Lake Tahoe residents and visitors alike are hoping for a big winter this year. Since the bountiful year in 2010-2011 with 810 inches of snow at Squaw Valley, snowfall has been bleak in the area. In comparison, the following list shows total snowfall for each of the listed years:
• In 2011-2012 – 355 inches
• In 2012-2013 – 326 inches
• In 2013-2014 – 297.5 inches
Obviously, skiers are disappointed in these amounts, but the concern goes beyond the winter sport to include other consequences of the lack of precipitation. This is the third year of an exceptional drought which has resulted in low water levels in Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River along with creeks and streams which feed into them. In August the Tahoe Queen paddle wheeler ran aground on a sand bar near the South Shore. The Sand Harbor boat ramp was closed in late July along with rafting companies operating on the Truckee River. The Lake has dropped below its natural rim for the first time in five years with the effect being no flows into the Truckee River which is little more than puddles. Locations downstream such as the City of Truckee, and the Truckee Meadows Water Authority in Reno that normally draw water from the Truckee River are now relying on drought reserves.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted above-average temperatures and precipitation during the period December through February throughout most of the West, although the Sierra might receive either above or below average precipitation. Zach Tolby of NOAA hopes for an average winter or more. For more information follow the links to the following articles from the Sierra Sun.
• Lake Tahoe hopes high for big winter; predictions mixed
• Tahoe water level hits 5-year low, falls below natural rim
• Tahoe level at 5-year low; no Truckee River flows
• Another warm Sierra winter likely; drought to persist
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