Information About Serene Lakes and Eastern Placer County Propane Leaks
Eastern Placer County continues to experience problems from leaking propane tanks, particularly in the Serene Lakes area near Donner Summit. An extraordinary snowpack this season has left tanks throughout the Sierra buried beneath dozens of feet of snow. The weight of that snow has caused the plumbing -- valves, regulators and piping -- to break and leak propane into open areas, snowbanks and houses.
An explosion on April 8 completely destroyed an unoccupied, three-story house in Serene Lakes. In addition, another explosion significantly damaged a cabin the the Alpine Peaks area near Homewood in the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Following are links to news releases, maps, information sheets and other documents related to propane leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serene Lakes Voluntary Evacuation Lifted; New Propane Leaks Still PossibleJune 9, 2011
Propane Leaks Still Affecting Serene Lakes Community
May 27, 2011
Voluntary Evacuation Order For Serene Lakes Area Remains In PlaceMay 12, 2011
Significant Progress Made on Serene Lakes Propane LeaksMay 7, 2011
Leaking Propane Clean-Up Continues In Donner Summit CommunityApril 27, 2011
Snow Loads on Proane Systems, Roofs Remain A Big Concern in Sierra
April 22, 2011
April 22, 2011 Map of Serene Lakes AreaUpdates Serene Lakes Map of Areas Affected By PropaneApril 20, 2011
Propane Vendor Letter
April 18, 2011
Leaking Propane Abatement Order Signed By County Executive Officer April 15, 2011
Clearing Tanks Guidelines
April 15, 2011
County Abatement OrderApril 14, 2011
Serene Lakes Evacuation Information Center To Be Moved
April 12, 2011
April 12 Serene Lakes Map
Voluntary Evacuation Ordered In Serene Lakes Community
April 9, 2011
Serene Lake Cabin Destroyed By Explosion April 9, 2011
Placer County Continues Efforts On Propane Leaks In Donner Community
April 6, 2011
Other organizations of interest:
Truckee Fire Protection DistrictSerene Lakes Property Owners Association (SLPOA)Donner Summit Area Association