Fire Restrictions Are On, El Niño Is Brewing, and Summer Events Are Rolling
Truckee/North Tahoe This Week | June 22–28, 2026
Hi everyone, hope you had a great first official weekend of summer. We’ve got an awesome week ahead with sunny skies, warm afternoons, farmers markets, free music, Truckee Thursdays, and a few useful reminders as summer gets into full swing.
Let’s dive in!
📰 This Week at a Glance
El Niño is officially underway in the Pacific. NOAA says El Niño conditions are present, and OpenSnow notes that confidence is growing in a very strong or "super" El Niño event later this year. Meteorologists will tell you it’s far too early to predict what this means for next winter’s snowfall. Fortunately, this newsletter is not bound by such constraints, so I’m preparing for somewhere between "epic" and "best winter ever."
Fire restrictions are in effect around the Tahoe-Truckee region. Wood fires, charcoal barbecues, and other solid-fuel outdoor burning are restricted in many local jurisdictions. Gas and propane devices are generally still allowed unless stricter red flag restrictions are in place.
TDPUD is investing in electric reliability and wildfire safety. The utility board approved work on the Martis Valley Substation Modernization project and electric system hardening, while also approving a small temporary Power Cost Adjustment for June, July, and August bills.
Highway 267 and other Tahoe Basin road projects are underway. Expect seasonal construction and possible one-way traffic control around the region. Check Caltrans before heading between Truckee, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, and the lake.
Golden mussels nearly reached Tahoe. A boat headed for the lake was recently intercepted with golden mussels, a serious invasive species threat. Clean, drain, and dry your gear.
Free green waste drop-off is Saturday at the Truckee Rodeo Grounds. A very practical defensible-space chore to knock out while fire risk is top of mind.
Truckee Thursdays continues this week in Historic Downtown Truckee. Expect live music, food, vendors, kids activities, beer garden energy, and downtown summer chaos in the best way.
☀️ Weather Outlook - Hot, sunny, and dry
This week looks like classic early-summer: sunny skies, warm afternoons, chilly mornings, and no major precipitation in sight. Highs start in the low 80s before cooling a bit toward the weekend.
Today, June 22: Sunny, high near 83°F. Low around 42°F.
Tuesday, June 23: Sunny, high near 83°F. Low around 43°F.
Wednesday, June 24: Sunny, high near 82°F. Low around 42°F.
Thursday, June 25: Sunny, high near 79°F. Low around 42°F.
Friday, June 26: Sunny, high near 72°F.
Saturday, June 27: Sunny and mild.
Sunday, June 28: Sunny and warming slightly.
🔗 National Weather Service Truckee Forecast
🔗 National Weather Service Reno Forecast Discussion
🏔️ Local News & Community Updates
El Niño Is Here, But "Super" Is Still a Forecast
NOAA has confirmed El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific, and OpenSnow is watching the possibility of a very strong, possibly "super," El Niño later this year.
This is of course not a guarantee of a major winter. El Niño can tilt the odds in certain directions, but every winter plays out differently. The main takeaway for now is winter signals are worth watching, but we still have a long way to go before calling the season.
🔗 NOAA ENSO Update
🔗 OpenSnow Analysis
Fire Restrictions Are In Effect
Truckee Fire’s campfire and charcoal ban is now in effect as of June 15, and other regional agencies have implemented seasonal restrictions as fuels dry out and wildfire risk increases.
Wood-burning fires, charcoal barbecues, and solid-fuel outdoor cooking are restricted. Gas grills, propane devices, and pellet grills are typically still allowed, unless a red flag warning or stricter local rule is in effect.
🔗 Truckee Fire Burn Ban Information
🔗 Regional Fire Restrictions Coverage
TDPUD Approves Electric System Investments and Small Summer Power Charge
Truckee Donner PUD’s board approved several utility updates at its May 6 and June 3 meetings, including the next phase of the Martis Valley Substation Modernization project and electric system hardening work along key parts of the distribution system, including areas east of Highway 267 near Glenshire Drive and within the Sierra Meadows area.
The board also accepted its fiscal year 2025 audited financial report, approved the 2025 Water Utility Annual Consumer Confidence Reports, and approved a first-quarter 2026 Power Cost Adjustment. That adjustment adds $0.0019 per kilowatt-hour to June, July, and August electric bills, which TDPUD estimates will increase the average residential bill by about $0.86 per month.
Golden Mussels Nearly Reached Tahoe
A boat headed for Lake Tahoe was recently found carrying golden mussels, a fast-spreading invasive species that could cause major ecological and infrastructure damage if established in the lake.
Tahoe’s boat inspection program appears to have done exactly what it is supposed to do here, but this is also a reminder for everyone bringing gear to the lake: clean, drain, and dry everything. That includes boats, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, fishing gear, and anything else that has been in another body of water.
Cold Water Safety Reminder
A 25-year-old man recently drowned near Hidden Beach on Lake Tahoe’s north shore. It is a heartbreaking, all too regular reminder that Tahoe and other high elevation lakes and rivers can be dangerous even on warm, beautiful days.
The lake stays cold well into summer, and sudden immersion can cause cold shock, panic, and loss of swimming ability. Wear a life jacket, swim with a buddy, and watch the wind.
Truckee Fire Lawsuit Against Placer County Continues
Truckee Fire is suing Placer County over a long-running property tax dispute tied to fire service in parts of Martis Valley. The district says it has provided fire and emergency services to certain areas for decades without receiving the corresponding property tax revenue.
The case matters because it touches growth, public safety funding, and who pays for essential services in rapidly developed areas around Truckee and Martis Valley.
🔗 Read the Moonshine Ink Article
Roadwork Season Is Here
The joke goes we have two seasons in Tahoe: winter and road construction.
Seasonal construction is active around the Tahoe Basin, including work on SR-267 between Kings Beach and Truckee and several SR-89 projects. Expect one-way traffic control and delays in construction zones through the summer and fall.
Before you head out, check Caltrans QuickMap, especially if you are going between Truckee, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, or down the West Shore.
🔗 Check Current Road Conditions
🔗 View Tahoe Construction Map
East Shore and Sand Harbor Reminder
If you are heading to the East Shore or Sand Harbor this summer, plan ahead. Parking reservations, shuttle service, trail access rules, and parking enforcement are all in effect, so check current requirements before you go.
Use official transit and parking resources before you go.
🔗 Tahoe Transportation District
🔗 Sand Harbor Reservations
Free Green Waste Drop-Off Saturday
Truckee residents can drop off green waste for free this Saturday at the Truckee Rodeo Grounds. Accepted materials include limbs, branches, pine cones, brush, and other green waste. No bags, rocks, dirt, stumps, boards, trash, or commercial yard waste.
This is a good week to kick off your defensible space project.
When: Saturday, June 27, 8am–1pm
Where: Truckee Rodeo Grounds
🔗 Keep Truckee Green Drop-Off Information
📅 Upcoming Events
Tuesday, June 23
Truckee Certified Farmers Market
Time: 8:00am–1:00pm
Location: Truckee River Regional Park, 10500 Brockway Road, Truckee
Shop fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, and locally made products while supporting regional farmers and vendors. A weekly summer staple.
Wednesday, June 24
Music in the Park: New Wave Crave
Time: 6:30pm–8:30pm
Location: Truckee Regional “Salty” Gebhardt Amphitheater, Truckee River Regional Park
Truckee’s free summer concert series continues with New Wave Crave performing favorite hits from the 1980s and beyond. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner.
June Networking Mixer: West Truckee Center Block Party
Time: 5:00pm–7:00pm
Location: West Truckee Center, 12047 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Hosted by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, this monthly mixer offers networking opportunities, local business connections, refreshments, and a community block-party atmosphere.
Thursday, June 25
Truckee Thursdays
Time: 5:00pm–8:30pm
Location: Historic Downtown Truckee
Truckee’s signature summer street festival features live music, local food vendors, artisan booths, family activities, nonprofit exhibits, and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Tahoe City Farmers Market
Time: 8:00am–1:00pm
Location: Commons Beach, Tahoe City
Browse fresh produce, flowers, specialty foods, and handcrafted goods while enjoying views of Lake Tahoe from Commons Beach.
Basic Bike Maintenance Clinic
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Bikeworks at Alder Creek Adventure Center, 15275 Alder Creek Road, Truckee
This week’s clinic focuses on routine bike maintenance, with practical tips for keeping your bike running smoothly before, during, and after rides.
Thursday Night Group Bike Ride
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Bikeworks at Alder Creek Adventure Center, 15275 Alder Creek Road, Truckee
Join fellow riders for a free guided mountain bike ride on Tahoe Donner trails. Routes vary by group ability and trail conditions.
Friday, June 26
Music on the Beach
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Kings Beach State Recreation Area, 8398 N. Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach
Celebrate summer with free live music on the lakefront. Food vendors, local beverages, bike valet service, and sunset views make this one of North Tahoe’s favorite weekly events.
Saturday, June 27
Green Waste Drop-Off
Time: 8:00am–1:00pm
Location: Truckee Rodeo Grounds, 10050 Brockway Road, Truckee
Dispose of branches, pine needles, brush, pine cones, and other green waste for free while helping improve defensible space around your property.
Bike Skills Clinics
Time: 9:00am–12:00pm
Location: Alder Creek Adventure Center, 15275 Alder Creek Road, Truckee
Designed for adult riders looking to improve climbing, descending, cornering, line choice, and overall confidence on mountain bike trails.
Family + Friends Rock Climbing Clinic
Time: 9:30am–12:30pm
Location: Meet at the Recreation Hut near Northwoods Pool, Tahoe Donner
A guided outdoor climbing experience for families and groups. Tahoe Donner lists this clinic for June 27 and July 11, with equipment provided and shuttle service to the climbing site.
Sunday, June 28
Tahoe Donner Annual Meeting of Members + Member Expo
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm, BBQ and Expo to follow
Location: Northwoods Clubhouse, 11509 Northwoods Boulevard, Truckee
Tahoe Donner members can hear association updates, meet board candidates, connect with local organizations, and enjoy the annual Member Expo and BBQ.
Concerts at Commons Beach: Joy and Madness
Time: 4:00pm–7:00pm
Location: Commons Beach, Tahoe City
The beloved Sunday concert series continues with Joy and Madness performing lakeside. Bring a blanket, enjoy local food vendors, and settle in for a classic Tahoe summer evening.
📌 Community Alerts & Reminders
Fire restrictions are in effect. No wood fires, charcoal barbecues, or solid-fuel outdoor burning where restrictions apply. Check your local fire district before lighting anything. Obviously no fireworks ever.
Check road conditions before driving. Summer roadwork is active around Tahoe and Truckee, including SR-267 and SR-89 projects. Use Caltrans QuickMap before heading out.
Clean, drain, and dry your gear. Golden mussels and other aquatic invasives are a serious threat to Lake Tahoe. This applies to boats, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, fishing gear, and anything else that touches the water.
Wear a life jacket. Tahoe, Donner, and the Truckee River can all be cold, fast, and unforgiving. Warm air does not mean warm water.
Truckee Cultural District Mini Grants close June 30. Artists and creatives should check the current grant opportunity before the deadline.
🔗 Cultural District Mini GrantsNorth Tahoe Utility Box Art Project applications are due July 6. Artists can apply to help transform utility boxes in Tahoe City and Kings Beach.
🔗 Utility Box Art Project