Yes, that's smoke drifting into the lake basin as a major fire burns out of control south of the lake in rugged forest terrain near Markleeville. CalFire has advised residents of Markleeville to pack up and be ready as an order for evacuation could be forthcoming. The fire was started by lightening strike on Friday night when thunderstorms rolled through the Sierra.
Markleeville, CA is the county seat of tiny Alpine county, one of the more remote political units of the entire state. The population rests at about 210 folks which includes the county administrator, Sheriff, and county clerk/recorder/assessor. Noteworthy for its location deep in the mountains, it attracts hikers, fishermen, photographers, naturalists(not nudists), and rock hounds. Highway 89 serves the town and access to the Carson Valley nearby. Winters can be long, cold and snow at massive depths. A forest fire sweeping through would devastate the community. Winds have slowed and temperatures are holding which should give firefighters a chance to contain the 3400 hectare blaze.
Here's to the firefighters on the line at the Washington Fire. See photos on sfgate.com.
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