Is Lake Tahoe Drying Up?

Lake Tahoe has long been a popular year-round destination in the United States. Known for its mesmerizing natural beaches in the summer and alpine ski resorts in the winter, over 15 million tourists visit the lake each year. It also has some of the clearest waters in the world, serving as a lifeline to local communities.

However, the droughts in recent years have affected the lake’s water levels. Even though residents and environmental experts have become more concerned, is Lake Tahoe seriously at risk of disappearing soon? Let’s take a look.

Where Is Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe sits high up in the Sierra Nevada, between California and Nevada. Located at 6,225 feet above historical sea level, it’s one of the highest lakes in the world. The area is roughly a half-hour drive from Carson City, Nevada’s state capital. Dozens of smaller communities surround the lake’s shores. Given Tahoe’s popularity, you can find many accommodation options, from primitive camping sites to five-star resorts.

Is Lake Tahoe Drying Up?

Is the idyllic destination everyone loves at the risk of disappearing? Droughts have affected the region for the past few years, slowly changing the lake’s water levels. In fact, Lake Tahoe has experienced some of its driest years in over a century. 

Scientists expect the global temperature to rise in the coming decades, worsening the problem. They predict the drought to persist in the western part of the United States until at least the end of the decade. If this is the case, expect the lake’s water levels to fall even further in the near future.

Pro Tip: Does size matter? Uncover How Big Is Lake Tahoe before you visit.

Why Is Lake Tahoe So Special? 

Lake Tahoe is one of the most iconic destinations in the country, from its pure waters to its ecosystem. The area has 23 ski resorts and 11 state parks full of opportunities for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Nature lovers will also love that the Tahoe basin is home to almost 17 million trees, including pine, cedar, and fir species.

Furthermore, Tahoe’s rich history sets it apart from other places. For starters, it’s almost 2 million years old, making it one of the oldest lakes globally. The Washoe Native Americans were the first to settle near it and its surrounding lands, establishing fishing villages and mills. In fact, the name Tahoe originates from the Washoe word Da ow ga, meaning “lake.” 

Why Is the Lake So Blue?

Part of Tahoe’s charm is its transparent, deep blue waters. But why is the lake so blue in the first place? The clear waters absorb red light and reflect the blue color. But that’s not all.

According to researchers, the lake’s blue water comes from the low concentration of algae, especially in warmer seasons or droughts. During winter, algae have more precipitation and nutrients available, which might explain why the lake looks less blue.

What Are the Effects of Lake Tahoe Losing Water?

Lake Tahoe losing more water would devastate thousands of species and local communities that need it to survive. Neighboring rivers get their water from the lake. But with droughts lowering its water levels, many of these tributaries aren’t being refilled. This issue prevented salmon from spawning last year and signifies that the ecosystem is changing fast. 

Aside from the changing landscape, Lake Tahoe running out of water will hurt the local tourism industry that relies on the lake. You can already start to see certain boat ramps that couldn’t open last summer because of the low water levels. If this continues, many resorts and other recreational businesses may close in the future. 

Can You Swim in Lake Tahoe?

You can swim in Lake Tahoe’s crisp waters. You’ll find countless other water activities to enjoy on the lake, such as waterskiing, boating, and sailing. The water can reach up to 70 degrees during the summer, making it comfortable to swim in. If the colder water isn’t your thing, you can pick one of the many resorts offering indoor and outdoor pools for year-round swimming. 

Is Lake Tahoe Always Cold?

Lake Tahoe is always cold, but the water’s surface temperature does rise during summer. Temperatures range from roughly 40 degrees in the winter to a more pleasant 70 degrees in the summer. Since many visitors aren’t used to cold water, their bodies may experience shock when going in for the first time. If this is you, always follow basic safety precautions if you decide to swim.   

Pro Tip: Need somewhere to stay? Spend the night at one of these 9 Best Lake Tahoe Campgrounds on the Water.

What Is the Best Month to Visit? 

Lake Tahoe is accessible and full of things to do year-round. It ultimately comes down to what you want to do during your visit. June through August are the most popular times to swim in the lake, but most places will be packed with visitors.

Always book your accommodation early if you plan to visit during the high season. You’ll find perfect hiking weather and fewer crowds during spring and fall. Winter enthusiasts should visit from November to March, when ski resorts come alive and offer plenty of winter activities.

Is Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?

There is no doubt that droughts and climate change are affecting Lake Tahoe’s landscape. But this destination is a place that still offers endless natural beauty, history, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Enjoy its ski slopes in the winter or swim in its deep blue waters in summer. If you want to see even more of the picturesque surroundings, you can trek one of the numerous trails in the nearby area. 

After your trip to Lake Tahoe, take your RV south and explore Yosemite National Park. Start with these 7 Easy Hikes in Yosemite That Anyone Can Enjoy.

Sharing is caring!