Happy Monday 👋
This chilly morning is a reminder that winter is just around the corner! There’s plenty going on this week: two nights of Mountainfilm, a chance to help restore the Truckee River watershed, and a couple of good family events. Read on!
This week at a glance
Mountainfilm returns Friday and Saturday. Alpenglow Sports brings two different film programs to Tahoe City and Olympic Valley, with fundraising for Sierra Avalanche Center.
Truckee River Day is Sunday. Volunteer on restoration projects around the watershed, then join the afternoon fair at Granite Flat Campground.
A family-friendly Saturday on the North Shore. Free Tie-Dye + Doughnuts in Tahoe Vista, followed by Harvest Fest in Tahoe City.
El Niño keeps strengthening. NOAA’s latest update points to a strong to very strong event continuing into early 2027.
Last week’s Local Spotlight
From a Pickup Truck to North Tahoe Junk Removal
Reese Bickart moved here to spend a winter teaching snowboarding. Five years later, he’s still here, running a hauling business that started with a pickup truck and neighbors looking for help.
We talked about growing a crew, making the quieter winter months work, and what happens to the things people ask him to remove. You might even spot one man’s trash sailing around Stampede next time you’re there.
Local news and community updates
El Niño is strengthening
NOAA’s October 8 update says a strong to very strong El Niño is likely to persist into early 2027, with a high chance of an event that exceeds previous El Niños in its record.
That gives the winter hype some more substance, but it still doesn’t tell us exactly how much snow Tahoe will get. NOAA explicitly says the expected impacts aren’t guaranteed.
If you want to jump on the hype train with us, we’ve made some Super El Niño stickers and merch to tempt Ullr.
Shop Super El Niño stickers and merch →
A new CEO for Palisades’ parent company
Alterra Mountain Company, which owns Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows and operates the Ikon Pass, has named Kelly Vohs its next CEO, effective October 19.
Vohs comes from SafetyCulture, with previous leadership experience in hospitality and real estate.
Nevada County adopts its resilience roadmap
Nevada County supervisors approved a long-term plan on October 6 to help the county prepare for wildfire, drought, flooding, and other climate impacts.
The Resource Resiliency Roadmap provides direction for projects and helps position the county for future funding. The county says it does not introduce new mandates or regulations.
A seat at the table on Tahoe land use
Placer County is seeking applicants for a Planning Commission seat representing residents east of the Sierra Crest.
The commission advises supervisors on planning and land-use matters. If you’ve wanted to get more involved in the decisions shaping our communities, this is a concrete opportunity.
View the opening and application details →
Events this week
Monday, October 12
Remember How They Lived: Indigenous Peoples Day
5:30–8 p.m. | UNR at Lake Tahoe, Incline Village
An evening honoring missing and murdered Indigenous relatives through remembrance, storytelling, and advocacy. Hosted by Washoe Off-Res in partnership with the Urban Indian Health Institute, with keynote speaker Abigail Echo-Hawk.
Tuesday, October 13
Truckee Navigation Center discussion
Town Hall, 10183 Truckee Airport Road
Truckee and Tahoe Forest Hospital District will discuss continuing the Navigation Center for a second year and consider a funding recommendation. The center provides shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness.
The Town calendar lists the joint meeting at 5 p.m., while the coalition’s announcement lists 5:30 p.m. Check the posted agenda for the final schedule.
Wednesday, October 14
Lunch and Learn: Preparing for Power Outages
Noon–1 p.m. | Truckee Town Hall
Sierra Business Council is helping develop Truckee’s Energy Resilience Plan and wants to hear how outages affect local businesses and organizations.
Bring your experiences and ideas. Lunch is included; free for Chamber members, $20 for nonmembers.
Thursday, October 15
Discover & Discuss
5–7:30 p.m. | North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach
Drop in to talk with Placer County staff about local projects and programs, ask questions, and share ideas. Free, with food, childcare, and Spanish interpretation provided.
Friday, October 16
Achieve Tahoe’s Vintner Dinner
5–9 p.m. | The Timbers at Old Greenwood, Truckee
A four-course dinner paired with Ridge Vineyards wines, supporting Achieve Tahoe. Individual tickets are $250, with limited availability shown on the booking page.
Mountainfilm on Tour: Night One
Doors 6:30 p.m.; films 7 p.m. | Alpenglow Sports, Tahoe City
Friday’s program focuses on social, cultural, and environmental stories. Tickets are $32 presale or $40 at the door, with dinner from MOGROG included. Beverage sales benefit Sierra Avalanche Center.
Seating is limited, with standing room for remaining guests, so arrive early if you want a chair.
Saturday, October 17
Tie-Dye + Doughnuts
9 a.m.–noon | North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista
A free morning of tie-dyeing, with supplies, bandanas, and doughnuts provided. You can also bring a clean, white, 100% cotton item to customize.
Harvest Fest
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Tahoe City Community Center
Carnival games, bounce houses, hay rides, and a tower slide. Admission is free; $20 wristbands for ages 3 and up provide unlimited access to activities, games, and hay rides.
Mountainfilm on Tour: Night Two
Doors 5 p.m.; films 6:30 p.m. | Olympic Village Events Center, Olympic Valley
Saturday’s program is all about adventure, with games, outdoor brands, and food available before the films.
Presale tickets are $25 for adults and $12.50 for kids. Door prices are $30 and $20. A raffle and beverage sales benefit Sierra Avalanche Center; dinner is available to purchase separately.
Sunday, October 18
31st Annual Truckee River Day & Fair
Restoration projects start at 9 or 11 a.m. | Locations across the watershed
Community fair: 1–4 p.m. | Granite Flat Campground
Spend part of Sunday planting native vegetation, improving habitat, and helping restore the places we enjoy all year. Projects run until approximately 2 p.m.; register ahead to receive your assignment.
The afternoon fair includes entertainment, environmental education, and art activities. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you volunteer. Granite Flat is about a mile south of Truckee on Highway 89.
Register and find the details →
Local jobs
A few local openings to check out:
Facility Operations Manager at Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Full-time, based in Truckee.
Engagement & Events Manager at Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation. Full-time, with office work and offsite events.
Temporary Food Supply Specialist at Sierra Community House. Part-time, supporting food recovery, distribution, and warehouse operations. $25 per hour.
Retail Sales Associate at California 89’s downtown Truckee store.
Hiring? Post your opening →
Weather outlook
A brief taste of winter today, followed by a return to sunny fall afternoons.
This morning’s National Weather Service forecast for Truckee calls for a 40% chance of rain and snow showers today, mainly after 2 p.m., with little or no snow accumulation expected. Tonight gets cold, with a low around 17°F.
Monday, October 12: Chance of rain and snow showers. High 48°F, low 17°F.
Tuesday, October 13: Sunny. High 55°F, low 22°F.
Wednesday, October 14: Sunny. High 64°F, low 27°F.
Thursday, October 15: Sunny. High 65°F, low 27°F.
Friday, October 16: Sunny. High 70°F, low 29°F.
Saturday, October 17: Sunny. High 69°F, low 30°F.
Sunday, October 18: Sunny. High near 67°F.
Bring layers for the evening films, and expect a chilly start if you’re volunteering Sunday.