2015: Winding Down

     Children: it's been an amazing year at Lake Tahoe, but as always, not without controversy and important local issues.  The Highway 89 improvement program by Cal trans continues apace.  Ski conditions were hampered last winter('15) by lack of snow; this winter=better all around so far with over 7' of snow on the Homewood Mountain.
     The lake itself was at its lowest ever by late September, well below the dam at Tahoe City.  The lakeshore at the Truckee River outfall was easily walkable for the first time in a long long time.  Construction of some remodelled properties in downtown Tahoma continues, and the business climate appears to have been rejuvenated as the state's economy improves generally and somewhat better locally.  Real estate prices remain below 2008 levels, but stability seems the order of the day.
    The summer Lake summit conference promises more effort to preserve the water quality amid calls for increased runoff control and interception of sediment.  Forest fires were in evidence outside the basin, near Markleeville; but our basin area was spared this year.  Forest management efforts will continue with controlled burns and removal and clearance of under brush is the current focus.
Happy New Y

Shasta

view from Eagle Rock, west

ear