News
Tahoe Blizzard Prompts Ski Resorts to Advise Visitors to Stay Home
As a dangerous and life-threatening blizzard descends on the Tahoe region, even some Northern California ski resorts are urging people to stay away for their safety. With strong winds, frigid temperatures, and an avalanche warning in effect, the risk of travel in the area is too high to ignore.
Palisades Tahoe took to social media to announce the closure of both Alpine and Palisades resorts for the day, emphasizing the importance of making safe decisions when it comes to travel. The wind gusts reached a staggering 145 mph overnight, with conditions expected to worsen even further on Friday night.
While a new snowstorm may sound enticing to snow enthusiasts, local officials and law enforcement are strongly advising against any unnecessary travel during this treacherous blizzard. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning over the Sierra Nevada, predicting up to 12 feet of snow accumulation in the highest peaks by Sunday.
By Thursday night, California Highway Patrol officials reported deteriorating conditions, with snow impacting visibility and causing a traffic gridlock over Donner Summit. The Greater Lake Tahoe area is expected to receive between 3 and 6 feet of snow, with wind gusts of up to 70 mph in higher elevations.
Several ski resorts in the Lake Tahoe area made the decision to shut down on Friday morning due to the hazardous weather conditions, including Sugar Bowl, Boreal Mountain & Woodward, Homewood, Sierra at Tahoe, Kirkwood, and Mt. Rose. While some resorts like Northstar, Heavenly, and Diamond Peak had lifts operating by noon, they urged visitors to monitor updates throughout the day.
The Sierra Avalanche Center in Truckee issued a backcountry avalanche warning for the Greater Lake Tahoe area until Sunday evening, adding an additional layer of caution for those considering venturing out in the challenging conditions.
CHP Officer Mike Brown echoed the sentiment, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and emphasizing the importance of safety during such extreme weather conditions. For those who must travel, he recommends being prepared to install chains on vehicles and carrying essential supplies like food, water, extra clothes, and blankets in case of emergencies.
With Yosemite National Park also announcing closure and Mammoth Mountain experiencing disruptions due to the blizzard, it’s clear that the region is facing unprecedented challenges. It’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to heed the warnings from authorities and prioritize safety above all else.
News
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.