Lightning does little damage; hot temps for Tahoe to continue

While thunder boomed and lightning filled the night sky in the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond last night, the fire activity was minimal.

South Shore officials are not reporting any fires from the lightning. There were 34 strikes in the Tahoe National Forest that started two fires, with smoke coming from another area where crews are rushing to.

The first fire burned about 1.5 acres three miles east of Malakoff Diggings State Park in a remote area. Another fire was ignited on Snow Mountain in a remote area overlooking the North Fork American River. Smokejumpers have been requested from Redding. Smoke was seen in the Galloway Ridge area south of Downieville. Firefighters and a helicopter Sunday morning were searching for the exact location.

Three small fires started south of Smith Valley in Nevada from the Aug. 4 storms.

According to U.S. Forest Service officials on the North Shore, “The forecast for today includes continuing potential for scattered thunderstorms primarily west of the Sierra crest. Reconnaissance flights will take place throughout the day with expectations that additional fires will be spotted as the day warms up.”

While lightning is never welcome when terrain is so dry, the rain is a good thing. South Lake Tahoe received 0.41 inches of rain in July – 0.02 inches below normal.

The hottest day of July was the 12th when the National Weather Service recorded 89 degrees for Tahoe. It’s possible that mark will be matched this week.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report