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Lake Tahoe Statistics | Lake Tahoe Facts
Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine Lake in North America and the Jewel of the Sierra. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains and sharing a border with both California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the United States is a must visit. Learn more about the lake with Lake Tahoe Statistics and Lake Tahoe facts.
How was Lake Tahoe formed?
While a common belief is that lake Tahoe was formed by the collapse of a volcanic crater, according to the U.S. Forest Service the Tahoe basin was actually created due to faulting related to the tremendous uplifting of the Sierra Nevada mountains. From Mt. Pluto lava flows blocking the only outlet, to ice age glaciers to erosion, present day Lake Tahoe was formed. Below are some Lake Tahoe statistics to further entice you to visit.
Lake Tahoe Statistics & Common Questions:
Where is Lake Tahoe? 2/3 in California, 1/3 in Nevada. Have a look at Google Maps Here
Lake Tahoe Elevation: Natural rim of the surface is at 6,223 feet (1.897 meters)
Maximum Depth: 1,645 feet (deepest point is actually lower than the Carson Valley floor in Nevada)
Average Depth: 1,000 feet
Lake Tahoe Clarity: According to UC Davis the 5 year running mean is 67.3 feet. Annual fluctuations are common: For example: 2019 was 62.7 feet. Lowest recorded was 2017 at 60 feet.
Size of Lake Tahoe: 22 miles long and 12 miles wide with approximately 72 miles of shoreline
Amount of water in the Lake Tahoe: 41 trillion gallons
What is the water temperature of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe water temperature is always “refreshing”: Average Surface 51.9 F, Average Surface Temperature in July 64.9 F
Average Annual Snowfall: 409 inches = 34 feet | 1.038 Centimeters = 10,4 meters
Highest Peak: Freel Peak (10,886 feet = 3.318 meters)
Nearest Airport: Reno – Tahoe International (RNO)
Lake Tahoe Water Temperature by Month (°F)
| Month | Water Temperature High (°F) | Average Water Temperature (°F) | Water Temperature Low (°F) |
| January | 41.7 | 40.6 | 39.9 |
| February | 40.1 | 39.9 | 39.6 |
| March | 43.5 | 41.2 | 39.7 |
| April | 49.5 | 45.9 | 43.2 |
| May | 58.3 | 53.1 | 48.7 |
| June | 67.5 | 61.5 | 56.7 |
| July | 73.8 | 69.6 | 65.3 |
| August | 73.8 | 71.4 | 69.1 |
| September | 72 | 68 | 64.6 |
| October | 66.2 | 60.6 | 55.4 |
| November | 56.7 | 51.4 | 46.8 |
| December | 46.9 | 43.9 | 41.5 |
Lake Tahoe Water Temperature by Month (°C)
| Month | Water Temperature High (°C) | Average Water Temperature (°C) | Water Temperature Low (°C) |
| January | 5.4 | 4.8 | 4.4 |
| February | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| March | 6.4 | 5.1 | 4.3 |
| April | 9.7 | 7.7 | 6.2 |
| May | 14.6 | 11.7 | 9.3 |
| June | 19.7 | 16.4 | 13.7 |
| July | 23.2 | 20.9 | 18.5 |
| August | 23.2 | 21.9 | 20.6 |
| September | 22.2 | 20 | 18.1 |
| October | 19 | 15.9 | 13 |
| November | 13.7 | 10.8 | 8.2 |
| December | 8.3 | 6.6 | 5.3 |
Best Season: Tahoe has something for every season and everyone. Summer (most popular), Winter (very popular winter sports destination), and the calmer shoulder seasons of Fall and Spring which each have their own charm.
Things to do in Lake Tahoe: Skiing, Swimming, Snowmobiling, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Sailing, Boating, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Rock Climbing, Beach Volleyball, SUP – stand up paddle boarding, gambling, sampling some great food and drink, or just relaxing. At Tahoe Report we are here to help with resources and ideas that can help you make the most of your visit to Lake Tahoe.
The best way to learn about Lake Tahoe is to visit and get a chance to experience the crystal blue waters, the mountains, and all of the options for recreation in Lake Tahoe. And in between you can read about the Official Monster of Lake Tahoe: Tahoe Tessie (ok, just for fun check out The Truth Behind Tahoe Tessie)
For information about Things to Do in Lake Tahoe: CLICK HERE
For access to Tahoe Travel Resources: CLICK HERE
Water
Guide to Paddling Lake Tahoe in Any Season
Paddleboarding, kayaking, or doing any type of human-powered activity for however much time you have on Big Blue can give you an amazing workout, but it’s good to know when the best time of the year to paddle is and how to stay safe out on the water.
Guide to Paddling Lake Tahoe in Any Season
Paddleboarding, kayaking, or doing any type of human-powered activity for however much time you have on Big Blue can give you an amazing workout, but it’s good to know when the best time of the year to paddle is and how to stay safe out on the water.
Winter Travel Resources
Comprehensive links to Lake Tahoe’s webcams. Plan your visit using the webcams available in ski resorts, mountains, lake and roads, and have a live view of the weather and traffic conditions.
Guide to Planning Your Lake Tahoe Trip
We created this Lake Tahoe vacation guide to help travelers who are planning a Lake Tahoe trip make informed decisions. You’ll find useful information, such as how to get here, where to stay and what to do while you’re here.
