Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the United States, plunges to an impressive 1,645 feet—deep enough to submerge a skyscraper like the Empire State Building. Tahoe’s water level plays a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem, water supply, and recreation. Thanks to a powerful atmospheric river—the lake level has raised its surface by over a quarter of a foot in just one week. This surge helps sustain drinking water sources, wildlife habitats, and lakefront properties, ensuring a healthy balance for the environment and the communities that depend on it.
Latest Precipitation Due to Atmospheric River Adds 12 Billion Gallons of Water to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s water level has increased by over a quarter of a foot since last week, requiring an astonishing 12 billion gallons of water to achieve this increase. The recent atmospheric river event significantly boosted the lake’s water supply, according to a social post from The Tahoe Fund.
As of Thursday, February 6, 2025, Lake Tahoe’s water level is 6,227.10 feet above sea level, 2.10 feet above its full pool of 6,225.00 feet. The substantial amount of water is thanks to the atmospheric river that hit the west coast bringing heavy precipitation.
While a three-inch increase might not seem much, the sheer volume of water required to raise Lake Tahoe’s level is staggering. The 12 billion gallons added to the lake since last week highlight the immense size of Lake Tahoe, a crucial water source for the region.
