Saturday, May 28, 2011

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada range of the United States. At a surface elevation of 6,225 ft (1,897 m), Lake Tahoe is located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City, Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. Its depth is 1,645 feet (501 m) making it the USA's second-deepest (the deepest is Crater Lake in Oregon, being 300 ft (91 m) deeper, at 1,945 feet (594 m) deep).

The Lake Tahoe was formed about 2 million years ago and is a part of the Lake Tahoe Basin with the modern lake being shaped during the ice ages. It is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. The area surrounding the lake is also referred to as Lake Tahoe, or simply Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe is a major tourist attraction in both Nevada and California. It is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Snow and skiing are a significant part of the area's economy and reputation. Mountain and lake scenery are attractions throughout the year. The Nevada side also includes large casinos. Highways provide year-round access from Reno, Carson City and Sacramento.

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe from the east shore (in Nevada)
Location Nevada and California
Lake type Geologic block faulting
Primary outflows Truckee River
Basin countries United States

Max. length 22 mi (35 km)
Max. width 12 mi (19 km)
Surface area 191.588 sq mi (496.21 km2):
  • Placer Co CA (40.961%)
  • El Dorado Co CA (28.626%)
  • Douglas Co NV (13.207%)
  • Washoe Co NV (10.955%)
  • Carson City NV (6.251%)
Average depth 1,000 ft (300 m)
Max. depth 1,645 ft (501 m)
Water volume 122,160,280 acre·ft (150.68249 km3)
Residence time 650 years
Shore length1 71 mi (114 km)
Surface elevation 6,225 ft (1,897 m)

Frozen Never
Islands Fannette Island (only island)
Settlements South Lake Tahoe, California
Stateline, Nevada
Tahoe City, California

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