Then and now: Extreme weather in Tahoe
Weather in Tahoe is always a topic of conversation. It doesn’t matter if it’s a drought or mega-storm, it affects the way of life in the basin.
The Highway 89 bridge and Taylor Creek as viewed this month from the adjacent bicycle-pedestrian crossing. Photo/Bill Kingman
The infrastructure is not built to sustain every possible scenario — like a Godzilla El Nino — which some have forecast for this winter.
Approaching the bridge from Camp Richardson on dry, fall day. Photo/Bill Kingman
While Highway 89 at times around Emerald Bay closes because of avalanche danger, rain has also been an issue on this road near Camp Richardson.
Approaching the bridge from Camp Richardson in October 1964. Water from heavy rain and Taylor Creek washed over the bridge. Three saw-horses block the road. Photo/Bill Kingman
— Bill Kingman
Bill Kingman, When it snows too little like last winter people complain about lack of snow. Then when we have a heavy winter people complain about too much snow!.
Fall is upon us. Lets hope for a good winter. OLS
Only a few dozen of us old-timers still around (I think).
I visited here in January 1952. I have not seen a Winter storm system like that since. Some Winters we have had more over-all snow though….but nothing like that constant huge dumping in January.
Even if we got a monster snow dump it shouldn’t too major of a problem NOW, with all the plows, etc.
I have photos of what it looked like here in JANUARY of 1952; and photos of the Mt.Rose Highway in JULY of 1952…you can hardly tell the difference…a monstrous amount of snow.
OLS…how old are you??..I’m damn old but I think from your comments you may be older than even me:)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
I agree with Old Long Skis. We need the snow for so many reasons. If we do get a big winter, you’ll see people bailing out in droves as they moved here when it was mild & have no clue what a “real” winter is all about. I remember plenty of years with snow up to the 2nd story deck & tossing snow UP to clear more that fell. Since I haven’t had to commute in over 10 years, bring it on Mother Nature.
Bob; I did an article one time about how many people actually live here. I checked each election results going back to “65. I also talked with the census takers when they were here last and also was basing this on personal knowledge of people I know. I worked at Sahara in the late 70’s and then Carlos Murphy’s for 20 years. I figured there were about 16,000 residents that are here year ’round and about 6,000 that have been here over 30 years. I was corrected by a long time local that he thought there were about 1800 of us left over 30 years. God help us if there is a major storm with dumpage like we used to see as there won’t be anyone left that will know what to do lol. Bill, as usual great photos.
Kenny,Dory and I qualify! We moved here, independently, for the snow. Cross country skis are always ready.
Robin Smith, I’ll be 62 in a couple of months. Started
vacationg here in the 50’s and moved here full time in 1962.
Lets hope for snow!!! Old Long Skiis
So OLS it’s your parents I need to interview for my book!!! TY
SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!