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Tahoe Nugget #8:

Sand Harbor State Park

Summer has finally arrived at Lake Tahoe. In fact, we are expecting a short but significant heat wave Tuesday and Wednesday with peak temperatures in Reno near or exceeding 100 degrees, with lakeside temps in the upper 80s to near 90. (Three years ago Reno set its all-time record high of 108 degrees on both July 10th and 11th.) This heat wave will not be as severe.

The most important thing to remember about heat in the west is that humidity levels usually tend to be very low (10% to 20%) compared to East Coast moisture levels that often exceed 50 percent during July and August. Humidity is a major factor in the so-called "heat index." The lack of humidity will allow the overnight low temperatures in the Tahoe Basin to drop into the upper 40s to low 50s during this heat wave. Perfect sleeping weather.

Snow is still melting in the upper elevations keeping streams and rivers at higher than normal flows. Lake Tahoe water temperatures are in the mid 60s in the shallow waters along the protected shoreline at this point. Depending on weather conditions this summer, water temps may reach or exceed 70 degrees in late July, August and early Sept. This photo from today's adventure to Nevada's Sand Harbor State Park on Tahoe's east shore is clear evidence that Lake Tahoe's water exhibits exceptional clarity and spectacular colors.