Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater reservoir located in the western United States, on the border of California and Nevada. In terms of depth, it ranks second among all the lakes of this country and 11th among all the lakes in the world. In the center of the lake is the small island of Fannett.
Where is Lake Tahoe?
It is located in the western United States, in the western part of the vast Cordillera mountain range. This region belongs to the places of traditional residence of indigenous peoples - Indian tribes.
Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest lakes in North America. It is located in a deep depression, sandwiched from the east and west by mountain ranges. The maximum depth reaches 500 m. However, there are also many shallow water areas along the coast, which are well illuminated by the sun. The length of the lake from north to south is 35 km, and from west to east - 19 km. The total length of the coastline is 116 km. The water surface area is 495 square kilometers.
Despite the fact that there are highways near this body of water, the California part of the coastline is inwithin a protected area under the control of the US Forest Service.
History of the lake
The appearance of Lake Tahoe (California and Nevada) dates from 2 to 3 million years ago. It was formed along with a young intermontane depression in the zone of a geological fault. During this period, active mountain building took place. The Carson Mountains rose to the east of the depression, and the Sierra Nevada to the west. As a result, the depression was squeezed between mountain ranges, and due to the gradual blocking of the flow, a lake appeared there.
The appearance of a fault in the zone of the lake basin led to the appearance of high mountain peaks there, with a height of about and slightly more than 3000 meters.
The lowest part of the depression was its southern part. Filling occurred due to precipitation and melting of mountain snows. Later, the ice age made adjustments to the outlines of the boundaries of the formed reservoir. It happened about a million years ago.
Reservoir hydrology
Lake Tahoe is an integral part of the internal runoff of the western United States. It is fed by a large number of rivers flowing from the mountains, and only one larger river flows out of it called Truckee. It flows in a northeasterly direction through the state of Nevada, flowing into Pyramid Lake located in this state. On this river is the city of Reno.
The water in Lake Tahoe is very clear and has shades of green and blue. The lake does not freeze, and in summer the water temperature does not exceed 20 °. Despite this, there are quite a few vacationers here.
Lake Tahoe weather
The climate in the lake area is not quite continental,despite the mountain conditions. It is softened by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean. The average winter temperature is only slightly below zero, and the summer is not too hot, only up to +25°.
The amount of precipitation in the lake area is highly dependent on the relief and in different areas ranges from 670 mm to 1400 mm per year. Most of the precipitation falls as snow during the cold season, but there are also heavy rains that can even cause flooding if superimposed on a period of active snowmelt. They can be especially strong at high altitudes above sea level. Such rains are associated with the setting of monsoons from the Great Basin.
The Lake Tahoe area is in an accelerated warming zone, so the proportion of liquid precipitation is increasing and the climate is getting hotter. This may make the lake suitable for swimming in the future.
Vegetation
Mountain forests, light forests, thickets of shrubs and meadows grow around the lake. The predominant species are pines (2 species), fir (2 species) and some deciduous tree species. A significant part of the territory is covered with glacial moraines and rocks.
The soils are predominantly sandy. They originated from volcanic, less often from metamorphic rocks.
History of the development of the lake
The original inhabitants of these places were the natives. Vasho Indians lived here. They lived near the lake, as well as in the valleys of local rivers.
The first white people to see the lake were Lieutenant John Fremont and Kit Carson. This ishappened in 1844. The name Tahoe first appeared in 1862, but only in 1945 became the official name of the lake.
After the formation of the state of California, 2/3 of the length of the coastline went to it, and the remaining third was given to the state of Nevada.
Now the lake is a place of mass tourism. Roads run along it, and small modern towns are located on its shore - South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City and Stateline.
Lake vacation
Lake Tahoe is used for various types of recreation and tourism. Here you can go skiing, scuba diving, fishing or hiking in the surrounding mountains. The center of regional tourism is the city of Tahoe City. This place is also known as one of the centers of gambling. The well-known Caesars Tahoe casino in the States is located here.
There are national parks near the lake. Thanks to them, beautiful beaches and hiking trails have been preserved intact.
There are 3 ski bases near the lake. Here you can go skiing and snowboarding. There is also a place for fans of equestrian sports.
Excellent campsites have been established near the shore of the lake and operate throughout the year. Richardson's campsite has an excellent level of service and its own hiking trails. There is a cafe, a cable car, an ice rink, a pool, and ski trails.
Two rivers - Traki and Yuyuba - are used foramateur fishing. Many species of fish live in their waters. Of particular interest is the spawning of red sockeye salmon, which occurs in the autumn months - September and October.
The beauty of the Lake Tahoe photo attracts many photo enthusiasts. The Emerald Bay is considered especially beautiful, from which the only island on the lake is visible. It houses a house built in the Scandinavian style at the beginning of the 20th century. It used to be the property of Lady Laura Knight, who came there on holiday. Now it is one of the local attractions. Thus, in the photo, Lake Tahoe (California, USA) looks just great.
Mountain forests are a great place to hunt. But this requires a special license. A large number of rivers flowing into the lake form many waterfalls on the mountain slopes.
Diving is very popular here. Clear clear water, a beautiful bottom and good sunlight make the lake an attractive place for snorkellers.
Another type of entertainment - boating, boats, scooters and catamarans. Pleasure boats operate. If you wish, you can swim in a traditional Indian canoe. Many berths and boat stations allow you to take everyone who wants to ride on the water.
Tourists who have visited these places note that trees often grow here directly on stones, and cones formed on conifers are unusually large.
