USFS NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is cautioning residents and visitors to be aware of fast moving water and quick changing stream flows. Record snowpack in the Sierra combined with warm temperatures has accelerated snowmelt causing rivers, creeks and waterfalls to run high, fast and cold. An additional safety concern is the volume of runoff. Water that you may have crossed easily at one point in the day may not be crossable when you’re ready to return.
A flood advisory posted by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 9 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2011, for northeastern El Dorado and Placer Counties and includes creeks, streams and rivers near South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.
Visitors to the high country are advised to be prepared for heavy snow coverage in higher elevations including Desolation and other wilderness areas around the Lake Tahoe Basin. Backcountry hikers are strongly advised to prepare for snowy conditions and check current conditions before arriving for your visit. Warm clothing and proper footwear are essential. Snowshoes or cross-country skis may be needed due to heavy snow remaining in most backcountry locations. Also, you are advised to bring a compass as many trails are still snow covered.
To check current conditions, contact the Forest Supervisor’s office by calling (530) 543-2694, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or visit our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu.
