a vegetation fire in the Penn Valley area, reported as an escaped debris burn. Resources en route.

November 18, 2016 at 12:01 PM New Aerial Survey Identifies More Than 100 Million Dead Trees in California. The majority of the 102 million dead trees are located in ten counties in the southern and central Sierra Nevada region.

November 18, 2016 at 11:54 AM Winds are picking up ahead of the incoming system. Check your burn piles and make sure they are completely out. Flying embers can and will ignite vegetation, causing a fire.

November 18, 2016 at 7:35 AM Wet weekend on the way. A Pacific frontal system will be moving through northern California over the weekend bringing moderate rain and mountain snow to most of the north state. Gusty winds will also accompany this system. Slick roads will be a common impact to most areas with several inches of mountain snow over the Sierra making travel delays likely. Chain controls over the main Sierra passes are likely at times. After a break in the weather Tuesday, another weather system may arrive on Wednesday potentially affecting pre-holiday Thanksgiving Day travel.

November 17, 2016 at 7:58 PM Traffic accident, two cars involved on the eastbound Idaho-Maryland off ramp of Hwy 49. CHP and Grass Valley Fire on scene, no injuries reported.

November 17, 2016 at 9:02 AM Yuba River Ranger District will continue Rx pile burning again today. This will be conducted within the Pendola area and along Marysville Road (across from Rebel Ridge Trailhead), both areas in Yuba County. Smoke will be visible and fire apparatus/personnel with be on scene. Please drive with extra caution when traveling through these areas.

November 17, 2016 at 8:50 AM Vehicle accident on Hwy 49 and Reader Ranch Road on the San Juan Ridge. North San Juan Fire and Sierra Nevada Ambulance en route.

November 17, 2016 at 7:58 AM Watch for dogs running in the lanes on Magnolia Road near Retherford Road in Lake of the Pines.

November 17, 2016 at 7:23 AM Dry and chilly through Friday, rain and snow this weekend. High pressure will bring a couple of nice days for northern California with cool but near normal temperatures. This high pressure will be displaced eastward by a Pacific storm system over the weekend. This system will bring rain and snow down to the passes over the weekend. A few inches of snow could cause travel difficulties. Rain will bring slippery roads at the lower elevations.

November 17, 2016 at 7:13 AM Watch for patches of black ice on the road. Reduce your speed.

November 16, 2016 at 3:38 PM CalPERS finds the City of Loyalton in default for non-payment of pension obligation. Loyalton currently has 1 full-time and 3 part-time employees. CalPERS’ decision will directly affect four retirees and one individual who no longer works for the city but does not yet collect retirement benefits.

November 16, 2016 at 10:43 AM Better late than never, this notice just arrived. mPOWER opens in Nevada County on Nov. 21st. A meeting explaining mPower will be held today at Grass Valley City Hall at 3:30 pm.

November 16, 2016 at 9:55 AM The Yuba River Ranger District will continue with our Rx pile burning today. The units are located in Forest City (Sierra County) and within the Pendola area (Yuba County). Smoke will be visible in these areas and fire personnel/apparatus will be on scene. Please drive with extra caution when traveling through these areas.

November 16, 2016 at 8:57 AM Non-injury accident on northbound Hwy 49 at Combie Road. Lanes are clear.

November 16, 2016 at 8:36 AM NWS Sacramento got quite a scare while checking out webcams on I-80! The abominable Snow Spider!

Chain controls now up from Kingvale to Donner Lake. Several accidents are slowing traffic even more.

November 16, 2016 at 8:04 AM NWS: I-80 is snow covered this morning across the pass and is moving slow from Yuba Pass to Donner Pass! Use caution if traveling!

November 16, 2016 at 7:28 AM A few more showers today, next system arrives over the weekend. Showers will return to the interior of NorCal this morning with most activity confined to the mountains.

November 15, 2016 at 7:59 PM Vehicle accident on Hwy 49 at the Golden Chain Motel just south of Grass Valley. The vehicle is stuck in the motel’s wall. CHP is on scene, driver was seen stumbling out of the vehicle.

November 15, 2016 at 6:23 PM North San Juan Fire on scene at Tyler Foote reports no injuries, canceling incoming units and ambulance. Solo vehicle vs stop sign, CHP en route.

November 15, 2016 at 6:15 PM Vehicle accident on Hwy 49 at Tyler Foote Crossing on the San Juan Ridge. Vehicle reported off the roadway, emergency services en route.

November 15, 2016 at 5:23 PM Vehicle accident, two cars involved, at the intersection of East Main and Sierra College Drive. Units are on scene, both lanes are blocked.

November 15, 2016 at 12:34 PM CAL FIRE is conducting a 20-acre control burn in the Mt. Howell and Colfax area. Smoke is widely visible from Nevada and Placer counties. This is not a wildfire, engines and crews are on scene. Thanks to everyone who reported it!

November 15, 2016 at 12:28 PM Eldorado National Forest: Burning will continue today on the Silver Saddle project, Placerville District. The Georgetown District will begin burning on 2 Chaix.

November 15, 2016 at 9:55 AM Yuba River Ranger District will be conducting Rx pile burning within the Pendola area today (11/15/16). These units will be along the 47 Road, western portion of the Pendola area. Smoke will be visible from Bullards Bar Reservoir and Marysville Road. Fire apparatus and personnel will be in the area, we advise to drive with extra caution when traveling through this area.

November 15, 2016 at 8:10 AM Showers this afternoon and tomorrow, wet weekend projected. Showers will spread inland across interior NorCal today and are expected to reach the I-80 corridor around mid to late-afternoon. The main impact is expected to be wet roadways, potentially affecting the eastern suburbs of the Sacramento region during the evening commute. Showers will also move through the northern Sierra Nevada, but snow levels will remain too high to affect Donner Pass on I-80 and Echo Summit on US Highway 50.

November 14, 2016 at 5:30 PM Air ambulance on order for a vehicle vs pedestrian in front of the 11200 block of McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. All lanes are blocked.

November 14, 2016 at 7:11 AM Heads up. Road work is ongoing on Hwy 20 near the Omega Road. Intermittent traffic control in place.

November 14, 2016 at 7:10 AM Dry start to the week, rain and snow move in Tuesday night. With clear skies and light winds, fog will certainly be possible Monday morning. Be sure to leave plenty of time for your morning commute!

November 11, 2016 at 5:19 PM Northbound lanes are blocked on Hwy 49 at Combie Road. Expect delays.

November 11, 2016 at 3:03 PM This just in: Winter Storm Warning. An incoming trough of low pressure will bring a weather change to northern California Tuesday through Wednesday night.  Cooler temperatures are expected with increased chances for rain across the Valley and Foothills, and snow for locations higher than 3500 feet.  Breezy southwest mountain top winds could reach 25-30 mph. Snow levels:  9,000 feet on Tuesday and dropping to 3500-4000 feet on Wednesday night.

November 11, 2016 at 7:16 AM Varied weather can be expected for the coming weekend. A weak weather system will bring clouds and cooler temperatures on Saturday with a chance of showers over the coast range and areas north of about Chico. Clearing and warmer temperatures are expected on Sunday. Another stronger system is expected to move through Norcal around mid week bringing a more significant period of rain and mountain snow.

November 10, 2016 at 7:18 AM Applied Forest Management will be burning piles in the Boy Scout Camp (formally the 4-H Camp) along Oregon Hill Road any day this week that is a Burn Day.

November 10, 2016 at 7:16 AM Changing weather pattern ahead. Mostly sunny skies today will transition to mostly cloudy skies on Friday as a weak Pacific storm system approaches the coast. This system will bring a threat of light showers to the northwest corner of the state Friday night and Saturday. The next threat of precipitation for northern California will be Monday night through mid week.

November 9, 2016 at 8:37 AM Accident on northbound Hey 49 at Nishinam Gulch near the 49er bridge. The lane is blocked, use caution in the area.

November 9, 2016 at 7:40 AM Dry through Friday, then colder with rain and snow likely next week. Fair skies are expected over the next couple of days with above normal temperatures. A weak weather system will bring a chance of showers far north state Friday night and Saturday. A stronger weather system will bring cooler temperatures and a chance for precipitation much of Norcal early next week.

November 9, 2016 at 2:09 AM Nevada County’s ballot measures too close to call, Nevada City’s Measure C passes easily.

November 8, 2016 at 6:06 PM Live coverage has started. Follow us throughout the night here: http://yubanet.com/featured/election-2016-live-updates-and-results/

November 8, 2016 at 8:48 AM No issues reported at Nevada County polling places, smooth sailing for now.

November 8, 2016 at 8:33 AM The Tahoe National Forest will be burning 15 acres of hand piles on Conservation Road and along Hwy 20 today. Smoke will be visible, but there’s no need to report this prescribed burn, firefighters are on scene.

November 8, 2016 at 7:00 AM The polls are now open! It’s Election Day, vote!

November 8, 2016 at 6:44 AM Perfect weather to go vote! High pressure will result in dry and mild weather through much of the week. A weak weather system may bring a few showers to far northern California by the weekend.

November 7, 2016 at 5:43 PM The “I voted” Selfie contest is back on! Thanks to The Center for the Arts our winners will get 2 tickets for Neko Case (on Nov. 13) or to an exceptional matinée of A Literature to Life® stage presentation of Richard Wright’s Black Boy on Nov. 17. Show your civic pride and send us a selfie with your “I Voted” sticker.  All pictures will be posted here starting now and throughout election day. Vote for your favorite photo in the comments. Photos can be texted to 530-409-9888 (Tell us who you are please!) or via email at news@yubanet.com.

November 7, 2016 at 5:41 PM The latest stats from the Nevada County Elections Office: 53,274 ballots issued and 29,633 voted ballots returned!

November 7, 2016 at 10:15 AM A forest management burn will be conducted November 7, 8, 9, & 10 of 2016.  This burn is 2 miles north of Oregon Peak Lookout in Yuba County.  Approximately 30 acres of forest slash residue piles will be burned.

November 7, 2016 at 8:40 AM The Tahoe National Forest will be burning 15 acres of hand piles on Conservation Road and along Hwy 20 today. Smoke will be visible, but there’s no need to report this prescribed burn, firefighters are on scene.

November 7, 2016 at 7:28 AM Heads up. Boards and nails in the roadway on northbound Hwy 49 and Combie Road intersection. Slow down and be aware of swerwing cars.

November 7, 2016 at 7:10 AM Dry and mild through Thursday, then cooler with a threat of some precipitation towards the end of the week.

November 6, 2016 at 12:24 AM Fireworks are being set off in the vicinity of Purdon Road near Purdon Crossing, on the Nevada City side.

November 4, 2016 at 5:14 PM Second accident, involving four cars, on northbound Hwy 49 and Combie Road. Avoid the area if possible, traffic is backed up.

November 4, 2016 at 4:01 PM Non-injury accident on northbound Hey 49 at Combie Road, three vehicles involved.

November 4, 2016 at 8:52 AM Nice day today, a chance of sprinkles Saturday night and Sunday. High pressure over the western U.S. will bring a mainly fair and warm day on Saturday. This high pressure will give way to a weak Pacific storm system on Sunday. As this system sweeps through Northern California Saturday night and Sunday…there will be a chance of rain, mainly cloudy skies and cooler daytime temperatures.

November 3, 2016 at 10:08 AM  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is alerting motorists to anticipate traffic delays Thursday and Friday, November 3 & 4, and Monday, November 7 on Highway 174 near Grass Valley between North Meadow Drive and You Bet Road as Caltrans assists PG&E with traffic controls for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) tree removal work.

November 3, 2016 at 8:54 AM Warmer with a chance of morning fog. High pressure over the western U.S. will bring fair skies and mild temperatures over the next few days. Daily highs are expected to come in just a bit above normal. The next chance of precipitation over much of NorCal will be Saturday night and Sunday.

November 2, 2016 at 8:02 AM Heads up: Caltrans is doing construction work on Hwy 174 near Cedar Ridge. Expect some delays.

November 2, 2016 at 7:31 AM At the accident on Murphy and Tyler Foote, firefighters report one minor injury, driver complaining of back and neck pain. The roadway is clear.

November 2, 2016 at 7:29 AM Another vehicle accident reported on Hwy 49 and Tyler Foote. One unit at scene reports an abandoned car into the brush, the roadway is clear. No driver or other occupants in the area. CHP is requested to that incident.

November 2, 2016 at 7:28 AM Drying out and a slight chance of showers over the weekend. Dry weather with milder daytime temperatures the rest of the week. Next chance of precipitation this weekend north of I-80.

November 2, 2016 at 7:27 AM First unit has arrived on Tyler Foote, firefighters report one vehicle into the ditch. Checking for patient and possible injuries now.

November 2, 2016 at 7:25 AM Solo vehicle off the roadway on Murphy Road and Tyler Foote Road on the San Juan Ridge. North San Juan Fire en route.

November 1, 2016 at 11:08 AM Accident in North San Juan, Hwy 49 and Cemetery Alley. Unknown injuries.

November 1, 2016 at 10:54 AM Non-injury accident at the Mill Street off ramp in Grass Valley on Hwy 20.

November 1, 2016 at 7:58 AM Dry weather returns for a few days. Remaining showers taper off today, then drier weather returns for the rest of the week. Next chance of precip this weekend.

November 1, 2016 at 12:01 AM November’s featured image: Diva, a Red Shouldered Hawk. She likes to hang out at YubaNet HQ and doesn’t mind posing for pictures, hence her name. If you are looking for last month’s log, click here.