The combination of wind and water resulted in many boats dragging their buoys (or anchors) and hitting bottom along the West and portions of the North Shores. One local reported seeing boats aground all the way up Highway 89 along the West Shore, on Friday.



Strong east winds are relatively rare. When they happen, waves build up on the west side of Lake Tahoe. The waves jerk buoy weights loose from the bottom. The keel of the sailboat in the picture has hit bottom in Tahoe City just east of Jakes restaurant.

Only two gates in the 17-gate Tahoe City dam are currently open. The high lake level contributes to the buoys dragging as it decreases the angle of the chain between a buoy and the weight holding it (and any boat) to the bottom.