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4 Weather, Water, and When to Go

Some basic knowledge about the weather and water availability in the Lake Tahoe area and along its Rim Trail will help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip. All outdoor recreational activities in the Sierra are greatly affected by weather conditions. Of particular relevance is how much precipitation, usually in the form of snow, occurred the previous winter. Sierra Nevada winters come in a wide variety of sizes and time frames. In some years, it begins to snow in October and doesn’t stop until June. After a year like that, hiking on dry land is out of the question until the middle of July in most areas. The following winter may not see snow until late January and then make up for it by dropping a lot of snow through May (a great year for late fall hiking). One season might have early heavy snow, followed by light snow, and then warm temperatures after February: This seasonal shift bodes well for those who want to get into the woods early to enjoy great wildflower displays and decent water availability.

Snowpack

The areas of highest elevation around Lake Tahoe often receive more than 600 inches of snow annually. Several factors determine whether the place you want to go will be out of the snow in the spring or summer, and some general rules govern the area’s snowpack. Winter storms arrive primarily from the west, leaving lots of snow near the Sierra Crest. There is less snow as you travel farther east from the mountaintops. The west side of Lake Tahoe gets considerably more snow than the east does. (The east shore gets about 30 percent less snow on average at the same elevations as the west shore.)

Cross-country skiing near the TRT

Elevation

The amount of snow is greatly determined by elevation. As cold air lifts and passes over higher terrain, the likelihood and amount of precipitation increase. Storms progress across landforms, and temperatures drop as you go up in elevation; the higher you go, the more likely it is that the precipitation will be snow. Over the course of a season, high elevations receive considerably more snow than lower elevations.

Which Way the Mountain Faces

Snow melts at different rates depending on which direction the mountain is facing and which side of the mountain you are on; north-facing slopes get less sun and stay cooler, which means that the snow melts more slowly. The difference between the snowpack on a north- or south-facing slope can be quite surprising; it is not unusual to see five feet of snow on a north-facing slope, while on the south-facing slope the ground is bare and wildflowers are coming up.

Trail Use Tip

Early in the season, your best bet for a hike or ride is close to the lake or in the Truckee area (lower elevations and in the lee of the mountains), on the east side of the lake (Carson Range), and at lower elevations. As the season progresses, different areas become available for snow-free travel, moving from east to west, and south-facing to north-facing.

Although the difference between north and south is more pronounced, east-facing slopes are also cooler and have more snow than west-facing slopes. A classic example in the Tahoe area of the north-south difference is Emerald Bay. The Vikingsholm Trail and the trail along Emerald Bay to Emerald Point on the south-facing side of the bay are free of snow in most years at least one month before the trails on the north-facing side of the bay.

Lee of the Mountains: Away from the Wind and the Rain

The farther east you travel away from the western face of the mountains, the less likely it becomes that snow will fall. The mountains block and capture the snow and rain, leaving little moisture for the areas to the east. Consequently, the area around Serene Lakes on Donner Summit gets more snow than almost anywhere else in the United States, while just 40 miles to the east, and behind several mountains, Reno frequently receives less precipitation than any other major city in the United States.

The Wind, It Doth Blow

Winter winds create huge snowdrifts that resemble desert sand dunes. What does this mean to a hiker? There are areas where these winter dunes take longer to melt (most commonly on the lee side of ridgetops where cornices form) than other snow-packed areas do. These cornices can last well into the summer, while all around them wildflowers grow.

Winter Wonderland

The winter landscape of the Sierra Nevada is both serene and pristine, with a beauty that you rarely find in the summer. In the winter, a soft white blanket covers the world with cold sparkles reflecting the blue sky. Walking or skiing through new fallen snow, you will find the rarest of gifts—peace and true quiet. In addition to the heavy snowfall in winter, you will also have some sunny winter days that provide wonderful opportunities to get out and enjoy all that deep white powder.

Although many people prefer to enjoy the mountains and woods in winter, it can be a more challenging and dangerous time. Unpredictable weather, unsigned trails, and other snow-related hazards are among the risk factors with which you should become familiar. Observe the weather and snow conditions. If the weather is getting bad, be smart, turn around and get out. Continually check your surroundings, observe familiar peaks, creeks, and other landmarks that will allow you to get back to your starting point if you are in a blizzard. Some of the most powerful blizzards can quickly become life-threatening. If you learn about mountain winter conditions and take a few simple precautions, much of the trail and areas in the Lake Tahoe area are great for winter snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Land Without Visible Trails

The fact that the Tahoe Rim Trail is not signed for winter creates challenges for even the most experienced traveler. Many popular winter spots may have tracks from the people who were there before you, but there are no real trails. You must follow landforms and head for saddles, mountaintops, or flats. Often, you may be heading in a general direction instead of to an exact spot. Know where you are and where you have been, and don’t hesitate to follow your own tracks back out to where you began. It becomes even more important to have a map and follow it. Learn how to use a compass.

Dehydration

Drinking too little water is another serious risk when you are hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, or cross-country skiing. With all that snow around, you still need to remember to drink. When the weather is colder, people tend to drink less even though they may actually need as much water as they would on a hot day. While you are at it, eat. You’ll need the energy.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

When the body’s core temperature is seriously reduced as a result of exposure to cold and moisture, hypothermia can result. It is a serious condition, aggravated by cold wind and sudden climate changes. The symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, loss of coordination and the ability to do simple tasks, and disorientation and confusion. The treatment is based on common sense. First, get the victim out of the wind and elements. Prevent heat loss by getting the victim into warm, dry clothes (you should be carrying extra clothing in your pack). Get the victim into a sleeping bag, if you have one, and climb in to add your body heat (although, be careful as this approach may lower your own body temperature). Give the victim warm liquids and high carbohydrate foods.

Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues because of prolonged exposure to cold. The most susceptible areas to frostbite are the feet, hands, ears, and face. Prevention is key for both hypothermia and frostbite. Remember a few simple rules: Eat high-energy foods and drink plenty of liquids. Stay rested. Wear the right clothing and bring layers. Don’t do something that will get you wet, and get out of the woods if you do get wet on a cold and windy day. Bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet.

Avalanches

Understanding how avalanches occur and how to avoid them is too big a topic for this book, but a few words of warning can help you avoid a tragedy. Remember that you are most vulnerable to an avalanche when you are on moderately steep slopes (very steep slopes may not hold enough snow to avalanche), the lee side of mountains, or in gullies. Unstable snow conditions most often occur during or right after a storm; the bigger the storm, the bigger the risk. If you plan to do a lot of backcountry travel, take a Level One Avalanche Course, which will teach you how to determine avalanche risk, and how to work with beacons and probes to rescue those who have been caught in an avalanche. For more information or to obtain an updated avalanche danger report go to www.avalanche.org or www.sierraavalanchecenter.org.

Tim’s Quick Tips: Avoiding Winter Weather Risks

Keep an eye on the weather forecasts until right before you leave. Many great weather sources exist, including local radio and television stations (KCRA-Sacramento, and KOLO-Reno are two of them); The Weather Channel (on cable television); and, these websites—www.wunderground.com and www.writeonrex.com—are also useful.

Before setting out, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Bring extra layers of clothing. The weather may change for the worse even if the forecast calls for nice weather.

Do not venture out unless you know how to navigate without a visible trail.

Use a compass and map.

Bring your survival kit!

Drink lots of water.

Avoid situations that cause hypothermia and frostbite.

Sunburn

The bright sun makes the snow even more beautiful and white. At the end of the day you have beautiful memories and one heck of a case of sunburn. Snow reflects the sun’s rays like water and can burn your skin quickly. Use sunscreen and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Guided Winter Hikes

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association runs a program of guided snowshoe hikes during the winter months. Past trips have included full moon jaunts in Tahoe Meadows and daytime hikes into Page Meadows. For more information go to www.tahoerimtrail.org.

Packing and Dressing for Winter Weather

Aside from sunblock, be sure to carry a basic survival kit. Your kit should include the following items:

 Two large plastic garbage bags (to be used as a poncho or emergency shelter in bad weather)

 Waterproof matches

 Candle

 Metal cup for melting snow

 Duct tape for repairs (can be wrapped around a ski pole)

 Cocoa or other powdered mix

 Cell phone (but don’t count on using it)

You have three goals when it comes to clothing yourself for outdoor winter adventures: keep dry, keep warm, and keep cool. To accomplish these goals, wear or pack clothing made of synthetic fibers. They are lightweight and whisk moisture away from your body, which will help to keep you warm. Bring several lightweight layers of clothes, including a waterproof outer shell; it will help you stay dry but allow you to remain cool if the temperature turns warm. Wear a sturdy pair of waterproof boots with two pairs of socks: a thin inner layer of socks made of synthetic fiber and a thicker outer layer of wool or synthetic fiber. Wear water-resistant pants, such as those designed for cross-country skiing; over them, wear a waterproof shell if you are snowshoeing or traveling through deep snow. A hat is essential, whether it is a baseball cap on a warm day or a warm fleece hat on a cold day.

And don’t forget gloves; the style depends on the conditions and activity you are doing. If it is warm and you will be strenuously cross-country skiing, lightweight ski gloves are fine. If you are out hiking or snowshoeing on a cold snowy day, bring a thicker, warmer pair of gloves.

The Great Ski Race

When (and Where) to Go

Winter to Spring

For those who love the snow and winter sports, there are a number of places that are especially attractive and challenging for winter activities. Here are a few of the best spots:

Page Meadows

The easiest way to access Page Meadows in winter is through the Talmont Estates subdivision. From Tahoe City, go 2 miles south on Highway 89 to Pine Avenue. Turn right, and then right again on Tahoe Park Heights. Go to the top of the hill, and take Big Pine, the middle of three roads. Follow Big Pine to Silvertip and turn left. There is limited parking available at the end of Silvertip. From the end of the road, head west a few hundred yards to the first of several meadows. The area around Page Meadows is especially popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The terrain is mostly level, perfect for beginners. The meadows are beautiful on a sunny day or at night when the moon is full.

Tahoe Meadows

Located on the south side of Highway 431, the meadow is great for a beginner on either skis or snowshoes. From Incline Village, drive 7 miles up Highway 431, the Mt. Rose Highway. Here, you will see a large treeless area on your right. Park along the road. Both the large open meadow and its surrounding forest are popular for winter sports; in fact, on a weekend you might find this area too crowded. Head south up through the trees to a saddle for extraordinary lake views. You could well be dazzled by lodgepole and whitebark pines covered with hoarfrost.