Photo Caption: NTPUD Recreation & Parks Department Parks Lead, Josh Ramey measures the water depth above the sandbar at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area boat launch. As of Friday, May 14, 2021, water levels above the sandbar measured approximately one foot of depth, which is too low to safely allow passage of motorized vessels. Photo Credit: NTPUD

(Tahoe Vista, Calif.) May 14, 2021 — Due to below anticipated lake levels, the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area (TVRA) boat launch will not open to motorized vessels for the 2021 boating season.

Non-motorized crafts will have access to the launch following a self-assessment for aquatic invasive species using the Clean, Drain, and Dry method.

According to updated data received this week from the USGS, California’s snowpack is just six percent of average and Lake Tahoe’s water levels are at a five-year low. In a recent media statement, the U.S. District Court Water Master based in Reno explained that winter runoff has already peaked for the season, and water levels are predicted to “reach a critical low point, with lake levels reaching the natural rim by late summer.”

The TVRA boat launch is limited by the depth of water covering a sandbar at the exit of the marina, adjacent to the marina’s bulkhead.

At this time, the water levels above the sandbar are measuring approximately one foot of depth, which is too low to safely allow passage of motorized vessels.

With this closure, the TVRA lakeside parking lot will now open on Friday, May 28th, allowing the District to complete a critical element of the National Avenue sewer pump station rehabilitation project ahead of schedule.

The TVRA beach will remain open. Our seasonal kayak and standup paddleboard concessionaire will operate as scheduled. Visitors are advised to please avoid the construction zone upon arrival to TVRA and plan for extra time to accommodate for summer crowds and offsite parking.

The NTPUD thanks the boating community for their patience and understanding. We hope to see you at the TVRA boat launch next year. Boaters are encouraged to seek alternative launch locations across the North Lake Tahoe region. To find another launch location please visit https://tahoeboatinspections.com.

The North Tahoe Public Utility District provides sewer and water service to the residents of Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Cedar Flat, and Agate Bay. The North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and Boat Launch, and North Tahoe Event Center are owned and operated by the District and provide recreation opportunities to residents and visitors.

The North Tahoe Public Utility District provides sewer and water service to the residents of Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, Carnelian Bay, Cedar Flat, and Agate Bay. The North Tahoe Regional Park, Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and Boat Launch, and North Tahoe Event Center are owned and operated by the District and provide recreation opportunities to residents and visitors.

# # #

Media Contact: Justin Broglio, Public Information Officer
Office (530) 553-5434 — Mobile (530) 414-8401
jbroglio@ntpud.org