As the winter season comes to a real close in the weeks ahead, our attention turns to watersports and long summer days in Lake Tahoe. While the robust snowpack up high bodes well for the lake level's rise this summer, water conservation around the state is still critical.

Deep Snowpack Remains, Water Worries Persist
Although locally, resorts are reporting some of the deepest late season snowpack in years, overall, California's water challenges will continue this summer.

As of May 3rd, Palisades Tahoe's upper mountain snowpack/base is reported to be at 168", just over fourteen feet. Alpine Meadows had reported up to 170" on May 2nd.

The recent and final California Snowpack Survey, completed by the Department of Water Resources on April 30th, shows the Northern part of California's snow-water equivalency at 199% of normal for this time of year. Overall, water content in California's statewide mountain snowpack is 143 percent of normal.

"This is good news after three years of drought, but we still face water shortages in many parts of the state," said Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin. "State Water Project storage is well below average and Delta pumping restrictions to protect native fish species will continue to hamper our ability to deliver water to millions of California homes, businesses and farms. If we are to ensure an adequate water supply for the future, it is critical that we conserve water and develop smarter, more sustainable ways to manage our water resources."

Tahoe Lake Level Rising
A critical component of Tahoe summer, the lake, is coming into its own. After hitting its lowest level in several years over the winter, the consistent snow this winter, the remaining robust snowpack, and the continuing cool weather and spring storms have provided a good outlook for this summer's lake level.

Rafting companies on the Truckee River are hoping to fare better than last year, when they had to close in early August due to low water levels, and lakefront businesses are counting on water access through most of the summer.

While its uncertain how far it will actually come up, it appears that for much of the summer, the lake will again provide the stage for wonderful summer experiences in Tahoe.

You can follow the lake level on Tahoetopia's front page, and find detailed graphs on the Water Watch page.