Study under way into effect of smoky skies on Tahoe
Sunday, Oct. 10, 1999 | 10:44 a.m.
A rash of California wildfires has put a smoky haze over Tahoe in recent months, and University of California, Davis researchers want to know whether the smoke is harming the lake's famous clear, blue waters.
Researcher John Reuter said smoke contains fine particles, phosphorous and nitrogen, all of which contribute to the lake's waning clarity.
Limited research in the past has shown that smoke's effect on the lake depends on the proximity and intensity of the fires causing the smoke, he said.
"Based on some of the past studies that have been done, it can have a very big effect or not a very big effect," Reuter said. "I guess the jury is still out on this one. It's just a bit too early to tell now."
Researchers have collected air samples over the last few months and plan to mix the samples with lake water to see how the water reacts.
"There is some data (on prescribed burns) but not as much as we would like to have, to be able to guide management," Reuter said.
"Until we're asked by an agency to do this kind of work in a big way, the next best thing is to take advantage of this event. This was surely a prolonged one that was visually obvious."
Alan Gertler, an air quality researcher for the Reno-based Desert Research Institute, said he thinks it's unlikely the smoke has a big effect on the lake's clarity.
"The biggest issue is the visual degradation," he said. "In terms of lake clarity, I would say the effect is minimal."
Tom Cylke, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Reno, said that while the smoky haze has looked ugly, actual particulates in the air are only slightly more dense than normal for this time of year.
"I doubt (the smoke will affect Tahoe). If it was that concentrated, it would be showing up on your car - the dusts," he said.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- ‘Stripper-mobile’ with live dancers raises safety, decency concerns
- Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto arrive at MGM Grand
- Rebels survive scare from Division-II Washburn
- Report: State’s economy worse off than any other
- Harrah’s launches program to focus on small group travel
- Encore, M Resort added to Forbes Travel list
- Strip gaming win sees smallest decline since June 2008
- Las Vegas sees first monthly visitor increase since May 2008
- Study cites challenges of Nevada’s financial problems
- Dispute over casino baccarat systems prompts lawsuit
Blogs
TUF Heavyweights
Episode 9: Funky chickens
Shark Bytes
Players on championship team always worked hard (5 Comments)
Sports: Upon Further Review
Fight snapshot: Predictions for Pacquiao-Cotto (1 Comment)
The Kats Report
A lesson in information dissemination, with a little Twitter and a lot of Agassi
Now and Then
Ichabods were tougher than they sound (2 Comments)
Politics: Ralston's Flash
I shudder to think what the “amazing door prize from the governor” might be (7 Comments)
Pew Center report finds what others have: Nevada's economy depressed, future in doubt (7 Comments)
Calendar »
- 12 Thu
- 13 Fri
- 14 Sat
- 15 Sun
- 16 Mon
-
Las Vegas Wranglers vs. Utah Grizzlies
Orleans Hotel-Casino
-
Lily Tomlin at the Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand
-
Leonard Cohen at The Colosseum
The Colosseum | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Football specials at Diablo's
Diablos Cantina
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati










