If anyone knows what's up in South Lake Tahoe, it's the locals. Fortunately for you, our stores are staffed with these knowledgeable Tahoe residents. They can give you the lowdown on what's happening around town and on the local outdoors scene. But, we realize that you can't always stop by the store for a chat, so we've compiled some resources to help you plan ahead.
Click the links below for local weather information, resort details, bike trail info, event dates, and more. We'll keep you in the know-check back frequently for updated information...
Lake Tahoe Facts
While humans have been coming to the Tahoe shores for thousands of years, the earliest settlers were the Washoe. They would migrate up the east shore's Carson Pass during the warmer months in search of cooler temperatures and bountiful resources. The Washoe originally named the lake "Da-ow-a-ga".
The first Lake Tahoe sighting on record of a non-Native American goes to John C. Fremont in 1844. Fremont was guided by "Kit" Carson who later designated the main east/west route from Utah to California.
When the Comstock lode was discovered in Virginia City, Lake Tahoe became the center of commerce between Truckee and Virginia City. Once the mining slowed down and logging had slowed people began to travel to Lake Tahoe from San Francisco, Sacramento and Virginia City in search of retreat. This change of trade at the lake sprung a new demand for resorts and tourism.
In 1945 California State Legislature declared the official name of the lake as "Tahoe" which in its native tongue translates to "Big Water".
The Maximum Depth
approximately 1,645 ft
Average Depth
1,000 ft
Size
22 miles North to South
12 miles East to West
72 miles of shoreline
Approx 39.75 trillion gallons
Lake Elevation
6,225 ft
Highest Peak
Freel Peak 10,891 ft
Geological Age
Approx 10,000 - 11,000 yrs
Average Temperature (surface)
Summer - Max 68 F
Winter - Min 41 F
Lake Level Snowfall
annual average of 125 inches
Skiing Elevations Snowfall
annual average of 300-500 inches
Town Info
The South Shore is home to a year round population of 34,000 residents which includes residents of South Lake Tahoe, CA & Stateline, NV.
There is only one ski resort on the South Shore, Heavenly which is divided between two states but sits on one piece of National Forest.
The gaming on the South Shore consists of six casinos Harvey's, Harrah's, Bill's, Caesars, Horizon and Lakeside collectively offering 7,051 slot machines and 411 gaming tables.
Entertainment on the South Shore can be found nightly with various drink and food specials.
