Lake Tahoe Is Getting Warmer, Wetter, and Less Clear, New Report Finds
Lake Tahoe is getting warmer, wetter, and less snowy, and it’s affecting the lake’s iconic clarity.
That’s the headline from the 2024 State of the Lake Report released today by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC), offering a detailed snapshot of the lake’s health and how it’s changing over time.
According to the report, average air temperatures around Tahoe are rising. In 2024, the lake’s average high hit 57.4°F — 2.8 degrees warmer than last year. The number of below-freezing days has dropped by 27 since 1911. And snow? It’s becoming less common. Where snow once made up half of the region’s precipitation, it now accounts for just 30-40%.
The report also tracked algae growth and water clarity, two key indicators of lake health. While algae biomass was lower than average in 2024, scientists say measuring it is tricky due to the lake’s wave activity. Meanwhile, water clarity held steady at an average of 62.3 feet, but researchers warn that progress has stalled and new studies are needed to understand why.
Lake Tahoe may still look pristine to visitors, but the data tells a story of a shifting climate and lingering ecological questions. You can read the full report and join the conversation here.
