Wind may be an issue at SnowGlobe

Cold temps and wind could be trouble for those attending SnowGlobe on Dec. 30. Photo Copyright 2014 Carolyn E. Wright

By Kathryn Reed

Wind could affect Day 2 of the SnowGlobe music festival in South Lake Tahoe.

“We will be monitoring the winds out there. If there are prolonged gusts in the 40 mph range, we will shut it down. That is in the emergency operations plan. It would not be a surprise to anyone,” Fire Chief Jeff Meston told Lake Tahoe News.

The temporary structures for the three-day concert are engineered to sustain 70 mph winds. However, a concern if winds ever got that strong, is that trees could topple.

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a wind advisory for the area until 4am Dec. 31. The northeast winds are expected to be 15-30 mph, with gusts of 45 mph. Above 8,000 feet the gusts could reach 100 mph. Waves on the lake may reach 3 to 5 feet.

There is a weather station at the top of the main stage that officials are monitoring. Wind gauges that are used for fire weather forecasting are also utilized. Meston said because the winds are not expected to be as gnarly as earlier forecasted, Tuesday’s show might not be in jeopardy.

Firefighters are also watching the wind to make sure it does not pose a threat to the fireworks show that takes place each night at the close of the concert.

“The fireworks are in really good shape. I was standing underneath them yesterday and as soon as they hit the ground there are little embers, but they died out right a way,” Meston said.

The humidity, air temperature and snow on the ground are good conditions for fireworks. But if the winds are whipping, that could force officials to cancel the pyrotechnic show.