Spatial Variability of Near Shore Turbidity At Lake Tahoe

The turbidity of the near shore zone at Lake Tahoe has been mapped during different seasons. While the turbidity values are consistently low by comparison to most lakes, there are significant turbidity differences between different locations and seasons. Prior to the start of the 2001 spring runoff the turbidity values where low, except for around Tahoe Keys were large changes to the surface drainage patterns have an adverse influence on the lake. Early in the summer of 2001 high turbidity was observed off the community of South Lake Tahoe and there is a suggestion of a moderate turbidity plume moving along the South East shore. In late summer of 2000, high turbidity areas were noted offshore of areas with developed land. Identification of persistent high turbidity areas can help direct where restoration efforts will be most effective. Repeat turbidity surveys can help assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts. Analysis of the temporal and spatial patterns of turbidity can suggest the location of sources and transportation pathways of undesirable material that enters the lake.