Is Lake Tahoe Full?

Almost! The legal limit for the lake is 6,229 feet. As of May 26, the current level per the US Geological Survey is 6,227 feet, and that level is rising every minute, because snow melt is gushing down from the mountains.

Upside? You will have no trouble launching your boat, and it's simply nice to know that there's a lot of water in storage. When the level rises to 6,229 feet, all extra water is released into the Truckee River, making rafting down from Tahoe City great fun.

Downside? The beaches are smaller than normal. When the lake level rises another two feet, there will be even less beach. After the lake rises to 6,229 feet, and, if snow melt continues very fast, any major thunderstorms will push the river toward flood stage, putting downtown Reno on edge. We hope that doesn't happen.

In the meantime, we are enjoying the water!